Adriana Garza-Contreras, FNP-BC, APRN, MSN, CANS, MEP-C, has established herself as a leading expert in medical aesthetics, recognized for her innovative approach and dedication to patient care. Since 2020, she has excelled as the founder and owner of Higher Level Skin & Beauty, where she merges advanced technology with ethical, personalized care. Under her leadership, the company has grown to operate two brick-and-mortar locations—one in the Dallas area and another in El Paso, Texas—employing approximately 12 professionals. The clinics offer a comprehensive suite of services including rejuvenation and regeneration medicine, Botox, fillers, lasers, body contouring, lab work, hormone optimization, weight loss support, peptide therapy and IV hydration. These treatments are designed to enhance clients’ appearance and overall wellness at a cellular level.
Ms. Garza-Contreras’s journey into entrepreneurship was fueled by her determination to challenge industry perceptions about nurses’ capabilities. Her most notable achievement is building her businesses independently after stepping out from under the shadow of a physician who doubted her potential for success. She is particularly proud of creating something meaningful from the ground up—driven by her desire to make a lasting difference in patients’ lives rather than focusing solely on financial gain. Her commitment to fostering long-term relationships with clients distinguishes her from her peers in the field.
In addition to her clinical practice, Ms. Garza-Contreras educates medical professionals across the United States and contributes to international panels focused on emerging aesthetic products. She has also been active as a national trainer for Allergan Medical Institute and AbbVie Inc. since 2018. Her relentless pursuit of new educational techniques and pathways sets her apart; she prioritizes lifelong learning and invests in both her own development and that of her staff to ensure the highest standard of service.
Prior to founding Higher Level Skin & Beauty, Ms. Garza-Contreras worked as a registered nurse at Del Sol Medical Center, C-HCA, Inc., in El Paso from 2017 to 2020. In this capacity, she honed her clinical skills and deepened her understanding of patient care within a hospital setting.
Ms. Garza-Contreras has likewise found success as the co-owner of Little Caesars and Scooter’s Coffee, demonstrating her entrepreneurial versatility beyond the medical aesthetics industry. Her passion for helping others extends into every endeavor she undertakes, whether it be serving coffee or supporting community members. Ms. Garza-Contreras is also firm in her belief that every act of kindness can positively impact someone’s day.
Ms. Garza-Contreras’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping her career trajectory. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in El Paso in 2014 prior to graduating with a master’s degree in nursing from Chicago in 2025. Furthermore, Ms. Garza-Contreras became a certified aesthetic nurse specialist in 2018 and a certified medical aesthetic practitioner in 2025. She is also credentialed as a registered nurse.
Ms. Garza-Contreras attributes her success to her drive, passion, commitment and a competitive mindset focused on self-improvement rather than rivalry. Inspired by an early mentor who encouraged her to aim higher, she now seeks to be that guiding figure for future generations of health care professionals. Her decision to pursue entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 pandemic was motivated by a desire to change public perceptions about aesthetics and prioritize patient well-being over corporate interests.
Throughout her career, Ms. Garza-Contreras has remained civically engaged as a volunteer with local schools and chambers of commerce and as a mentor for aspiring health care professionals. Her achievements have been recognized with various accolades including the Most-Loved Injector Award from RealSelf Inc., the Gold Award for No. 1 Med Spa in El Paso in 2025, as well as Silver Awards from The City Magazine and The Advocate.
Among all her accomplishments, Ms. Garza-Contreras considers completing her master’s degree while pregnant, relocating to a new city with her husband and managing both family life and business operations as her greatest achievement. Despite facing significant challenges without additional support, she persevered, graduating and passing her boards through sheer determination.
Ms. Garza-Contreras’s vision is rooted in uplifting others—instilling confidence in clients while building opportunities for colleagues across the industry—and leaving a legacy defined by hard work, education and compassion. Looking toward the future, she plans to expand her organization further by sharing knowledge with other providers and empowering them within a growth-oriented environment that values independence and authenticity.