From Nurse to Entrepreneur: How Rochele Carpio Built RNRC Aesthetics on Trust, Ethics, and Confidence

When Rochele Carpio first stepped into the world of cosmetic injectables, she never imagined she’d one day be running her own practice. As a registered nurse with experience in medicine, orthopedics, public health, and emergency nursing, she had always been passionate about patient care. But after years of working in medical spas and surgical offices, she noticed a troubling trend—too many clinics prioritized sales over patient well-being.

She saw clients being pressured into treatments they didn’t need, with little education about their options. She saw an industry that often sold insecurity rather than confidence. And she knew there had to be a better way.

That’s when she decided to create RNRC Aesthetics—a cosmetic injectables practice built on transparency, authenticity, and natural results. Rather than convincing clients to chase unrealistic beauty ideals, Rochele envisioned a space where women could enhance their features in a way that felt right for them—not for the bottom line.

But while she had the medical expertise, running a business was an entirely different challenge.

The Leap into Business Ownership

When Rochele launched RNRC Aesthetics in 2022, she started small—renting a single room in a salon. It was a quick and easy way to get started, but she soon realized it limited her ability to grow. She wanted to create a space that reflected her values: welcoming, ethical, and designed with client care at the forefront.

The problem? She had no background in business.

“I knew how to be a nurse. I knew how to take care of patients. But I had no idea how to run a business,” she admits.

Finding Support with BACD

Realizing she needed guidance, Rochele turned to the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) and enrolled in the Starter Company Plus program. There, she learned how to structure her business, set competitive pricing, manage expenses, and refine her brand.

“BACD helped me transition from thinking like an employee to thinking like a business owner,” she says. “I finally understood how to attract and retain clients in a way that aligned with my values.”

With her newfound knowledge, she moved into a five-room beauty studio in downtown Whitby. Now, she operates out of three rooms, while the remaining two are rented to other beauty professionals—creating a collaborative, diverse beauty space where ethical practices thrive.

Building a Business with Heart

Unlike many aesthetic clinics that push aggressive sales tactics, Rochele stays true to her mission: educating, empowering, and enhancing. Her clients come to her because they trust her, knowing she’ll offer honest guidance rather than pressure.

Her marketing approach reflects that. Instead of flashy promotions, she focuses on social media education and word-of-mouth referrals. Instagram and TikTok allow her to showcase her work, while her commitment to exceptional service keeps clients coming back—and bringing their friends.

Her Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Now, as a thriving business owner, Rochele shares one key piece of advice:

“Seek help early. There’s so much to learn that isn’t taught in school. Having a strong support system—whether it’s BACD, a mentor, or a business coach—can make all the difference in setting up a strong foundation for success.”

Today, RNRC Aesthetics isn’t just a business. It’s a safe, welcoming space where women can embrace their beauty on their own terms—no pressure, no gimmicks, just confidence.

And for Rochele, that’s the greatest success of all.