Her Story
About Kelly
Kelly Perrotta serves as the Founder of Nourish Skin & Wellness in Raleigh, North Carolina, a boutique skin health and medical aesthetics practice focused on personalized, science-backed aesthetic and regenerative treatments. She entered the field of cosmetic dermatology in 2019 after beginning her nursing career in cardiovascular intensive care and rapid response team. Through shadowing experiences, she discovered a passion for dermatology and cosmetic medicine, developing particular interest in procedures and treatments for concerns such as rosacea, melasma, and overall skin health. She opened Nourish Skin & Wellness in 2024, bringing together her clinical background and commitment to a natural, regenerative approach to aesthetics. Perrotta earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 2016 after completing a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Michigan State University, where she also played collegiate softball. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University in 2021 and became board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has also pursued additional certifications in lasers and dermatology, further expanding her clinical expertise. At Nourish, Perrotta specializes in advanced aesthetic treatments, including Sculptra, PRF Bio Gel, advanced growth factors, full-face rejuvenation, laser rejuvenation and customized skincare, while emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation of skin health before pursuing aesthetic procedures. Perrotta attributes her success to the people who surround and support her, including her dedicated team, mentors, and family. Her father, a business owner, has served as a trusted mentor and sounding board, while her husband brings valuable expertise in operations and finance. She is passionate about fostering community and empowering business owners, women, and mothers through education and meaningful support. In her practice, she believes education should come before sales, focusing on sharing knowledge and helping clients make informed decisions. Her approach to leadership and life is also grounded in faith, trusting God and learning to release what she cannot control while continuing to balance her clinical vision with the business demands of running a growing practice.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying curious and never settling for the minimum. In aesthetics, it's easy to follow trends or do only what's required, but I've always believed our clients deserve more than that. I'm constantly learning, asking questions, and looking to the research to make sure the care we provide is evidence-based and truly the best it can be. My background in critical care and dermatology taught me that medicine is about precision, safety, and treating the whole person, and I bring that same mindset into every treatment. I'm deeply passionate about keeping medical aesthetics, medicine. That means following the standard of care, preparing the skin properly, and building thoughtful, comprehensive plans rather than quick fixes. I genuinely love what I do, and I think that passion shows up in the experience our clients have and the results they see.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that success is built through patience, consistency, and a long-term focus. Sustainable growth doesn't happen overnight. It comes from taking the time to build a strong foundation, putting the right building blocks in place, and trusting that steady, intentional effort will compound over time. That advice has shaped both how I've grown my business and how I care for my clients. It's the same philosophy behind "skin health first, aesthetics second." Just like a business, healthy skin is built over time with the right foundation, not quick fixes. Whether I'm making a decision for Nourish or building a treatment plan for a client, I always come back to the same question: what will create the best results for the long term?
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to surround yourself with the right people who genuinely believe in you, support your goals, and encourage your growth. Believe in yourself, stay true to who you are, and trust your intuition, especially when making important decisions. Stay committed to your vision even when the path becomes challenging, and seek out a mentor who can provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement along the way. Having a strong support system and remaining authentic to yourself can make a meaningful difference as you build your career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge in aesthetic medicine right now is the sheer amount of noise, especially on social media. Everyone from influencers and celebrities to brand-sponsored creators and viral trend videos is weighing in on skin and aesthetic treatments, often without the scientific training or clinical experience to guide people safely. Skin is the largest organ in the body. You wouldn't take advice on your cardiac medications from an influencer, and I think skin deserves that same level of care and expertise.
At the same time, I see this as one of the greatest opportunities in our field. People have never been more interested in their skin, and that curiosity opens the door for medical professionals to step in and lead with evidence-based education. That's a big part of why I started SkinSmart by Kelly. I want to help people cut through the noise, understand what their skin actually needs, and feel empowered to ask the right questions. When we meet people where they are with honest, kind, and science-backed information, we can help keep medical aesthetics grounded in medicine.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith is at the center of everything I do. It grounds me, guides my decisions, and reminds me that my work is about serving people well. From there, integrity is non-negotiable. In both my practice and my personal life, I believe in doing the right thing even when it's not the easiest choice, which is why I'm so committed to evidence-based care and honest recommendations.
Community is another value close to my heart. Each year, my company chooses one word to guide our focus, and this year that word is community. I have a deep passion for pouring into the small-business community and empowering business owners, mothers, and women through meaningful support and encouragement. That same spirit of kindness carries into the treatment room. So many people come into aesthetics carrying insecurities, and I want every client to feel seen, respected, and cared for without shame or judgment.
In my business, education always comes first. Rather than focusing on sales tactics, I believe in sharing knowledge and helping people make decisions with confidence, and I never want to stop at the minimum. I'm always learning and growing so I can give my clients and my team my very best. And finally, family. The support of my husband, my father, and the people closest to me is what makes this work possible, and I try to lead my team with that same sense of care, loyalty, and connection.
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