The monetary contributions donated ultimately help give smiles back to thousands of children in developing countries who are born with dental and facial deformities. 

When I lived in NYC and worked with Dr. Forley, I gained such worldly insight on the plastic surgery industry as a whole. I learned of his travels and volunteer work with children in third world countries alongside other surgeons and medical professionals who would perform surgeries to children who didn’t have that opportunity otherwise.  I have remained inspired ever since.

I moved to New York in 2013 upon graduating from Columbia College with my bachelor’s degree in marketing communications/public relations.  All of my elective classes I took were always fashion-related. I ended up finding a job working for a boutique fashion PR firm, and while I was grateful for the experience, I realized that fashion wasn’t necessarily my true passion, more so just one of the many things I was passionate about. The opportunity to work in the cosmetic surgery industry presented itself to me through a job advertisement on Craig’s List because “cosmetic” was one of my key search words since I had also previously attended make-up school at London Eyes. 

When I took on the responsibility and role at Dr. Forley’s practice as patient coordinator, I was able to counsel patients on surgeries and explain the different non-surgical procedures that could be performed as well if surgery wasn’t the best option for that person individually.  I was able to witness patients firsthand who were transformed in our private operating facility. I learned so much about plastic surgery and how positive and life-changing it can truly can be. Society seems to have a very morphed view on this industry because of how the media portrays it, and to me, that’s unfortunate.  

While we have been so focused on the negative or “superficial side” of cosmetic surgery, we’ve managed to neglect embracing the positive aspect of it all. When does the media show children in underdeveloped countries and children within our own country having their lives changed for the better by medical professionals who volunteer their talents with the help of donations from people like us? ... not enough, that’s for sure. I’m not here to change anyone’s viewpoint;  all I want to do is to open your eyes to an industry that does, in fact, have a positive effect on so many people and also shift your focus to the good energy that encompasses plastic surgery in general. All in all, I want to make a difference, and I can now say I’ve taken all the necessary steps and actions in doing so. 

Currently, I live in Chicago and work as a marketing director/aesthetician for Dr. Geoffrey Fenner at Fenner Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa in Kenilworth, IL. 

I can honestly say I understand the meaning behind the phrase “finding yourself.”  I finally feel as though I’ve found my true passion and have manifested more happiness back into my life all on my own. 

If you feel like you’re at a point in your life where donating to my Smile Fund, “See Nick Smile” makes sense to you, please do so by contributing to such an amazing cause.  My goal is to provide 101 surgeries for 101 children which equals a total of $24,250. I have no doubt I can achieve it because I believe in the good people out there that will help contribute to my goal of making a difference. There are millions of people out there, most of whom we are unaware of, impacting society positively and trying to change the world for the better, but I want to pose two questions, “What actions are you taking right now in your life to play a role in spreading love, positivity, and goodness to the world?”... and  “What personal talents and skill-sets of your own could you utilize to help make a difference in enhancing the lives of others?” If you cannot donate a monetary contribution to my fund, I, at the very least, want to inspire you all to make that investment in yourself and put the time in to figure out how you can make that difference within your own life so that you can then continue to do so in the lives of others like I am today. 

To “See Them Smile” is to “See Nick Smile,” and I want to express my gratitude to each and every person who has taken their valuable time to read my story.  I sincerely hope you can use your smile to change the world and that you remember to never let the world change YOUR smile.  @nicki.loizzi