Meet Zakia Miller | Esthetician & Owner – Ansari Aesthetics

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

Hi Zakia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Fresh out of college, during the early years of my career, I had no interest in work life balance. I was primarily focused on work and advancing to the next level. Constant studying even after college filled my nights, while I let work consume my days. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The dedicated work and focus I put into my former career path allowed me to see very early on that I wanted something totally different for myself and my family.

Turning 30 was pivotal in my life, I decided I no longer wanted a standard 40-hour work week. I didn’t want to spend my days in an office, counting down to the weekend, where I was expected to cram the best of times into a 2-day period. I needed flexibility, space, and time to develop Zakia, the mother and woman within.

I shifted my focus from what would make me financially satisfied to what would make my heart happy and my soul sing. One day after work, I sat down and drew a triangle. I put God at the top of the triangle and my son’s name in the middle, I then had two sides left to consider. I chose family on the right and adventure/experience on the left, and I haven’t looked back since.

Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.

-Jana Kingsford

What should our readers know about your business?
Ansari Aesthetics is a boutique skincare clinic located in downtown Athens, just across from the University of Georgia.  We offer services in a private setting, allowing guests to have an exclusive personalized experience with a licensed competent professional. Although our primary goal at Ansari Aesthetics is results, we have a deep focus on both your conscious and subconscious relaxation, as well.

We’ve set ourselves apart from our competitors by mastering the art of your skin consultation and analysis. We recognize that every face is unique and welcome the challenge of conquering your most difficult skin concerns.

We’re very proud of our success rate with client satisfaction and retention. Although we do not have a large social media following, in a time where social media status is thought to be king, we still do really well within our community. We’re excited to continue to build our bond with our skin friends and support our community at large.

On a personal note, I’ve succeeded in business by being honest, thoughtful and understanding. I learned a long time ago to “seek first to understand, and then to be understood”. Any challenges I have faced, I’ve been able to overcome quickly through prayer, proper planning, and perseverance. I’ve learned to not take myself and others so seriously, I’ve learned grace and to really trust the process, and God’s timing.

I want the world to know, you do not have to “go at it” alone. You just have to be willing to let someone in. We’re always here for you at Ansari Aesthetics, and I appreciate the relationships I’ve built with my skin friends.

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?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. I like to move around for sure. If you’re a shopaholic like me, I would say check out both the luxury stores at Lenox Mall in Atlanta and the luxury outlets in Dawsonville for some fantastic finds.

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?
Aside from God, my mother has been the driving force in my life. I would not be the woman that I am today without her direction and influence. We don’t always see eye to eye, but she is everything to me.

Website: www.AnsariSkin.com

Instagram: @Ansari.Skin