Romnie Cesar: Redefining Beauty and Wellness Through Confidence

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business

I am a board-certified, fellowship-trained nurse practitioner with over 12 years of experience as a medical provider and educator. Throughout my career, I’ve served in faculty roles at nationally ranked institutions, including NYU and Rutgers University, and contributed to patient care within internationally recognized healthcare systems.

After years in hospital medicine, I experienced deep burnout and realized I wanted more—more connection, more creativity, and more impact. My journey to becoming a yoga teacher deepened my connection to the mind-body relationship and reinforced what I already knew as a medical provider: true well-being is more than physical. It inspired me to create a space where science and self-care coexist. At the heart of my work is a simple belief—confidence is medicine. 

I began my aesthetics career by completing a rigorous Aesthetic Trainee Program, which laid the foundation for my hands-on experience at top-performing med spas like Ever/Body, Evolve Med Spa, and Great Many. These experiences sharpened my skills and deepened my commitment to delivering thoughtful, high-quality care. Today, I specialize in helping clients achieve confident skin, hair, and body through a blend of regenerative medicine, wellness therapies, and personalized aesthetic treatments.

Who are your customers?

Our clients are ambitious, wellness-minded individuals—primarily women between the ages of 30 and 55—who value self-care, results-driven treatments, and expert guidance. Many are busy professionals, creatives, or entrepreneurs based in New York City, especially in neighborhoods like DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn. They’re looking for personalized solutions to care for their skin, enhance their natural features.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I spent over a decade working in traditional medicine, caring for patients in fast-paced clinical environments and teaching future healthcare providers. While I was proud of my work, I began to feel disconnected and burned out. I craved a space where I could care for people more intentionally, blending science with self-care. That desire led me to aesthetic medicine, where I found a renewed sense of purpose—and eventually, the vision for Atelier Confidence.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

Starting Atelier Confidence was my way of redefining what care could look like—rooted in expertise, elevated by wellness, and centered around helping people feel confident in their own skin.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not exactly. I always knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact, but I thought that would happen within the traditional healthcare system. Over time, I realized the kind of care I envisioned—personalized, holistic, and confidence-building—didn’t quite fit the mold. Stepping into entrepreneurship wasn’t the original plan, but it became the path that allowed me to practice with purpose.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I launched Atelier Confidence, I self-funded every step, so I had to be strategic and resourceful. My marketing approach started with showing up on social media, sharing educational content, real client results, and my own journey. I focused on building trust and connection, not just visibility. I also leaned into community events and local pop-ups to introduce myself face-to-face and create genuine relationships. Word-of-mouth, referrals, and real relationships have been my strongest marketing tools

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge has been balancing the roles of provider, marketer, administrator, and visionary—especially as a self-funded founder. Wearing all the hats can be overwhelming, and at times, I questioned if I was doing enough or doing it “right.” But what I’ve learned is that clarity comes through action. Every challenge has taught me to trust myself more, pace the process, and give myself permission to grow at my own rhythm. The beauty is in building something that reflects my values, not just my goals.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m most proud of becoming a trusted voice in my community—especially when it comes to educating and advocating for skin of color. Creating a space where people feel safe, represented, and understood has been deeply meaningful. I’ve had clients tell me it’s the first time they’ve felt seen in a treatment room, and that matters. Beyond the treatments, being able to raise awareness, debunk myths, and bring high-quality, inclusive care to the forefront is the impact I’m most proud of.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes—this year has brought some incredible milestones. I was nominated for the Revelation Award for the Global Integral Beauty Gala, taking place this fall, which recognizes emerging professionals who are making bold, innovative contributions in the beauty, health, and wellness space

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Atelier Confidence is entering a season of purposeful expansion. We’re growing our service menu to include even more regenerative, results-driven treatments that support the full spectrum of beauty and wellness—inside and out. We’re also expanding our team to bring on skilled professionals who align with our mission and values, so we can serve more clients while maintaining the personalized care we’re known for. Beyond the treatment room, I’m committed to giving back through educational initiatives, community events, and advocacy for inclusive skincare, especially for skin of color. The next few years are about scaling impact, not just operations.

What is your top productivity tip? 

Time blocking and allowing time for recovery and rest for creativity and inspiration

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

Fitness, spending time near water and outdoors, connecting with my loved ones, a lot of self-care, and prioritizing peace

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I’ve learned to embrace the natural seasons and cycles of rest and productivity, instead of forcing both at the same time. I give myself permission to pause when needed and trust my body to tell me when it’s time to shift. That rhythm has become essential to how I lead, create, and care for others.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

The importance of community as a founder.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

What makes you unique? How do you do your job differently from anyone else?

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

google calendar

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

chat gpt, it's my number one asset as a soloprenuer

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

have a big vision and even bigger purpose to make it worth it

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