HER STORY ⟡ Dr. Julie Gunther
Today, we are meeting Dr. Julie Gunther of Wildfire Aesthetics!
Why I started:
I started this work after walking through breast cancer—a journey that changed not just my health, but how I understand beauty, identity, and autonomy. It reframed everything. I realized how deeply our sense of self is tied to how we feel in our bodies, and I wanted to create a space where people—especially women navigating change—could reconnect with themselves. I also wanted a career that allowed me to be present for my family, aligned with my values, and grounded in both science and meaning. And I wanted to do something with instant gratification because after almost 20 years in primary care I was excited to see the results of my skill and work…right away.
What I love about being a business owner:
I love the ability to create something intentional and deeply personal. I love doing what I want. ;) I get to practice medicine in a way that centers the patient fully—their goals, their story, their autonomy. I have the freedom to keep learning, to evolve, and to bring the highest level of care to the people I serve. I love being able to change my mind and to pivot to do what gets the best results and makes the most sense right. now. I hate wasting time. Owning my own business lets me set the tone of the day, be as efficient as possible with intention and dictate the terms of how I care for others.
What type of impact do you hope to have on those you meet and/or treat?
I hope people feel seen, respected, and empowered. I want patients to leave feeling more like themselves—not different, not “fixed,” but aligned with who they are. For those who’ve experienced illness or major life changes, I hope to offer a sense of restoration—not just physically, but emotionally. And more broadly, I hope to encourage people to think differently about beauty: as something rooted in authenticity, choice, and self-trust.
Who or what inspires you?
My patients inspire me every single day—their resilience, their honesty, and their willingness to show up even when things are hard. I’m also inspired by strong, thoughtful physicians and educators, by science, and by the intersection of medicine and art. I am passionately curious and get excited about many things. Most significantly I am driven by authenticity. I love people who tell true stories, who are fully what they are. There is great grace and beauty in fully embraced imperfection. And of course, my family keeps me grounded and supported and happy and allows me to be fully who I am which is a great privilege.
What is your favorite piece of advice or quote?
“Stop expecting yourself from other people.” This is a bit of a two-edged quote but to me it means to allow others the dignity of their uniqueness and to not assume that what makes sense to me makes sense to them. And to be mindful of how I give of myself and whom I give things to because we are not all wired for generosity. We can and must give and do without expecting the same in return.
What does BEAUTY mean to you?
Beauty lives in proportion and authenticity. Beauty is unique in so many forms. Beauty is a feeling in the center of your chest- a harmoniousness. It’s not about perfection, in fact perfect symmetry robs us of that hummm that we feel when we experience beauty. Beauty is about alignment between how you feel inside and how you move through the world.
What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?
Trust yourself. Do what makes sense to you and turn off all of the outside noise or desire for approval. You don’t have to know with absolute certainty that something is, you just have to believe it is. Believe in yourself. The best way to live is manifesting your own dreams and your own learning and that, on the daily, is a privilege.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
I’m honored to be part of a community of strong, thoughtful, and driven women. I do everything with intention and an absolute drive for excellence. There are many choices in the medical aesthetics space and regulation is minimal. Your face and how you present yourself to the world is not the place to look for discount care or to cut corners. Medical aesthetics is a branch of medical care. I’d love to meet you and help you with intention, expertise, skill (and some fun) on your self-care aesthetics journey.
New Clients Mention TBB for a special offer!
Website: https://www.wildfireaesthetics.com/
