Armed with an impressive academic background and a desire to work one-on-one with people, Kayli Krasnow graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, taught elementary school science, and then returned to school for her nursing degree from Texas Woman’s University.
These days, the nurse practitioner has truly found her niche at Hi, Finch, the medical spa she founded in 2020. Her distinctive approach to aesthetics is a breath of fresh air, and her office in The Nations is the perfect locale for welcoming patients. Get to know this week’s FACE of Nashville!
What inspired you to open Hi, Finch?
While I was working as a primary care nurse practitioner, I spent a year taking courses in facial aesthetics to offer these services to my patients. I wanted to provide services for patients to get them excited to see me rather than nervous or upset from being sick or diagnosed with a new chronic condition.
I found that these aesthetic appointments were a real bright spot in my day, so I continued to educate myself in this field and grow this part of my practice.
In February 2020 (great timing, right?), [my husband] and I sat down for breakfast on a Sunday morning and decided to open an aesthetics practice — we had the long-term goal of being self-employed. Eventually, we wanted to open a medical practice where he would manage operations while I would see patients!
We chose to open a med spa because this field was where I finally felt I found my calling. We wanted to create a business that values employees above and beyond anything else by having fun, providing as much education as possible to our team to help them succeed in their positions, and encouraging open communication to allow our employees to have input in the growth of our business.
We believe we can learn something new from someone every day. In turn, this creates a loving environment to provide the highest standards of customer service to our clientele. Happy team = happy patients!
Where did you come up with the name?
We wanted to come up with a name that went beyond “skin” and create a brand that resonates with the heart of the business we are trying to build. In the field of aesthetic medicine, I noticed that a lot of people can come out of the treatment room looking similar to other patients; their unique features are often lost.
I think everyone is beautiful and interesting because of their unique features. We all look different because we have developed different physical features [based on] having family backgrounds from around the world. I try to preserve those unique features with my patients.
So, after almost a year of banging my head against the wall trying to create something distinctive, I was running on the treadmill one morning and thinking about Darwin’s finches. Observing finches is how Darwin came up with his theory of evolution. I thought the word “finch” fit perfectly with what I am trying to preserve — the unique physical features among different populations!
I also wanted the name to radiate how friendly we are, and what’s friendlier than smiling at someone you’re passing on the street, acknowledging them, and saying “hi”?
You describe your team as “personal trainers for your skin.” Can you tell us about what that means?
Chad grew up running cross-country, and I was a collegiate swimmer. We are both Ironman triathletes and ultramarathon runners. We have trained on our own and worked with coaches, and we found that when we have an expert helping us, we see our goals achieved beyond our expectations!
We want to be that expert in the confusing, over-saturated world of skincare and cosmetic treatments so you’re getting the treatment that’s right for where you are in your skincare journey and so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed..
What are some of the most innovative new treatments we should know about?
The Broad Band Light (BBL) by Sciton — [not to be confused with the controversial Brazilian Butt Lift] — is my favorite treatment to reverse signs of aging and sun damage, including vascularity and pigment, and we can also treat and prevent acne, and perform hair removal!
I feel like I’m in an “as seen on TV” commercial when I talk about this device because it can do so many things so well. It is the most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device on the market, and in a 10-year study at Stanford University, it was shown that three BBL treatments per year can get your skin looking more radiant and youthful in 10 years than it is today!
Switching gears, what are your favorite places to eat, shop, and play in Nashville?
I LOVE pizza and have had pizza for dinner almost every Friday night since I was a kid! A few of my favorites are Roberta’s in East, Midnight Oil in The Nations, and Emmy Squared in Germantown. Superica and bartaco are our other go-tos. I may have been born in Canada, but I grew up in Texas, so Mexican food is also top of our list!
The 12South neighborhood is my favorite area to shop in Nashville. There are really great local stores like White’s Mercantile (the best place to get anyone you know a thoughtful gift) and imogene + willie (I think I own every single graphic tee), along with Ranger Station (the BEST smelling candles). They are who we collaborated with to create Hi, Finch’s Active Recovery candle, a gender-neutral candle that’s perfect to light up for a post-workout stretch. We will be releasing another candle this year, so keep an eye out for that.
Who or what is inspiring you right now?
If you’re not listening to Andrew Huberman’s podcast, The Huberman Lab, or Dr. Peter Attia’s podcast, The Drive, how are you even living right now? These guys are two of the smartest scientists out there, and they both give you actionable information to help you live a long, healthy life to the fullest!
I have made so many impactful changes in my daily life that have had a significant impact — a simple example is to get bright sunlight in your eyes within 30 minutes of awakening. This is a little hint for StyleBlueprint readers to keep an eye out for what’s to come at Hi, Finch!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I have ever received was, “Just ask”! I made this my New Year’s resolution about five years ago, and I have used this advice almost every day since in some form or fashion. What’s the worst that can happen if you ask for what you want? Are you going to get punched in the nose? NO! The worst that can happen is they say no! So be brazen and ask for what you want; you might be surprised at what people say yes to.
Name three things you can’t live without.
My dogs, my Peloton treadmill, and pizza!
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite beauty product of all time: I LOVE Tretinoin … Tretinoin can help treat acne, improve fine lines and skin texture, clear pores, and lighten dark spots. (You do need a prescription for this.)
Most impactful book you’ve ever read: I don’t know if it’s an impactful book, per se, but The Princess Bride is my favorite book of all time. I have read it countless times, and I quote it on a weekly basis. Anybody want a peanut?
Destination at the top of your bucket list: Africa! I’d love to go on a safari to Tanzania, Kenya, and Rwanda. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little!
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
**********
Nashville women are doing inspiring work. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
