January 20, 2017

Meet Angela McTair of Harlem Zen MedSpa in Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela McTair.

Angela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A multi-generational story of women of color struggling with confidence-destroying acne and unwanted facial hair inspired Harlem Zen. As a scientist, I knew there had to be ways to chemically balance and control the skin. So I started my career as a Chemical Engineer with the hopes of creating products to alleviate skin concerns. I invested heavily in my education in this field with a Master’s Degree in Cosmetic Science, Aesthetics licensure, and certifications in Chemical Peeling, Microdermabrasion, Laser Treatment, Organic Skincare and Manual Lymphatic Drainage prior to the founding of Harlem Zen.

Though I learned a lot along the way, the most disappointing lesson was that the product company’s focus would always be COGs and repeat sales – not results. This inspired the mission to help others conquer aesthetic concerns one person at a time with effective hands-on treatments, solid skin care strategy, and on-going support. That was the birth of Harlem Zen.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It would be difficult to capture in words the struggles along the way. The fear of leaving a long and successful corporate career to start a fledgling business…the “If you build it will they come?” questions swirling in in my mind at night… Friends and family members scratching their heads as they try to imagine why you would leave so much behind to start over. ..Figuring out how to wear all the hats at once somehow…THE LOSS OF COMPANY-PROVIDED HEALTHCARE BENEFITS!! The list goes on but when you have a God-given mission that is with you day and night it provides the motivation to keep making a step forward, even when you aren’t sure if it is in the right direction.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Harlem Zen MedSpa story. Tell us more about the business.
Harlem Zen MedSpa Treatment Lounge is a serene environment where clients get help with concerns such as acne, aging skin, hyperpigmentation and unwanted hair on the face and body. We ensure a safe and effective approach with all clients, specializing in ethnic and pigmented skin tones which are often turned away or not treated safely at many mainstream providers.

Harlem Zen is committed to giving skin the ultimate care and truly partnering with clients on their beauty agenda. The difference lies in the commitment to studying the root cause of skin concerns and providing at-home guidance in addition to professional treatment to get the desired result. The goal is not to see clients back again and again for the same issue. The goal is to see client concerns resolved and gain recommendations to friends and family. Many providers of similar services operate as a “laser factory” getting clients in and out with 15-minute appointments, whereas we take our time and give each client a thorough and detailed treatment.

What makes Harlem Zen unique is an approach that is tailor-made and consumer-focused. We serve up advanced skincare made easy, calming, and personalized.

Delivering lasting results is the way to do business, and we strive to change lives by alleviating aesthetic concerns that can hamper self-esteem and confidence.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. All of my blessings come from above. Even the challenges are blessings because they make us stronger, smarter and more resilient.

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