Today we’d like to introduce you to Nataliya Birkas.
Hi Nataliya, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In Belarus, I was a practicing Cardiologist, however, immigration to the United States meant starting my professional life over. I did not speak much English, but I put my healthcare knowledge to good use becoming a caregiver for the elderly. Being on my feet all day and tending to patients took its toll; I began to develop issues with venous stasis and swelling in my legs. One day on my way to work, I heard a commercial on a radio advertising-free consultation for varicose vein treatment at the Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute of America in Chicago.
I was so excited and immediately made an appointment. During my consultation, the owner, Dr. Tcheupijan asked me about my story, and after learning that I was a Cardiologist in Belarus, by some sheer miracle he asked if I wanted to become part of his team. I was stunned but immediately accepted the job. I worked in various positions throughout the office: as an assistant, lab tech, ultrasound tech, and helping out in post-surgical recovery. I think Dr. Tcheupjian was impressed because when he opened a new medical spa, he immediately asked me to work with him.
At the time, I knew nothing about aesthetics, but I was definitely up for the challenge and eagerly wanted to learn. It was love at first sight! The multitude of skin challenges, treatments, and transformations fascinated me. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about aesthetics! I was immersed in this world and wanted to soak up all that I could. That’s how it began and the result is a beautiful 22-year long journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
With each passing year, I realize that skin is the most mysterious part of the human body; it can be challenging, temperamental, and tough. But if you find the correct and best approach to its treatment, it will heal and flourish, ultimately becoming more beautiful and radiant than before. After moving to Salt Lake, I was selected as the head of the aesthetics department and education director at the Brick House Retreat. It was a great learning experience, but with time, I realized my approach to skin was more holistic and the only way I could stay true to my principles, and have full freedom of teaching, treating, and creating the best-customized protocol of skin healing modalities, was to create my own way of treating skin conditions.
I wanted to give my full self to every client, offering them free consultations and giving them the best weapon I had – deeply researched, personalized knowledge, and a holistic approach to their skin. It was so important to customize every treatment. I also wanted to incorporate a holistic approach to treating skin conditions by offering clients the newest research on nutrition and diet in order to heal their bodies from the inside out. The best advice I give to each and every client is “Skin is just a mirror into your internal health, it reflects the imbalances that are happening in the body. There is nothing else to it.”
In my consultations, we emphasize looking at the big picture and identifying all the pieces of the puzzle. The results speak for themselves. I have thousands of miraculous stories of skin recovery without any prescriptions, antibiotics, birth control, or anything else that commonly treats skin concerns. Ultimately, my passion for aesthetics was born from years of working with women who were unhappy with the way they looked or aged. We work to empower them and enhance their natural beauty through education, holistic treatment, and natural skincare.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The path was certainly not an easy one, I have lived many lives in one lifetime. Initially, it was difficult realizing I would not be a doctor again. The length of time and financial burden it entailed was simply not feasible in that stage of life. I had to tame my ego, soothe my pride, and start my life all over again.
Years later when I look back at my decision about not pursuing medicine in the US and feel content, peace, and true happiness with the journey I have taken. Something so much more beautiful came out of it.
Once I surrendered and stopped trying to re-write the previous chapter of my life, I was able to create my future – exactly the way I always dreamt it would be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business “Skin and Beyond Wellness Center” was started over 15 years ago. My original goal was to infuse a holistic flare and completely customized treatment protocols that were unparalleled to anything I experienced in a typical American spa. After a thorough personal consultation prior to any procedure, I customize every treatment to fit the client’s needs and desires. All consultations are free. Consultations are the most crucial first step of a client’s journey toward skin healing. It takes time, a lot of time, but the results are amazing.
I always promise my new clients that they will have nothing to lose, but will gain a wealth of knowledge about THEIR skin. It is astonishing how this culture is driven by marketing and the majority of people are on a “celebrity diet” or new anti-aging skincare plan designed for the masses. Unfortunately, skin treatment is not one size fits all. So, when we sit down and look at the whole picture, the answers can become apparent. We create a plan for YOUR skin, knowing its strength and weakness. All my clients get free samples of the skincare line I formulated, and are sent home with a follow-up treatment plan.
People often come to us when they’re considering plastic surgery. I believe everyone should first exhaust all of the non-surgical options, before invasive treatment. Surgery will treat the symptoms of aging but does little to improve the actual quality of the skin. We offer a wide array of non-surgical aesthetic treatments that allow clients to “invest” in their skin health. Our object is to help clients ultimately improve the quality of their skin to produce amazing, long-lasting results.
Being very detail-oriented, extremely passionate, and well-educated is what clients appreciate most. I am not a salesperson; some days I wish I were. But I care too much and want clients to see results. That’s my drive. When a teenager who has been battling cystic acne is finally able to tuck her hair behind her ears and expose her beautiful, acne-free face – that’s my reward. When women are able to feel youthful and reinvigorated, I know what I’m doing is making a difference. And that is all I need to keep going.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I LOVE Salt Lake City! Having the mountains as my backyard and so many fun and restorative outdoor activities just minutes away is an absolute blessing. It is really the people here that I love the most.
Such kind and friendly people, it is really like everyone is your neighbor and friend. During my time living here, I have witnessed such positive growth and am excited to be a small part of it.
Pricing:
- Free consultations for everyone
- PDO Thread Lift from $1000
- Mesotherapy from $250
- Fat-dissolving from $699
Contact Info:
- Website: skinandbeyondwellness.com
- Instagram: skin_and_beyond
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skinandbeyondwellness
