What is your hometown, what brought you to the
Pensacola Bay area, and how long have you been here?
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and attended
undergraduate and graduate school at the University of South
Alabama. I was actively into windsurfi ng and sailing and, of
course, the beautiful waters and beach access was attractive to
me. I had worked in multiple cities but loved the small-town feel.
I have been here 25+ years.
What is your profession and give a brief description of
what you do.
I am owner of Still Waters Day and Medical Spa, a full-service
day spa that also provides cosmetic medical procedures such as
laser hair removal, chemical peels, and cosmetic injectables. I
am nurse practitioner and perform many of these procedures.
In addition, I am a national trainer for laser and injectable
procedures.
What led you to choose this profession?
After 15 years of working as a nurse in ER and trauma nursing, I
was ready for a change, but I still was attracted to a business that
provides care for others. At Still Waters Day and Medical Spa, I
was able to satisfy my desire and my staff’s desire to help people.
Instead of helping people during medical crisis, we assist people
with day to day transformational change; by disconnecting them
from day to day stress with a relaxing massage, or by helping
with confi dence boosting procedures to make them look and feel
their best.
What do you like best about Pensacola? What makes it
so unique?
I love the people! After living out west I knew I wanted the
warmth of human interaction that is found in the South. But I
didn’t want to embrace the Hollywood caricature of the South.
In the city, I found a happy medium, but I have witnessed great
changes in love and acceptance between races and religions
here. Although key community leaders have stimulated much
change by investing fi nancially in Pensacola, I see individuals
making a difference with their service to others. Whether it is
a street preacher investing time with the homeless, or a retired
lady raising money to help those struggling with their power bill,
people are behind the lines investing efforts in our community.
I personally have benefi ted from that support by our faithful
customers who keep their business local.
Three words that best describe you.
Optimistic, Fun-Loving, Introspective.
Favorite Things you like about Pensacola.
Incredible beaches, pristine water, eclectic downtown shopping,
church on every corner with varied faiths that come together for
the good.
I AM PENSACOLA because…
I am southern by birth, and by choice. Pensacola may not be my
heritage, but God willing, it will always be my future, and my
children’s future. My family is committed this multiheritage,
beautiful city!
I AM PENSACOLA
Mary Anne Aanestad ARNP
photo by Kristina Wright
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