In Middletown, Delaware, an inspiring initiative called “Empowerment Beyond Scars” was launched on October 12, 2023. This new nonprofit organization, spearheaded by Brandi Gregge, MSN, FNP-BC, is on a mission to heal both the visible and invisible scars of survivors of physical abuse and violence in interpersonal relationships. This initiative offers regenerative medical aesthetic services for free, thanks to partnerships with international pharmaceutical companies.
Brandi Gregge is not just the founder of Empowerment Beyond Scars; she is also the medical director of Mint & Needle, a medical aesthetics practice in Middletown. Her journey to creating this nonprofit was inspired by her own personal experiences, aiming to give other survivors the chance to change their stories. “Empowerment Beyond Scars is about transforming pain into power. It’s our mission to help survivors rewrite their stories, to see the beauty and strength that’s been there all along but may have been overshadowed by their experiences,” Gregge states.
Empowerment Beyond Scars was established as a separate nonprofit to build a national network of medical aesthetic providers. It plans to work closely with healthcare, nonprofit, and government agencies across local and national levels. This collaboration aims to spread the word and provide educational resources about the treatments and services available. Gregge elaborates, “By partnering with healthcare, nonprofit, and government agencies, we’re not just providing services; we’re building a community of support and education around regenerative aesthetics.”
The need for such services has been growing, as indicated by a 2021 report from The Safety in Beauty Campaign. This report highlighted an increase in people seeking free or charitable aesthetic procedures related to domestic violence. Medical aesthetics, which Mint & Needle focuses on, involves minimally invasive procedures like injectables and lasers. These treatments aim to heal, rejuvenate, and enhance a person’s appearance, emphasizing the body’s natural healing capabilities rather than resorting to major surgeries.
Brandi Gregge believes in the importance of recognizing and enhancing the natural beauty each person possesses. She emphasizes that aesthetic medicine should boost confidence by highlighting what individuals already have. “Everyone has unique beauty, and our goal is to help individuals feel more confident and comfortable in their skin,” she says. Her expertise, coupled with a comprehensive background in both the medical and business sectors, has empowered her to successfully lead Mint & Needle since its inception in 2019. The practice prides itself on offering regenerative solutions that prioritize natural aesthetic outcomes.
Gregge’s influence extends beyond her practice; she is a well-respected speaker, trainer, and influencer in the aesthetics industry. Her work has been recognized in several prestigious publications, and she is committed to supporting survivors of all forms of physical trauma, including cancer survivors, burn victims, and those recovering from severe injuries.
The announcement of Empowerment Beyond Scars was made during an annual celebration for Mint & Needle, reflecting Gregge’s long-standing commitment to combining medical expertise with aesthetic treatments to empower individuals. “We invite everyone who shares our vision, from medical professionals to survivors, to join us in this mission,” Gregge calls to action.
The mission statement of Empowerment Beyond Scars highlights its commitment to changing the narrative around scars. It aims to create a world where scars are symbols of strength and resilience, achieved through the art of regenerative aesthetics. The organization focuses on compassion, inclusivity, and solidarity, striving to build a community where survivors of gender-based violence can find their strength and reclaim their power.
