Photographer / Robert Jones
When Shelley Clayton walked into her first shift as an emergency room nurse, she never imagined that years later she would be the owner of one of Central Indiana’s most sought-after medical aesthetics practices. While she thrived in the fast-paced environment of the ER, Clayton always held onto a childhood dream of working in aesthetics.
“I wanted to be a plastic surgeon when I was a kid,” she says. “But I didn’t want to commit to the 15 years of medical school. So I chose nursing and the ER first, but aesthetics was always in the back of my mind.”
That dream became reality in 2015 when Clayton began offering injectable services part-time out of a small Salon Loft location. Two years later, she launched the first Ageless Aesthetics location in Zionsville. The practice quickly gained a loyal following, which led to the opening of additional offices in Greenwood in 2021 and now in Fishers, where they are opening a brand-new permanent location this fall at the Avenue at Delaware Park.
Clayton says her vision for Ageless was to create a medical spa that delivers results without the sterile, intimidating feel of a surgeon’s office.
“I wanted women to feel like they were walking into their best friend’s home,” she says. “We’re approachable, supportive and there’s never pressure to buy a big package. We meet people where they are.”
Today, Ageless Aesthetics offers a comprehensive suite of services, including injectables, PDO threads, lasers, advanced facials, micro-needling and more. One of the newest additions is Sofwave, an ultrasound-based skin-tightening treatment that delivers quick results in a single session with no downtime.
Clients can choose from three options: Forever Flawless, which focuses on injectables, or the Gold and Platinum Skin Memberships, which allow members to select treatments each month at an affordable price.
“It makes self-care consistent and accessible,” Clayton says. “Our goal is to provide real results without overwhelming our clients financially.”
Clayton describes her journey as a classic “come up” story. With no clients and limited resources, she took a leap of faith as a single mom and independent injector.
“When I started, women didn’t typically own aesthetic practices,” she says. “It was mostly male plastic surgeons opening medical spas. I threw my whole heart and soul into it, and eight years later, we have three thriving clinics.”
Ageless Aesthetics fuels its growth through word-of-mouth and a strong emphasis on community. The business actively engages in local partnerships, donation drives and educational events. The Fishers grand opening will feature giveaways, demonstrations and a chance to meet the team reflecting Clayton’s philosophy that aesthetics should feel welcoming and accessible.
Running a growing business while raising children hasn’t been easy, but Clayton has found a way to strike a balance between the two.
“Some people would say I’ve lost my mind,” she says. “It’s a busy lifestyle. If I’m not at the office, I’m with my kids, driving them to activities. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Clayton finds fulfillment in creating opportunities for her staff, many of whom have built long-term careers at Ageless.
“I live my dream job,” she says. “I get to support amazing clients and provide a place where women can grow professionally, be paid well, and love what they do. That’s incredibly rewarding.”
As Ageless Aesthetics continues to expand, Clayton remains focused on keeping her practice approachable, innovative and client-centered. While she is open to adding more locations if the demand is there, she emphasizes that her biggest priority is maintaining the culture she has built.
“I’d love for Ageless to be the go-to home for women when it comes to aesthetics,” she says. “But even if I never got bigger than we are today, I’d be completely happy. I’m proud of how far we’ve come.”
From ER nurse to single mom entrepreneur, Shelley Clayton has transformed her vision into a flourishing business. A business that empowers women to look and feel their best, all while setting an example of resilience and leadership in Central Indiana’s business community.
For more information, visit agelessindy.com.
