Meet Sahar A Maher of Level Up Skincare and Acne Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahar A Maher

Hi Sahar A, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I officially started my esthetician track in 2016 because, truthfully, I wanted to learn the best ways to age gracefully. In this pursuit, I felt truly fulfilled because not only did I learn the fundamentals of holistic skincare for myself, but this line of work also gave me the privilege to take care of people, which has been my life’s calling. I started my formal career working for a franchise facial bar in Chicago, where I developed my aesthetic foundation through exposure to a wide array of faces, all with varying skin types, concerns, and goals. I spent several years in this environment and eventually felt stifled by its assembly line ethos. I cared for my clients and was genuinely invested in their skincare journeys. So in 2020, I took the leap of faith, in the middle of a pandemic, and ventured on my own. Level Up Skincare started modestly, as I rented a small room from a beloved colleague on her day off. Thankfully, my existing clientele remained loyal to me, and within a few months, their word of mouth and enthusiasm gave me the push I needed to invest in my own space. The next 5 years were spent earning people’s trust, honing my skills, and growing my business. Then, because family always comes first, I made the hard decision to move my kids and my business to Raleigh to be closer to extended family, and I’ve been here ever since, working tirelessly to rebuild the community and the clientele I had once created in Chicago.

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?
Let’s be real, starting a new business in the height of a pandemic was terrifying. For one thing, every week, I feared if I was going to book enough clients to cover the rent. Secondly, I was a brand new business owner, who knew nothing about owning a business. So, I had to learn how to not only be the best esthetician I could be, but also a bookkeeper, a procurement specialist, a social media maven, a tech guru, etc. Finally, I spent all the money I made by reinvesting in products, tools, and most importantly, continued education and training. I went several months without making any money, but I trusted my instincts and my community. I believe in kindness and gratitude, and I knew in my heart of hearts that I would eventually be rewarded for the hard work, and I was. Before I left Chicago, my client list was abundant, and I had a wait list every week. It was very hard to leave a business that took five years to build, but I have the confidence now to do it again in my forever home of Raleigh.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am in the feel good industry, and I take my role very seriously. My ultimate goal is to help people feel more comfortable in their skin, from the young adult suffering from acne to the bride-to-be hoping to look radiant on her special day to the peri- and post-menopausal women aging gracefully. I know I have an opportunity to leave an impression on someone’s life, and I thrive on making meaningful connections with the people who trust me with their skin. My clients know me as someone who tailors each session to them as an individual and will go beyond skin deep in my treatments. With each session, I draw upon my years of experience and training to pull out the tools that will bring your specific face the best results. For example, that can be extractions, dermaplaning, chemical peels, lymphatic drainage massage, specialized product selection, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, etc. Yes, you may be coming to indulge in one hour of relaxation and self-care, but I hope you leave with so much more than that

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being around inspiring women and learning from them fills my cup. It is hands down the best part of my job. I also am so proud of my clients’ success stories. It gives me all the joy in the world working with someone and helping them achieve their skincare goals.

Pricing:

• Esthetician Choice Facial $135
• Facial with Extraction $150
• Procell Microchanneling Treatment $325
• Laser Hair removal $ 100-$300
• Dermaplaning Facial $125

Contact Info:

• Website: https://levelupskincare.co
• Instagram: levelupskin.care
• Facebook: Level Up Skincare And Acne Center
• Other: @levelupskincare