This week we're chatting with Justin Holiwell, medical assistant and certified phlebotomist. Learn what Justin wanted to be when he grew up and what led him down the path of medicine.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in the medical field?

A: My parents. Mom is a physician’s assistant and Dad is an optometrist.

Q: What training is necessary to become a medical assistant? What does it take to be a great medical assistant?

A: Medical assistants here in CA can be trained on the job by a physician. To be a great medical assistant takes attentiveness and the ability think quickly.

Q: Tell us the truth, did you become a phlebotomist because it’s such a fun word?

A: Haha, no, I’m afraid not. I actually didn’t even want to be a phlebotomist but my parents made me in college. I’m truly grateful that they did, I just don’t tell them that.

Q: When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Easy, a cartoonist for Disney!

Q: We understand you have another passion in addition to medicine. Tell us more about that. (Yoga)

A: Started practicing about two years ago. Since then I have started teaching at multiple places around town (CorePower & The Lab) including offering privates (Namaste at Om). I just got into leading trainings, helping prep the next generation of yoga teachers.

Q: Are you a native of Santa Barbara? If not, where are you from and what drew you to live here?

A: No, I am originally from Bakersfield. Right now it’s 100 degrees plus in Bakersfield, that’s all the reason I needed.

Q: What’s one thing Nest insiders should know about you?

A: A closet isn’t complete without bowties and at least one pair of wingtip shoes.