Our latest Beauty Boss is Amy Peterson, Founder of Miami-based medspa, Skincare by Amy Peterson and The Real Skin Savant, a curated online retail space that offers an exclusive selection of result-driven skincare tools and products including 111SKIN, IS Clinical, Skinceuticals, and Biologique Recherche, among others.

A licensed medical aesthetician for more than 16 years, Peterson received her training and education at the Von Lee International School of Aesthetics prior to working as the director of a world-renowned plastic surgeon’s skincare division for eight years. Her previous roles focusing on advanced education have included being the Clinical Educator for Merz Aesthetics; Clinical Educator for Solta Medical; and Medical Science Liaison for Viveve, where she trained physicians and offices.

Eventually Peterson made the move to Miami, where she combined her years of training expertise and passion to open her world-class medspa that incorporates leading skincare technologies, services and products to transform clients’ skin and confidence—and in the process, also became known as the “Skincare Specialist to the Stars.”

We chatted with Peterson, who shared her journey in the beauty and wellness industry, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.

When was Skincare by Amy Peterson medspa founded and what inspired its creation?

In 2013, I relocated to Miami with a mission to create a practice that redefines luxury skincare, exudes warmth, spearheads innovation and promotes practitioner and client education. I invest in leading skincare technologies to transform men and women alike. I’ve been dubbed the “Skin Savant” and believe every client deserves the experience of a lifetime when they visit my Miami Beach medspa, Skincare by Amy Peterson. Every aspect of their experience is about making them feel comfortable, confident and well informed so we can get them the best possible results and gain their trust.

Tell us about your journey in the industry.

I’ve been a licensed medical aesthetician for over 16 years. After training at the Von Lee International School of Aesthetics outside of DC I relocated to Seattle, where I worked for eight years as the director of the skincare division for a world-renowned plastic surgeon. I then embarked on a career journey that focused on advanced education, becoming Clinical Educator for Merz Aesthetics, then Clinical Educator for Solta Medical. Most recently I was a Medical Science Liaison for Viveve training physicians and offices on the newest Vaginal Rejuvenation treatments.

What services do you offer?

Everything head to toe. Lasers, injectables, facials, body treatments. I love beauty and innovation and I’m always looking for something new and cutting edge to offer my clients.

Do you have a specialty?

We are known for a lot of things, but I’m often referred to as a laser guru because I’ve been using them and teaching for close to two decades!! I would say we are a true aesthetic practice and I am passionate when it comes to education, technique and delivering a world class service from beginning to end. Even the follow-up. Our injectable division is also amazing as we carry every brand of injectable on the market today. And our Body Division is growing rapidly and we are adding a ton more treatments and offerings.

Do you offer a signature treatment?

The Magic Hour Facial is our signature treatment. It’s my version of a cutting edge facial with results that last up to 2 to 3 weeks. I was never impressed with facials and they haven’t evolved very much over the past 20 years. We revolutionized the traditional facial. We use 5 to 6 machines, all customized to target your specific skin needs. We really do nothing that you can do at home to yourself. It’s truly an amazing hour and you walk away with your skin looking instantly transformed.

What inspires you?

There is a quote framed in my treatment room by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross: 

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering,

known struggle, known loss, and have

found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, a

sensitivity, and an understanding of

life that fills them with compassion,

gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.”

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I would have to say these people Inspire me. The “real” beautiful people. 

Secret to success?

I have three. I think you have to have passion—I love what I do, and it’s palpable. Stay authentic—I believe a lot of my success comes from building a practice that is truly unique because I didn’t follow others. I build what I would want as a client. Invest in people—from experience there is no greater return.

Beauty secrets?

• Sleep. 

• Preserve your hair, invest in two blowouts a week (also the best time to work!) 

• Use a body exfoliant.

• Make yourself a priority. 

• Find an SPF you love and a skincare routine you can’t wait to do AM/PM. 

Wellness tips?

Take care of your skin at a young age, limit the booze, have a routine, limit social media, and get your sleep!

Best advice?

Build a good and reputable name in business. Keep your name clean. Don't make compromises, don't worry about-making a bunch of money or being successful. Be concerned about doing good work. Protect your work and if you build a good name, eventually that name will become its own currency

How do you like to relax?

I love hanging out with my husband and boys—doing anything with them. But when I’m alone, I love interior design and I absolutely love a trip to HomeGoods.

For more information, visit the website and follow on Instagram: @skincarebyamyp

[Images courtesy of Amy Peterson]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk