Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about networking, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

I've always been a jack of all trades and had at least a dozen different careers — from a 7th grade math teacher, to being in corporate real estate, to a personal assistant, party photographer, tutor, professional organizer, veterinary practice manager, etc. I always loved doing hair and nails, but it wasn’t until I discovered facials and skincare where I chose to make a career change. My first facial ever was at HeyDay. I worked at a boutique spa in Brooklyn called Tres Belle, and a smaller spa in Queens. During the pandemic I ended up working at a dermatology practice for about 3 years. I learned so much in my experience there, but ultimately was not a match for me. I decided to take a huge risk and open my own studio. It’s been the most stressful, but rewarding journey of my life.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

About a year ago, I had a new client on my schedule and when she walked in I immediately recognized her. She is a well-known actress. We giggled and I asked how she found me. It turned out her cousin is a client and she recommended me. I’m unable to share her name because she requested complete privacy, but she had been told that I’m the best, which was so flattering.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

1. I’m extremely hard working. I dedicate so much of my time to my business and growing it. I am also extremely obsessive about detail. Some may call that controlling, but I just had to do everything from scratch, whether it was painting my own studio or building my website and e-commerce platform. It’s a lot of hard work and sacrifice but I feel the results are better and faster if I do it myself.
2. Love & Passion — not just for the business, but for my clients. I love making them feel good and look good, and developing a strong relationship with my clients is important. If you think about it, everyone is so busy… How often do women have time to chat and connect one on one with no interruptions for an hour each month? We develop a bond that I am so grateful for. Whether we chat for the entire treatment or just for the first 5 minutes, I love my ladies so much!
3. Creativity. This business allows me to be creative in so many ways, whether it’s learning about new products/science, finding new techniques, mixing lotions and potions, designing my website, making reels, photography, or interior design. It keeps me on my toes and continues to stimulate me, which keeps this journey exciting.

What are your “5 Things Anyone Can Do to Have Healthy, Radiant, Flawless Skin”?

1. Nourishing the skin — Most people are not using enough hydrating products. The skin barrier is your shield. When it is dry, it is compromised. Moisturizing keeps the barrier plump, promotes repair and allows the skin to look healthy and glowing.
2. Sun Protection — Nothing ages you faster than the sun. It dries you out, damages your collagen and accelerates aging. A tan is not a sign of health, it’s a visible response to skin damage. Your skin is defending itself by preventing the UV rays from damaging deeper layers.
3. Wash your face gently but thoroughly, day and night — Milky cleansers are my absolute favorite. The nourishing cleansers soften buildup and the small molecule size deeply cleans gunk out of your pores. Skin is left dewy and juicy. Your face should not be dry and tight after you cleanse. This step alone will help deeply nourish dry skin. Face massage with milky cleanser is so transformative.
4. Avoid touching and picking your face — Sometimes we are our own worst enemies and I was definitely guilty of that once too (my before & afters on my IG are proof). Touching your face introduces dirt, oil, bacteria, etc to your skin. This can cause irritation, breakouts and clogged pores. For acne-prone skin, this bad habit can sabotage your progress. I’m not a big fan of pimple patches, but if they stop you from picking, great!
5. Consistency — Your facialist is not the fix-it-all solution. We are here to guide you in your skincare journey. You can’t see a personal trainer once a month and expect to get abs. The majority of the results are in what you do after you leave our treatment room. Consistency = results!

What are the most common misconceptions about daily skincare routines that prevent people from achieving radiant skin?

The most common misconception I see is the desire to scrub/dry out/burn/steam our skin to get rid of acne, blemishes or pigmentation. A gentle, nourishing routine is most effective. If you want baby-like skin, treat it gently as you would a baby’s skin. Put down that apricot scrub!

Could you share your insights on how diet and nutrition directly affect skin health, and perhaps suggest some superfoods for skin radiance?

I can never reject a donut, but a whole foods diet is best for glow from within. I’m shocked by how few people don’t take multivitamins daily. It helps fill the gaps that even a healthy lifestyle might miss. I also love to recommend complete Omega supplements. I call it the WD-40 for the body, brain and skin.

How do you recommend individuals tailor their skincare routine to address the unique needs of their skin type and environment?

See your local facialist. They have the skill and experience to treat all skin types. Check out their website or Instagram for before-and-after photos, which are a great reflection of their work. As a business owner, I consider Instagram to be my resume because it’s how potential clients get to know my expertise before they ever walk through the door.

What advances in skincare science or new ingredients are you most excited about that promise to enhance skin health and radiance?

The newest treatment that is so exciting for our studio is liquid microneedling. This is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that delivers microscopic needles from freshwater sponges into the skin. It stimulates collagen, improves skin texture, refines pores, evens skin tone. It has all the benefits of standard microneedling, but no numbing is required. It is a unique sensation that everyone should experience.

Can you describe a holistic approach to skincare that encompasses not just topical treatments but also lifestyle and wellness practices?

Skin thrives when your whole system is in balance. Chronic stress definitely triggers skin conditions. You have to figure out what helps you decompress. Whether it’s a massage, going out for a run, spending time in nature, binging TV shows, etc. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and give yourself some grace.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

To love yourself the way you are. Look for progress not perfection. Give yourself some grace. That small wrinkle or stretchmark doesn’t really matter in the big picture. No one really notices imperfections but you. Make time for yourself at the end of the day to do your skincare routine, think of it as a cleansing and washing the day away. Tomorrow is a new beginning!

How can our readers further follow you online?

Follow me on Instagram @monikadragajskin or visit me at monikadragaj.com.

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

Thank you so much for including me! I am so grateful for the opportunity.