Meet Morgan Kohler | RN, BSN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Kohler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have always sought out to find a profession where I could combine science and art. As a nurse, I found that within the medical aesthetics field. I am extremely passionate about skincare and aesthetics, and want to make it simple and approachable for everyone! This is where I began to realize the need for a more personalized and specialized approach to facial aesthetics. I had a vision for a high-end, modern yet comfortable space where facial aesthetics are both individualized, and less intimidating. I approach medical aesthetics with a holistic mindset by integrating modern and safe regenerative medicine strategies and techniques. I made these visions come to life, all while keeping the patient experience and natural-looking outcomes at the forefront of my vision.

As such, I began Riva Aesthetics, which just opened in May 2021! We specialize in facial injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, radiofrequency microneedling, CO2 laser treatments, hydrating facials, chemical peels, and personalized medical-grade skincare routines to help everyone achieve optimal skin health. I believe that in-office aesthetic treatments in conjunction with utilizing proper skincare products at home, allows patients to age gracefully and to target any areas of concern including, pigment, acne, aging, or preventative measures.

The ultimate goal of Riva Aesthetics is to help women and men feel confident in their own skin, and to simply enhance everyone’s unique natural beauty and lifestyle with the most innovative, effective, and safe aesthetic procedures and products.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always had a passion for helping others. From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be in the healthcare field, but was unsure of what role was best suited for me. I received my Bachelors of Arts in Integrative Physiology from the University of Colorado-Boulder, and after that I worked in several surgical specialities including cosmetic/reconstructive surgery (both during and after college), as well as neurosurgery and general surgery. I developed a passion for caring for surgical patients, so I decided to pursue my nursing career to care for this patient population on a deeper level.

After receiving my Bachelors of Nursing, I worked in the operating room at Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center as a circulating nurse. I worked with a variety of patients, but very much enjoyed and valued caring for patients undergoing cosmetic/reconstructive surgical procedures. I also developed a great respect and appreciation for human anatomy working in the operating room, specifically facial anatomy. I witnessed first hand how these innovative procedures helped others be their best selves, which was truly rewarding. While traditional surgery comes with higher risks and is extremely invasive, I began looking into other areas that were minimally-invasive, but would still enhance individual beauty to help others feel confident in their own skin. This is where my passion for medical aesthetics developed. I have attended many training courses in addition to my nursing education and experience, have worked with mentors and experts in the field, attended and participated in conferences and seminars to grow my own skills as a nurse injector and clinician, and to invest in myself.

This is not a ‘cookie-cutter’ profession by any means, and there is no streamline process to enter the aesthetics industry, and to become successful in this field. I have had to look for my own opportunities to professionally grow, and I have pursued education from the best in the industry. I pride myself in being a lifelong learner, always looking for another lesson, another training, another tip, and another colleague to collaborate with. One of the most important things I have learned in this process is to never give up, and to always advocate for yourself and your dreams. I am most excited and honored to be helping others look and feel their best in their own unique lifestyles. It is important to feel good in your own skin, and I truly hope to help other’s achieve this at Riva Aesthetics.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love spending my free time trying new restaurants in different neighborhoods across Denver. We would definitely stop at Neighbor’s Wine Bar in Park Hill, conveniently located two doors down from Riva Aesthetics, for a great glass of wine and appetizers. Then we would walk down the street to Tables for a great new-American dinner. My absolute favorite Italian restaurant is Tavernetta in downtime Denver. I also love the restaurants and shopping in Cherry Creek, including Barolo Grill, and for a more casual bite- burgers at Cherry Cricket! We would have to stop by my friend’s new women’s clothing boutique, Lou Collective, as well.. It is always fun to stop in RiNo at Bigsby Folly-a craft winery and sit on their patio with our dog. We would definitely make time to attend a sports game depending on the season and support the Rockies or the Avalanche. A drive out to Red Rocks is also a must!

After spending four years of my undergraduate degree in Boulder, it holds a special place in my heart. So we would have to take a trip there to enjoy the Flatirons in Chautauqua Park. We would then head to Pearl Street for some shopping and to grab speciality cocktails from Bitter Bar, and meal at Rosetta Hall and enjoy their rooftop views!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My story, vision, and Riva Aesthetics would not have been possible without my boyfriend, Alex. He has been such a strong support system for me through years of education and continued trainings. He was actually the one who helped me see and believe that opening up my own medical aesthetics practice was not only possible, but would be a successful venture to help others look and feel their best. He is my biggest cheerleader, and has helped me with every bit of the process.

It has truly been a team effort from coming up with our name (one late night), to establishing a business plan, to him executing my vision and building treatment rooms, cabinets, painting, and staining the floors! He has supported me through the literal blood, sweat, and tears of opening up a small business. Lastly, his business experience, guidance, and attitude are an invaluable asset to my practice, and I would not be where I am today without him!

Website: https://www.rivaaesthetics.com

Instagram: rivaaesthetics

Facebook: RIVA Aesthetics

Image Credits
Monico Candelaria