the First Ladies of aesthetics
by Amber Wielkins; photography by Stevye Murray
Mobile’s newest med spa, Synergy MedAesthetics, has people talking for all the right reasons. Expanding from the west coast and bringing with them the absolute latest in everything aesthetics, it’s the highly trained, compassionate, women-led staff that have us glowing. Truly, who better to sympathize with and advise us on what can be highly personal than a group of females who love helping others? A serious veteran with an even more serious knack for beauty, we chatted with Director of Aesthetic Services Amber Cherry, LME, MA, and her team about the Synergy difference.
“We proudly serve those seeking to enhance their natural beauty without going outside their budget or comfort zone. Our practitioners are experts in everything from Botox and dermal fillers to laser hair removal and skin-health services. We only provide the most up-to-date treatments, specializing in non-surgical cosmetic and body sculpting procedures. Moreover, no one at Synergy is paid on commission for services; when we recommend a service, it’s because we believe it will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.”
Amber Cherry (is there a better name?) and her team are a revelation of the good kind. Looking like they stepped out of the pages of Vogue, these chic women in silk blouses, flared trousers, and higher-than-high heels at their perfectly glamorous med spa might seem intimidating at first, but we promise you’ll immediately be made to feel comfortable by their friendly, down-to-earth personalities and their passion for the most up-to-date methods to make you look and feel your absolute best. One more thing? They listen to you.
After all, who can’t relate to leaving a med spa in a haze wondering why you agreed to the more expensive version of “Would you like fries with that?” The upsell isn’t a factor at Synergy MedAesthetics. Instead, they’re dedicated to creating a community of women through active listening and customized plans to achieve each client’s goals, ensuring all are thrilled with the results and want to return.
Amber is quick to credit their talented Medical Director, too. “We offer expert injections administered by the amazing facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Blake Raggio,” she says, “In addition, Synergy is the only place in Mobile with the DiamondGlow facial, a medical grade, machine-based facial which uses a diamond abrasion tip to slough off dead skin cells, suction to pull out impurities, and their special, customized serums are infused into the skin, all in one treatment.” We’ve possibly made an appointment for that one already.
Also on offer are CoolSculpting, skin tightening (for face, neck and body) with Exilis Ultra 360, laser treatments to help with hair reduction and erasing unwanted pigment anywhere on the body, Laser Genesis, Microneedling with the SkinPen, VI Peels, manual facials, and dermaplaning. It’s possible to get your “New Year, New You” started early, we’re just saying.
Clearly our community won the med spa jackpot when Synergy MedAesthetics opened in November. Founded by Nicole Chiaramonte, who owns several practices on the west coast (from Seattle to Beverly Hills), Amber happily worked for her in Washington for years. She shares, “When I chose to move to Alabama so my children could be closer to their father and we could co-parent, she asked me if I wanted to direct my own med spa. I replied ‘Of course!’” And we’re so glad she did.
Before earning her license as a Master Aesthetician, Amber served in the U.S. Army for eight years. “I was a motor transport operator,” she says. “Most people get a good laugh when they learn I was a truck driver in my previous career! I left the military to raise my two beautiful children, a 14-year-old daughter and an 11-year-old son.” Why this field? “I ultimately chose aesthetics because I get great pleasure in giving people confidence in themselves,” says the kindhearted Amber.
Like Guest Relations Manager Michaela Ferguson and Nurse Practitioner Kendall Lavoie, Amber lives and breathes Synergy’s motto, which is “Like you, we are unique,” and that is where the magic lies. She claims, “Synergy embraces the individuality of each patient we touch; each treatment is tailored to their needs to enhance that person’s unique beauty. I was absolutely drawn to them as a company — their core values, their belief in community over competition, and the empowerment of being part of an all-female team.”
Calling her leadership style collaborative, she explains, “I think the group’s input, ideas, and feelings are an important part of having a cohesive team. I believe my leadership style is effective because everyone feels heard and likes being included in the big picture. Over the years, I’ve learned that leadership in the aesthetics industry isverydifferent from the military,” she smiles. “Now, I believe in leading by example. There isn’t anything I would have the crew do that I wouldn’t do. I never stop learning in this position, so in addition to leading, I’m also skilled at everything we do here.”
As Director of Aesthetics, Amber keeps busy “ensuring communication is fluid between our location and headquarters in Washington state. I oversee day-to-day operations and compliance,” she says, but she insists the staff is the heart and soul of Synergy. “We have the most amazing staff! We want every single person who walks through our doors to feel seen and heard, so we hire genuine people to give our patrons genuine warmth and care.”In describing them, it’s apparent Amber is more than proud of her team. “Michaela Ferguson is our beautiful, intelligent, and charming Guest Relations Manager. She’s been my right-hand from the moment we left Washington, and I couldn’t be successful without her.” Michaela mirrors her feelings, stating, “Working with Amber has been a true joy. She’s one of the smartest people I’ve met in this field, and she’s genuine with everyone she meets. Many patients were heartbroken when she left Washington. I’m so thankful for the hospitality we’ve received in our new community, too. I can’t wait to see the impact Amber and Kendall make on their patients because the work they do is truly incredible!”That, ladies and gentlemen, is a testimonial.
Amber has more high marks to give, though. “Kendall Lavoie is our smart and sweet-as-honey Nurse Practitioner. A Mobile native, she’s the embodiment of Southern hospitality, her kindness and smile are infectious, and she’s at the top of her game regarding the treatments we offer,” Amber says. Kendall is equally enthusiastic, saying, “I’m ecstatic to join a group of women devoted to helping others feel their very best about themselves. The passion, expertise, and knowledge that surround Synergy and our staff are truly incomparable.”
Ambience matters, too, and Amber wants everyone who walks into Synergy to feel comfortable, welcomed, and special. “Soft music plays throughout, and we love to chat at the front desk without the pressure of forced sales pitches. I want our clients to feel like they can take a deep breath when they walk in, knowing they’re going to get an effective and relaxing treatment,” she says. In the end, it all comes down to how we feel after receiving a treatment, and not just the results we see in the mirror. It’s about wanting to return to the people who made us feel the way Synergy does. Amber says, “I’m generally a self-deprecating person and tend to keep things close to my heart, but when my patients tell me something I did changed their life, that they feel beautiful, or they walk into my office no longer hiding behind hoodies and hair, it fulfills my soul.”
This post has been modified for the web. Read the original article in full in the December 2021 issue of ACCESS Magazine.
Synergy MedAesthetic s720 Oak Circle Drive W, Suite 300, Mobile2 51.999.6691
Hair Felisha Allen, Identity Salon, 251.478.2409 Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com
