Today we’d like to introduce you to Zara Tariq
Hi Zara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I truly started from the ground up. Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance early on. While in college and nursing school, I worked as a medical assistant for a cardiologist, which laid a strong foundation for my career in healthcare. I graduated with my BSN in 2011, with a dream of becoming a NICU nurse. I spent five incredible years working in the NICU, where I cared for some of the most critically ill babies—many of whom unfortunately never got to go home. It was both rewarding and heartbreaking, and after a while, I found myself experiencing burnout.
During my time off, I explored my passion for beauty and skincare, which had always been a personal interest of mine. I dabbled in freelance makeup artistry, but I also wanted to find a way to merge my scientific background with my creative side. That’s when I discovered aesthetics and realized this was the perfect intersection of both. I invested in my own training, took a pay cut, and committed to pursuing this new path.
To better serve my patients, I went back to school for my MSN and became a Nurse Practitioner, focusing on holistic care within the aesthetics field. I’ve now been injecting for over 10 years, and though I moved to Houston from Dallas three years ago and essentially started from scratch, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step has shaped who I am today and has brought me closer to my passion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think any meaningful journey ever is. Setbacks are a natural part of the process, and I believe they help shape you into a more resilient person. When I first entered the aesthetics field, it wasn’t as widely accepted or sought after as it is today. In fact, I faced a lot of skepticism, both from colleagues and even family. I had a relative who is a doctor tell me that what I was doing was just a ‘hobby’ and not a real career.
Despite that, my passion for the industry kept me going. I was determined to make this my career, and I dedicated myself to continuous learning—attending multiple trainings, conferences, and networking to put myself out there. Over the years, I worked for several corporate chain med spas, gaining invaluable experience. When I moved to Houston, I essentially had to start over and rebuild my client base, which was a challenge, but one I embraced.
On top of the professional hurdles, I also faced personal struggles. During the pandemic, I navigated the end of a 10-year toxic marriage while finishing my MSN. It was a time of deep personal transformation, and I truly believe aesthetics played a huge role in helping me regain my confidence. It gave me the strength to do what was best for myself.
Today, it’s my mission to help my clients feel that same confidence. I love getting to know the deeper ‘why’ behind why they’re sitting in my chair. For me, it’s never just about lip filler or Botox—it’s about helping people feel better about themselves, inside and out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an aesthetic Nurse Practitioner specializing in anti-aging, rejuvenation, and overall wellness. My services include a range of treatments such as laser treatments, skincare, injectables, and weight loss programs. One area I’m particularly passionate about is full facial balancing using injectables. While many providers can administer filler, not everyone has the skill to harmonize and sculpt the face in a way that enhances natural features without looking overdone. I believe that subtlety and artistry are key, and most of my clients come to me seeking a more refined version of themselves—just enhanced, not drastically altered—and that’s what I specialize in.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach. Because I offer a variety of treatments, I’m able to tailor care to each client’s unique needs, helping them achieve not just a beautiful appearance, but a balanced sense of well-being. I also pride myself on my honesty. If a client requests a treatment that isn’t right for them, I’m never afraid to say no. I think that honesty builds trust, and my clients know I’m always focused on what’s best for them, rather than just doing something for the sake of making money. Ultimately, my work is driven by my passion for aesthetics and helping people feel more confident in their own skin.
What’s next?
Recently, I took a major leap of faith and made the decision to leave my stable but stressful corporate med spa job. It was a big move, but I truly believe I now have the opportunity to create a space that’s fully tailored to my clients’ needs. In the corporate environment, I felt like my creative ideas and artistry were often stifled, and I was no longer able to provide the personalized care that truly resonates with me.
That’s when I partnered with Brittney Nazarian at Upkeep Aesthetics to build something special together. I’ve always known that the business side of things would be a learning curve for me, and I never wanted to take that journey alone. When I met Brit, it was an immediate connection—we share the same values and vision for what we want to offer, so it felt like the perfect fit to build this dream as a team.
I’m really looking forward to expanding our offerings with cutting-edge, meaningful treatments that will truly benefit our clients. What excites me most is the ability to do what’s best for them without any corporate constraints. For example, I created a membership program that allows clients to bank their monthly payments towards future services—something I believe is a much more thoughtful and client-focused way of approaching care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theupkeephouston.com
- Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/skinglamnp/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwihioCgo5uLAxUm78kDHWcZPFAQFnoECBsQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0dD-KKMNxu37TmOMRWLMz0
- Other: https://theupkeephouston.repeatmd.app/signin
