An Inspired Chat with Ruth Swissa of Calabasas, CA

We recently had the chance to connect with Ruth Swissa and have shared our conversation below.

Ruth , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
That’s such a great question. I think the biggest misconception about Ruth Swissa MedSpa comes from the name itself. When people hear “medspa,” they immediately think of Botox, fillers, and surface-level beauty treatments — which makes sense, because that’s what the industry title often implies. But that’s where the misunderstanding begins.

When I look at Ruth Swissa MedSpa, or when those closest to me do, we see something much deeper. We see a place built on restoring confidence, enhancing natural beauty, and helping people heal. Many of our clients are burn survivors, breast cancer survivors, trauma patients, or individuals who have gone through life-changing experiences and are now seeking to feel whole again.

To me, what makes our work so dynamic is that every person who walks through our doors carries a story — and no two are the same. Whether someone comes in for a scar camouflage treatment or even just a simple facial, it’s never just about vanity. It’s about connection, healing, and taking a moment to care for oneself in a world that can be overwhelming.

At the end of the day, Ruth Swissa MedSpa isn’t just a place for beauty — it’s a place for community, comfort, and confidence. It’s where people come to feel seen, supported, and a little more like themselves again.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello readers, my name is Ruth Swissa, and I’m a Certified Medical Micropigmentation Specialist with offices in both Calabasas and Beverly Hills, California. For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of combining artistry and medical precision through medical tattooing and permanent makeup.

I specialize in scar camouflage, areola pigmentation, and permanent makeup services such as eyebrows, eyeliner, and lip blushing. At my medical spa, we also offer advanced treatments including laser therapies, CO₂ resurfacing, tattoo removal, microneedling, neurotoxins, fillers, and facials — and the list, thank G-d, continues to grow!

What truly makes my work meaningful isn’t just the treatments themselves, which I love to perform of course, but the people behind them. Every client who sits in my chair has a unique story, and the ability to connect with each person — to help them feel confident and whole again — is what fuels my passion every single day. I feel incredibly blessed to do what I love while helping others rediscover their beauty and confidence.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I am Ruth Swissa. I don’t think I’ve ever conformed to what anyone thought I should be — honestly, I wouldn’t even know how. I’ve always moved through life guided by curiosity, with a deep love for both art and science, and an instinct to merge the two in a way that helps others.

I’ve never felt the need to live by titles or expectations. Instead, I’ve simply followed the path the universe has placed before me. Every day, I wake up and ask myself how I can best align with my purpose — what I’m meant to create, give, and become in this lifetime.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I don’t think I’ve ever truly felt the urge to give up. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve always allowed myself to simply be — to evolve and choose who I am in each moment, while still moving with intention. I don’t put negative pressure on myself to meet a rigid idea of success, because I genuinely don’t believe in the concept of “giving up.”

To me, everything in life is connected. Every experience — even something as simple as a music class you took in sixth grade — becomes a tool that serves you later in ways you may not expect. So when something doesn’t go as planned or I step away from a project, I don’t view that as quitting. I see it as redirection — a necessary step that teaches me something valuable for what’s coming next.

I’ve never felt that giving up was an option, because when you live with passion, your journey isn’t linear. You don’t have to go from A to B to C to reach your destination. Every lesson, every pause, every pivot — it’s all part of the process that shapes who you are and where you’re meant to go.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I live with authenticity because I’ve learned that being your true self will always serve you best. Seeking approval or validation from others is a waste of energy — the only acceptance that truly matters is your own.

People are far more focused on themselves than we realize, so there’s no need to perform. The strongest foundation for anything — whether it’s business, relationships, or personal growth — is authenticity. Without it, everything eventually falls apart.

What you see of me online — every post, video, or interaction — is entirely real. There’s no curated persona, no separation between who I am publicly and privately. What you see is exactly who I am.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace at the end of a fulfilling day at work, knowing that every person who walked through my doors leaves feeling happier than when they arrived. There’s something profoundly rewarding in seeing a patient take even a small moment from our time together — whether through conversation or quiet reflection — and leave my spa feeling more content, more confident, or simply lighter than before.

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