Meet Tamika Burks | Licensed Esthetician & CMA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamika Burks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamika, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My balanced has changed over time by actually creating balance. Initially I did not have balance, and would work 7 days a week, did not pray/meditate (as I usually do), spent less time with my family/friends, stopped working out, decreased hours of sleep. Currently, I give myself a full day off of work (once or twice a month), increased family time, working out 3 to 4 days weekly, increased hours of sleep (to at least 6.5hrs nightly), and increased prayer/meditation.

I think balance is a very important factor in your work life, and could make the difference between being successful and unsuccessful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career started in Dermatology 14+ years ago as a Certified Medical Assistant working in general/pediatric, cosmetic Dermatology and skin cancer surgery. I also worked in research as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Dermatology doing clinical trials for various pharmaceutical companies. I have a strong love and passion for all things skin and skincare. I also love educating my patients/clients about skincare, skin cancer and learning from them.

What sets me apart from others is my extensive background in General/Cosmetic Dermatology, Mohs skin cancer & reconstructive surgery and how I use my experience and knowledge to incorporate it with esthetics to provide my patients/clients with the best quality of care, and skin analysis to help maximize and achieve their skin goals.

I’m excited to be able to educate and provide services for all skin types. I’m also excited to bring skincare awareness to medium to darker skin tones. I have met so many women and men that have stated to me, stating “can you give me a black person chemical peel?” I want to educate people and let them know there is not a “black person” chemical peel. Teach them about the various types of peels and the best one for their skin/skin type.

I got to where I am today from taking a chance (risk) on myself. While finishing school, I was offered a Medial Aesthetician position in the Dermatology office I currently work at . I gladly accepted and started working shortly after receiving my license. Once the pandemic happened, later came the shut downs. I started my business, part time and shortly after the country opened back up. Still working in Dermatology as I am needed in multiple other departments and work my business part time. It’s definitely not an easy process, but I always strive for success and continue to push myself and think positive.

Lesson learned along the way, always stay positive, celebrate the small wins, learn from your mistakes (write it down for reference), always network as able and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

I want the world to know I’m a very passionate and motivated person that loves to motivate and educate people of all age. I achieve my goals by helping my clients/patients achiever theirs

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
She probably would arrive on a Saturday, so I would most definitely give her a facial, do some waxing (brows), and maybe a little make up (soft beat lol). We would get a bite to eat at Grits and Eggs in Atlanta, then we would get a city pass, and visit Georgia aquarium, world of coca cola and then eat at Max’s coal oven pizzeria. Club stone mountain, eat at stone mountain park (multiple on site restaurants then Chick-fil-a college football hall of fame, next day Fernbank museum of National History and Centennial park, check out one of the lounges (suite food lounge), Battery Atlanta & Braves game (at Truist park), drinks at fat Tuesday, Sports and social, CRU restaurant (great wine/food), then National Center for Civil and Human rights center.. We would take a couple days, chill and relax hangnout at the pool, then go watch a move at silver spot Cinema then relax. Shopping that morning at North Premium outlets. Relax and maybe hangout at the battery.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my family, friends, and Instructors at Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics (Kimberly Russell, Alena Mendez, and Tracey Edwards just to name a few) for all there encouragement, love, and support throughout the entire process and even now. I truly thank god and appreciate them because they knew back then that I was very passionate about skincare and starting a business to help others achieve their goals. I picked my instructors brains daily, and they always gave me 110%; for that I am grateful. School is definitely what you make it, and I made the best of it. My instructors made my experience great.

I also would like to shout myself out because I worked full time (40+ hrs weekly), went to school part time, plus helped take care of my family. I did not miss one day of work or school, was never late and graduated with honors. The best is yet to come.

Website: www.vagaro.com/notjustlashes

Instagram: @Njlbeautybar

Facebook: facebook.com/notjustlashesbeautyandspa

Yelp: Not Just Lashes Beauty bar

Image Credits
Tamika Burks