We recently connected with Marya Khalil and have shared our conversation below.
Marya, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Inheriting a business at the tender age of 25 thrust me into a whirlwind of responsibilities, but back then, self-care was a foreign concept. In those early days, my life was starkly different— I was single, I lived in a cramped apartment, and did not have children. Coping with the loss of my father, I sought solace in work. Often I would stay at work at our gigantic warehouse by myself until very late at night. I was trying to refocus my grief.
By 2020 my life had shifted dramatically. By then, I was married, a mother to two beautiful children and a dog, and the proud owner of a lovely home. But just as life seemed to settle into a comfortable rhythm, the world was jolted by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear gripped me as I contemplated the survival of my business in the face of unprecedented challenges. Yet, amidst the chaos, a silver lining emerged—the pandemic compelled us all to slow down, to reassess our priorities, and appreciate life.
For me, this forced slowdown became a pivotal moment in my self-care journey. Acknowledging the importance of nurturing my mental health, I took the courageous step of starting therapy—something that initially felt daunting but ultimately became my lifeline. I embraced the practice of journaling, finding solace in the written word. The newfound flexibility of working out from home transformed exercise from a stressful thing I had to do to something I enjoyed. Most importantly, I confronted the profound grief of losing my father, learning to navigate its complexities with honesty.
Yet, amidst this transformative journey, one piece of the puzzle remained unresolved: my relationship with alcohol. Years of attempting moderation proved futile, trapping me in a cycle of anxiety and shame. My struggle was full of endless rules and broken promises. Six months ago, I took an amazing leap toward true self-care—I embraced sobriety, liberating myself from the shackles of a life dictated by societal expectations. Breaking free from the clutches of alcohol became my ultimate act of self-love and empowerment, marking a monumental milestone in my pursuit of well-being.
Embracing sobriety has provided me with a profound sense of liberation. It has allowed me to redefine my identity and escape the confines of the life I once thought I was destined to live.
Today, as I reflect on my transformative journey, I stand as a testament to the power of self-care—a journey marked by resilience, self-discovery, and unwavering determination. Through the highs and lows, I’ve emerged stronger, armed with the understanding that authentic self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a vital, non-negotiable foundation upon which a fulfilling life is built.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Marya Khalil is the co-founder of VI Peel. Marya was the inspiration behind the product, the reason it was formulated, and the first patient to have used the VI Peel. As a teenager, Marya struggled with cystic acne. It was only through her father, Dr. Khalil’s revolutionary VI Peel formula that she found a safe, painless cure to treat her condition. Now Marya’s mission is to help people of all skin types restore their confidence, so they can reach their true life potential. Marya is the President & CEO of VI Peel for over 10 years. Under the leadership of CEO Marya Khalil, VI has grown to offer 6 medical grade VI Peel formulations customized for various skin conditions, and VI Derm Beauty, a full portfolio of clinical daily care products specifically formulated to reduce pigment and increase cell turnover. Marya recently won the award for Top CEO and the #1 Chemical Peel brand in 2019. Marya graduated from NYU in 2008 with a degree in Cinema Studies and Communications, with a focus on Broadcast Journalism. Her dream was to make a difference in the world and to help improve people’s lives. At age of 25, when she was appointed to CEO, she was able to make her dream come true.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Resiliency, determination, and problem-solving. Honestly, the best way to learn is to do and practice. And fail and pick up the pieces and start over again.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Imposter syndrome has been a persistent challenge in my professional journey, one that I continually work hard to overcome. Recently, I faced a particularly difficult situation when I was part of a peer group that ultimately decided I wasn’t a good fit. This led to my forced exit. This experience intensified my imposter syndrome. It amplified the self-doubt that I often battle. As a minority woman in the business world, the hurdles and discrimination I face are significant, and being removed from the peer group reinforced the negative beliefs that have haunted me.
The struggle of not feeling deserving of the opportunities I’ve been given has been a constant companion. Doubting my place in leadership roles has been a recurring theme. The feeling of not being intelligent enough to excel in my position looms. These thoughts have, at times, overshadowed my accomplishments and made it difficult to acknowledge my own capabilities. Despite these challenges, I am determined to confront my imposter syndrome head-on. It takes constant effort (and therapy!) But I know sitting in a pity party full of resentment does me no good.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vipeel.com
- Instagram:instagram.com/maryakhalil
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryakhalil/
- Youtube: youtube.com/vipeel
