Rising Stars: Meet Sahar Rehman of Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahar Rehman

Hi Sahar, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the world of aesthetics began long before I even realized it had started. I can still picture my middle school self, sneaking my Sephora festival palette into the bathroom before basketball games. I’d swipe on the most outrageous blue and gold eyeshadow for the cheerleaders— insanity we all adored. I didn’t realize how deep of a core memory that would be for me.
In high school, I leaned in to my craft. My winged liner became a daily ritual, a signature look perfected through several trials and countless errors. I think I did it better then than I do now. Art classes fueled my creativity, and makeup became my canvas—a way to explore, experiment, and express. One day, someone asked me to do their makeup. Then another. And another. By senior year, my weekends were a blur of appointments: homecomings, proms, senior portraits. What started as a small passion blossomed into something bigger than I imagined.

There is a profound gratification in watching someone light up after seeing themselves in the mirror. That transformation, the newfound confidence, kept me inspired. It’s a privilege to be part of life’s milestones—baby showers, graduations, weddings. Doing my sister’s makeup for her wedding was something I’ll hold dear for life. Each moment is a story I’ve been honored to help tell. By the time I reached college, my work had made its way into rooms I never considered. From there, I ventured into advertisements, commercial, print, digital, and more photoshoots than I can count. Every project, every person, remains a cherished memory.

I never pursued makeup full-time, and in many ways, that has been a gift. It’s never felt like work—just passion. My favorite hobby. While my heart was drawn to beauty, my mind was stuck on science. I earned my degree in Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University, and now I’m pursuing a career in aesthetic nursing. It feels like the perfect fusion of two worlds I love: the precision of science and the artistry of beauty.

This journey has shown me that passion evolves, yet it remains at the core of everything I do. Whether blending eyeshadow or mixing Botox, I know I’ve found my place—a career where I can inspire confidence and creativity in others while continuing to grow myself.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any worthwhile journey, mine hasn’t been without its share of obstacles. I never became a licensed esthetician, which limited my opportunities outside of freelance work. There were days I wondered if I had made the right choice—if getting that license might have allowed me to chase the pursuit full-time. But sometimes, the clearest path isn’t revealed until later. It wasn’t until after I graduated college that I realized how perfectly my endeavors aligned with aesthetic nursing.

The timing couldn’t have been coincidence. The week of my college graduation, before I even had the chance to walk across the stage, I started onboarding at a med spa. It wasn’t part of some grand plan. I knew I didn’t want to spend my days in a lab, but I also know my spending habits. I was sending out job applications left and right, unsure of my next step. And then it was like the med spa opportunity found me. Before I could second-guess it, I was immersed in a role that would reshape my trajectory.

Looking back, I’m endlessly grateful for the series of events that led me there. That one decision became a turning point, steering me toward a career that perfectly intersects science and beauty. It was in that transition that I discovered my niche—a place where I feel truly at home. Every obstacle, every moment of doubt, led me here, and for that, I am profoundly thankful.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I have the privilege of working alongside one of the most talented aesthetic nurses in the Triangle area, Mrs. Rhonda Gately, NP. Together with our team of skilled injectors, I’ve had the honor of spearheading the introduction of PRP treatments into our clinic. From start to finish, I ensure everything runs smoothly, and in doing so, I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience. We won Raleigh’s best Med Spa of 2024 and it’s one thing to be a part of a great team, but another to be recognized as the best!

Through this role, I’ve immersed myself in the artistry and science of neuromodulators, hyaluronic acid fillers, and medical-grade skincare. The joy it brings mirrors what first drew me to makeup: the ability to help someone feel radiant and confident in their own skin. It’s more than a treatment; it’s a transformation, and witnessing that boost of confidence in others is deeply fulfilling.

I’ve always believed that if there’s something you don’t like—whether in yourself or in life—you should take steps to change it. This belief fuels my work every day, empowering others to embrace change and discover the beauty they’ve always wanted to see in themselves.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I was born and raised in the Triangle, and it will always be home to me. There’s a sense of familiarity and comfort here that I’ve never found anywhere else. I’m blessed to have a large family, and being close to them is a gift I deeply cherish. Having my alma mater, NC State, right here in Raleigh makes it even more special—it’s where so many of my memories and milestones were made.

Raleigh holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its past, but because of its growth. I’ve watched the city evolve, expanding in ways that excite me for its future. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m thrilled by the way the food scene has flourished over the last few years. There’s so much more to try now, and each new spot adds something fresh to the community.

What excites me most, though, is seeing Raleigh open itself to more opportunities for culture. Slowly but surely, the city is becoming more vibrant, more diverse, and more colorful. I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow, and I feel lucky to call it home.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://instagram.com/saharsmakeup