The last few years have seen an explosion in the Med Spa market. With so many choices, the team at Annapolis Aesthetics is working to change how we view self-care and preventative aging methods. Having served clients for over twenty years in DC, Baltimore and now Annapolis, they bring a natural, relaxed and updated expertise to luxury spas. I had the opportunity to sit down with Melanie Erb Shushan, owner and founder of Annapolis Aesthetics, to get to know her and the mission behind her practice.
How did you get into this business?
I received my graduate degree as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner from the Johns Hopkins Hospital and took a position with the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. In this position I had the opportunity to work with patients who had a second shot at life after surviving breast cancer. I was able to do something to make them feel better about themselves by undergoing reconstruction.
Botox was just coming on the scene and the Chair of Surgery asked me to learn the ins and outs of Botox and Fillers to be able to bring the knowledge back to help train the plastic surgery residents. It was different, and I loved how people felt when they left my office. My job is fun, I consider myself an artist. What I do allows people to embrace the beauty of getting older. It is empowering for me and my clients.
Why Annapolis?
I have taken care of aesthetic patients for the past 15 years in DC, and then 3 years before that at Johns Hopkins for a total of over 18 years in this industry. My husband, Alex Shushan, is a successful orthopedic surgeon who moved to Annapolis 14 years ago and works at Luminis Health. He specializes in upper extremity issues and has cared for the many broken bones in Anne Arundel families throughout our community (lots and lots of kids’ broken hands and wrists).
We purchased our home in 2019 and were married in 2022. Opening my business in the area allowed me to build a community here where we have chosen to raise our family. I work 6 minutes from my home, and that allows me flexibility and a deeper level of service.
What is a common misconception about Med Spa?
This is an important form of self-care, do not underestimate the value of taking time for yourself. We tend to put ourselves last – I think a little something to feel better and boost your self esteem is so important. It doesn’t have to be a major change, actually I hope when you leave my office you see a huge change, but the world just notices a glow-up. My three daughters are watching what I do and I want to be aware of how my work can be perceived. I want to enhance your natural canvas, it’s not all shock value like you see on TikTok.
Annapolis Aesthetics is bringing a new level of expertise, professionalism and a tailored approach to non-surgical treatments. Whether you are planning a spa day with your closest friends or looking to upgrade your selfcare, you are in amazing hands with Annapolis Aesthetics.
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