Meet Wendy Paulson, RN | Founder of ILUMA MEDICAL SPA
We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Paulson, RN and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Wendy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for ILUMA was born from a very personal place. During COVID, while working in the ICU, I experienced some of the hardest moments of my career, witnessing both the fragility of life and human resilience. It forced me to step back and really ask myself what mattered most. I realized that time is something we can never get back, and my promise to myself is to build a life filled with purpose, without missing the moments that matter with those I love.
For me, ILUMA is more than a med spa, it’s a sanctuary. I wanted to create a space where people could slow down, restore their confidence, and leave feeling both refreshed and truly cared for. The name itself, ILUMA, comes from “light,” which represents illuminating not just outer beauty, but also the inner strength and confidence that life’s demands can sometimes dim.
Beyond serving clients, I also wanted ILUMA to be a platform for empowerment. As a Latina, a mom of three, and a nurse with over 20 years of experience, I know firsthand the sacrifices nurses make. I wanted to build a business that not only helps clients feel their best but also gives fellow nurses the opportunity to dream bigger, reclaim their time, and step into their own light.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey hasn’t been easy. I was a teen mom, and while raising a child I worked my way through nursing school to become a Registered Nurse. That experience taught me perseverance, discipline, and strength. I know what it feels like to face challenges head-on, and that’s shaped the way I care for both my patients in the hospital and my clients at ILUMA. I’ve spent over 20 years working in the hospital, taking care of patients in some of their most vulnerable moments. That foundation gave me not only medical knowledge, but also a deep sense of compassion and empathy.
What sets me apart is that I bring all of that into aesthetics and wellness. At ILUMA, my approach is rooted in safety, detail, and genuine care. I don’t see aesthetics as surface-level; it’s about restoring confidence, creating balance, and helping people feel good inside and out.
I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t let my circumstances hold me back. Balancing motherhood, nursing, and entrepreneurship has been tough, but it’s also my biggest motivation. It’s proof that no matter where you start, you can build something meaningful with persistence and purpose.
The lesson I’ve learned is this: Hard doesn’t mean impossible. ILUMA is a reflection of that belief, a place where people can step into their light, feel empowered, and embrace the best version of themselves.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question because LA has so much to offer, it’s hard to narrow it down! If my best friend came to visit me in LA, I’d want them to see why I love living here. We’d definitely spend some time by the beach, Malibu or Manhattan Beach for a more relaxed vibe. One day we’d take in the amazing city views from Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, then brunch at a local spot like République.
Food is such a big part of LA life, so we’d explore a mix of cuisines: authentic Mexican food at El Tepeyac and King Taco in East LA, sushi at Nobu, and maybe some cocktails at Perch with rooftop views.
Of course, we’d carve out time for shopping at The Grove, Melrose, or even a farmer’s market for that authentic local feel.
And because I’m such a believer in balance, one day would be pure relaxation: a spa day (of course I’d sneak them into ILUMA for a treatment).
For me, the best part of LA is that you can have it all, beach, mountains, art, culture, amazing food and the people here are so diverse and inspiring. That mix makes LA exciting every single day.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I wouldn’t be here without the love and support of the people around me. First and foremost, my three children are my biggest motivation. They’re the reason I push through the hard days and the inspiration behind building a business that lets me show up for them.
I also have to give credit to my boyfriend, family and close friends who encouraged me to take the leap into entrepreneurship, reminding me that I was capable of so much more than staying inside the hospital walls.
And finally, I want to recognize my community of fellow nurses. Over the years, I’ve met so many strong, resilient, and compassionate nurses who give so much of themselves day after day. They’ve inspired me to create a platform like ILUMA, not just to help clients feel their best, but to empower other nurses to step into leadership, build confidence, and create lives filled with more balance, freedom, and purpose.
Website: https://ilumamedicalspa.com
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/iluma-medical-spa-arcadia:x-apple:https%3A//yelp.to/TQHraiwh5l
Other: Tik Tok: @ilumamedicalspa
https://www.tiktok.com/@ilumamedicalspa?_t=ZT-8xb4sKuNI8D&_r=1;x-teamidentifier=MJ797D8U6F;x-bundleidentifiers=com.zhiliaoapp.musically:x-apple:ilumamedicalspa
Image Credits
Erika Photography
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