Meet Zara Tariq

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zara Tariq. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zara , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience is layered—built over years of surviving, healing, and choosing to rewrite my story. I grew up in a complicated and emotionally heavy environment that taught me how to be self-sufficient from a young age. I lost my brother as a teenager, and that kind of grief never fully leaves you—it just reshapes the way you move through the world.

I got married when I was 20 and spent nearly a decade in a toxic, verbally abusive relationship. I also dreamed of becoming a mother, and that relationship was taking that from me. It took me years to find the courage to save myself. After undergoing cardiac surgery for SVT, I had a moment of clarity: I didn’t want to just survive—I wanted to create a life I actually loved living.

And when I finally made space for that, something beautiful happened—I found a love that was peaceful, kind, and steady. I had done the work to know what I truly deserved, and that allowed me to receive it without fear. That kind of love has been healing in itself.

Then came motherhood. I almost died giving birth to my son, and the recovery was traumatic. But that experience anchored me in a deeper purpose. It reminded me of how precious life and health truly are—and how strong women are, especially when we’ve been through hell and still find a way to love, nurture, and rise. Overcoming that, along with postpartum depression, was exceptionally difficult. It took me two years after having my son to finally start feeling like myself again. During the hardest moments, I reminded myself to be grateful for the life I once prayed for.

Resilience, for me, has come from all of these turning points. Each one stripped something away—but also revealed something powerful underneath. Today, as a Pakistani-American woman, mother, wife, and nurse practitioner, I feel a deep responsibility to be the version of myself I needed when I was younger. If I could meet that young Zara, I’d tell her not to be afraid—because she’s stronger than she knows.

In my work as an aesthetic provider, I see firsthand how much vulnerability goes into wanting to look and feel like your best self. Aesthetics isn’t just about beauty—it’s about trust, emotional safety, and showing up for people with integrity. I take that responsibility seriously, because I know what it feels like to not be seen, to be dismissed, or to feel like you’re not enough. My goal is to create a space where people feel cared for, understood, and empowered—inside and out.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Professionally, I’m a board-certified Nurse Practitioner working in medical aesthetics. I specialize in natural, restorative cosmetic treatments that help my clients look refreshed—not overdone. I believe aesthetics, when done thoughtfully, is a form of self-care and empowerment. It’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about feeling like the best version of yourself and having that confidence radiate into every area of your life.

What I find most special about this work is the trust people place in me—it’s such an intimate space. I meet people during vulnerable moments, and I don’t take that lightly. Whether someone is preparing for a milestone, healing from something personal, or simply trying to reclaim themselves after a hard season, I see the whole person behind the treatment. My goal is always to listen closely, honor their goals, and make them feel safe, seen, and cared for.

Recently, I’ve been focusing more on connecting with my community through social media. I started a weekly video series called Skinglam Couch Chats, where I talk about aesthetics, skincare, and self-worth in a way that’s both educational and personal. It’s been such a meaningful way to share not just my expertise, but also my journey—the real moments behind the polished photos. I want people to know that there’s a human being behind the syringe, someone who truly understands the emotional weight of this work.

Whether it’s through results in the treatment room or the conversations we have online, I’m passionate about creating a space where beauty, healing, and honesty can coexist. That’s the foundation for everything I do.

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?

Resilience, hard work, and determination have been the driving forces in my journey. Resilience kept me going through personal challenges. Hard work helped me build trust in a competitive industry. And determination is what pushed me to keep showing up—even when things felt overwhelming or uncertain.

Another key factor has been the willingness to learn—and to keep learning. Aesthetics is such a dynamic and evolving field. It’s not just science, it’s also art. You have to be committed to staying curious, staying humble, and never assuming you’ve “arrived.” Every patient is different, and the learning truly never stops.

And honestly, investing in therapy and mental health support has also been a game-changer. It’s helped me stay grounded, manage the emotional weight of both my personal and professional life, and stay connected to my “why.”

For anyone just starting out, my biggest advice is to be patient with the process, stay teachable, and don’t be afraid to ask for help—professionally or personally. This work requires both skill and heart. Keep showing up with both, and you’ll build something meaningful.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Not to sound morbid, but this is something I actually think about often. Losing my brother at a young age taught me that life is truly unpredictable—we never know when our last day will be. That awareness has shaped how I live and love.

If I had just a decade left, I would spend it continuing to do what I love: helping people feel more confident in themselves, spreading positivity, and pouring love into the people who matter most. Especially my son—he is my why, my purpose, my answered prayer.

I want to give him everything I didn’t have and more—not just in things, but in emotional security, joy, and presence. I want him to know how precious life is, and that even when it’s hard, we still have the power to manifest a life we’re proud of. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind: love, strength, and the reminder that we get to choose how we show up in this world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zaratariq.com
• Instagram: Skinglamnp