We recently had the chance to connect with Zara Tariq and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zara, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about medical aesthetics is that it’s about completely changing the way someone looks. In reality, it’s about helping people look like the best version of themselves at any age. For me, aesthetics is deeply tied to confidence and self-care. I always remind my patients that they are already beautiful. I’m not here to change them, but to enhance their natural features in a way that feels authentic. The goal is never to make someone look “different,” but rather refreshed, balanced, and comfortable in their own skin.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Zara Tariq, and I’m a Nurse Practitioner in medical aesthetics with over 10 years of experience. In that time, I’ve learned that people are looking for more than just treatments. They want trust, guidance, and real conversations about beauty, confidence, and self-care. That’s why I recently launched my website and blog, where I share both education on treatments and skin health as well as my personal experiences as a provider, mom, and woman in this field. My hope is to connect with patients and followers on a deeper level, break down misconceptions about aesthetics, and create a space where people feel informed, safe, supported, and empowered to embrace their own version of beauty.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with myself. We’re constantly evolving, but for me that growth really began during my divorce. I had to face myself, embrace self-love, and learn who I was again. That painful season taught me resilience and gave me the perspective to truly appreciate the healthy love I have now with my husband.
Becoming a mom took that self-discovery to an entirely new level. Motherhood is beautiful, but it’s also raw and humbling. Birth and recovery were incredibly difficult. I came close to losing my life, and my postpartum journey tested me physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways I never expected. That season forced me to rebuild not just my body, but my confidence and identity. It showed me that strength doesn’t come from looking put-together all the time, but from surviving, healing, and showing up for yourself and your child even when it’s hard.
Those experiences have shaped me into someone who values authenticity, resilience, and compassion in all aspects of life. They’ve taught me that the relationship we nurture with ourselves is the foundation for every other relationship in life.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is imposter syndrome, and I can still feel it surface in certain moments. I remember early in my career walking into rooms filled with more experienced providers and questioning whether I truly belonged. Even now, there are days when that same voice creeps in, whispering doubts.
Confidence has never come easily to me, even though I feel such purpose and strength when I am helping my patients feel their best. Over time, I have realized that part of growth is learning to give myself the same grace and encouragement that I so naturally give to others.
I have also learned to be at peace with not being liked by everyone. Some people will support you simply because it is you, and others will never support you for that very same reason. And that is okay. What matters most to me is standing up for what is right and always putting my patients first.
Accepting these truths, trusting myself despite self doubt, and releasing the need for approval from everyone has been transformative. It reminds me that sometimes the person who needs compassion the most is yourself.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. The version of me people see on social media is often polished and curated, but that doesn’t show the full story. Life is messy, and I’ve learned that true connection comes from embracing both the highs and the struggles. Sharing the real, imperfect parts of myself whether it’s my journey through motherhood, postpartum recovery, or personal growth has been empowering. I hope it encourages others to embrace their own authenticity too. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s how we build trust, inspire confidence, and connect on a deeper level.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Every day in my career is different. Some days I’m juggling the challenges of being a working mom, and other days imposter syndrome creeps in. But the early days of my career, landing my first injecting roles and learning new techniques, were the “tap dancing” days full of excitement and exhilaration. While I still love what I do and push myself to grow every year, I’d say I’m now in the middle of my journey. Lately, my focus has shifted from the day-to-day work to giving back to my community through mentoring, training others, and sharing my story to inspire the next generation of providers. Many of my injector friends turn to me for advice and guidance, and I’m humbled by that trust, but I also remain open enough to seek wisdom from my own mentors. That balance of giving and receiving makes this season of my career feel just as rewarding as those early “tap dancing” moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zaratariq.com
- Instagram: @skinglamnp
- Other: TikTok @skinglamnp
