When Natalie Copeland, FNP-C,and Beth Higney, NP-C, met on their first day of nursing school at Belmont University 11 years ago, they became fast friends. But little did they know that a decade later they would be running a business together.
Heather Hauser
“We instantly clicked,” says Copeland. “We both went down the same path—we both liked dermatology and started out in derm as RNs. Beth stayed in dermatology even after she got her master’s degree, and I moved around and did plastic surgery and aesthetics for my entire NP [nurse practitioner] career.”
Though their careers went in separate directions, the two stayed close. One day, on a walk, they decided to take a leap of faith and invest in their friendship.
“We had always joked about opening a practice together,” says Higney. “And then we were walking and Natalie said, ‘Would you really want to do a partnership?’ We started talking about it seriously, we made a Pinterest board, and met with Centric, our architecture firm. Sitting at a huge table, and really starting to design a space was really fun.”
And just like that, Complexion Cosmetic Dermatology Boutique was born.
Heather Hauser
But the fun of starting a business together came with some challenges. Complexion is housed in a historically-registered building, and while Higney and Copeland have created a chic and inviting space inside its industrial brick walls, learning all about the building codes and the rules and regulations slowed the process down. After breaking ground in October of 2018, they opened for business in March.
“That first week we still had painters in here,” laughs Copeland. “We had our certificate of occupancy, but we were mostly just seeing friends and getting used to our EMR [electronic medical records] system.”
But then word of mouth took over and friends began to refer other friends. Soon Complexion was growing into one of Nashville’s most promising boutique medical spas.
The services at Complexion vary from personalized facials, to clinical-grade wrinkle relaxers and dermal filler treatments, including Botox and Juvéderm, microneedling, laser treatments, IPL photofacials and more.
It’s also the only place in Tennessee where clients can purchase Biologique Recherche, a premium line of skin care products from Paris.And the devoted know how valuable that is.
“We've had some people drive from Alabama and Kentucky to get Biologique Recherche facials here, or come and have a skincare consult and get products,” says Copeland.
Above all, Higney and Copeland are highly skilled professionals who are able to help their patients find what suits them best.
Heather Hauser
“We have a strong background in dermatology, aesthetics, and cosmetics,” says Higney. “When you come in, you're getting treated by someone who knows the anatomy of the face. We know what we're doing, and we also know what your skin needs are. We're not just handing you a moisturizer.”
They do it all without being intimidating. In fact, Copeland and Higney are so approachable they feel like old pals who happen to be medical professionals.
“I want both of us to be the people that you can send your mom, your friend, your sister to and know that we'll take care of you,” says Higney. “I want to be everyone's safe person that they trust.”
Part of that trust means being upfront and honest with their patients. If someone comes in asking for something because they’ve seen it in a magazine or heard about it from friends, the team at Complexion is quick to help them find a clearer understanding of what will work for their own personal needs.
Heather Hauser
“We do a lot of educating patients,” says Copeland. “People will come in and they'll think they need [to fix] the nasolabial and marionette lines. We’ll discuss the whole face, and tell them, ‘No, you're really losing the structure in your cheeks. If we build that up, this will be less noticeable.’”
At Complexion, the goal isn’t to change the way someone looks—it’s to help each client who walks through the door look like their best self. “We are both more conservative,” says Higney. “I always tell patients, ‘I'd rather you come back and say hey, I want more,’ than have you leave, and be like, ‘She put way too much in!’”
Both Higney and Copeland are passionate about their work, and about helping their clients.
“We love what we do,” says Higney. “We love that we are able to have relationships with people and care for people. We get to make them feel like their best version of themselves, but not change the way they look, or make them feel like they need to do anything to change the way they look.”
“Yeah, it's not about altering how they look,” agrees Copeland. “It sounds cheesy, like self-empowerment, but if you look good, you feel good. And that impacts every part of your life.”
Complexion Cosmetic Dermatology Boutique, 158 Rosa L Parks Blvd., 615-267-3414; complexionnashville.com