Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Cray.
Kimberly, before we jump into specific questions about your practice, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was raised in the suburbs, but grew up and became “me” in Miami. Before I moved here, I used to shake hands to greet new people, and I assumed dinner was at 5 or 6 pm. It didn’t take long living here, however, to learn everyone got a hug or cheek kiss, and we actually ate dinner much closer to 9 pm. I love culture, personality and character, and I found that and more in Miami. You may call this city many things, but I doubt you call it boring.
My time studying at the University of Miami reinforced my passion for medicine, specifically Dermatology, and I’ve been chasing that dream ever since. I started practicing as a Dermatology PA over 12 years ago. With a little luck and a lot of hard work sprinkled in, I am proud to call myself a mix of Skin Specialist, Educator, Pimple Popper, and Injector. Oh, and I get paid to “play” with lasers all day.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I applied to Grad school I was very young. Looking back, taking a year off to work in the field first probably would have been good for me, but I was so focused on finishing school and starting my career. I was told I didn’t have a lot of experience with patients at my interviews and I was actually waitlisted at my top school. I was devastated. I had secured a once in a lifetime opportunity to work in California that summer- and this was the only program that started in the Fall. I had all but canceled my west coast flight and accepted the offer to my back up school, when I got a call that I will never forget. I made the cut. I was young and inexperienced, but thank goodness they saw my ambition and potential.
I have also been challenged in thinking I knew better along the way. “Dream” jobs that I didn’t get; relationships that didn’t work out. I thought I knew what was best for me. But I’ve learned that the universe looks out for us, whether we see it at the time or not. As we become older, we become so much wiser. We become more self-accepting and grateful, and I think that’s what life is all about.
We can get so stuck in a routine, or in achieving our next goal, that we don’t always appreciate the simple yet beautiful things in our every day. With the recent pandemic, now more than ever, we have been forced to slow down. For a moment, it seems like the world has stopped, and there’s a quieting of all the noise. So much of me is in my work and I can’t wait to get back, but I’m also using this unheard of opportunity of time to create, learn and reflect.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
I offer both medical and cosmetic dermatology services, with a friendly and honest approach, and natural aesthetic. I’m passionate about beauty and overall health + well-being. I love to help people with any of their skin concerns and gain their trust. I want to make patients feel comfortable and welcome, as well as get their skin healthy and looking its best. My practice is special because I offer aesthetic treatments, but with the security and background of a trusted medical practice.
Patients are often surprised to learn the wide array of services I provide including: skin cancer screenings, mole checks, treatment of acne, rashes, hair loss, scars; as well as aesthetic and anti-aging treatments such as Botox and Dysport, dermal fillers, lasers, microneedling, chemical peels, PRP, and scientific medical grade skincare, just to name a few. Nothing is more rewarding and impactful than not only making a difference in someone’s skin but also in their confidence.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
I would say among the many lessons I learned early in my career is that you really cannot take things personally. You didn’t get your dream job? Well, maybe it wasn’t your dream job after all. If I had to start over again I wouldn’t have beat myself up as much for minor defeats. That is exactly what shapes us and gives us the character we learn to appreciate later in life.
When we are young we want to fit in, and with age, we become wiser, and we learn that being different is beautiful and makes us stand out. I’ve learned to be myself, and that genuineness attracts people. It is because of our own unique features and attributes that no one else has that we shine. In aesthetics, this is the message I want to send home to people; not that they need anything at all, but that they are beautiful and worthy. I want to empower women to feel their best. I want to educate and do what I can, no matter how big or small; if it even enlightens or positively affects one person alone- I feel good about it and very blessed to do what I do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3659 South Miami Avenue
Suite #6008
Miami, FL 33133 - Website: https://www.bowesdermatology.com/
- Phone: 3058566555
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/beautyandwellbeing/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DermPACray/
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