We had the good fortune of connecting with Leyla Barakat and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leyla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always wanted to open my own business in the U.S. and was eagerly waiting for this moment for several years. First and foremost, I’m a dentist specialized in orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry back in Paraguay, where I studied and then worked for 10 years. My profession allowed me to do what I love most, which is make people look and feel their best. It gave me great satisfaction and pride hearing from customers who said they felt more confident, happy, and rejuvenated by having a beautiful bright smile.

I met my husband 5 years ago while visiting family in Miami and a year later we were married. In 2019 right before the pandemic our son was born. Ever since I moved to Miami I’ve always pursued being a dentist again but learning that I had to start almost all over again with school and take out very large loans kept me on the sidelines. I was also raising my child at home and had absolutely no time for anything.

My husband encouraged me to look for other things that fulfilled my passion for making people look and feel amazing, and that’s how I came across becoming a licenced esthetician.

In 2022, I opened Piel de Miel Spa in Coral Gables which specializes in various types of basic and advanced facial treaments for all kinds of skin. We also do body waxing and guess what else? I couldn’t leave out something that holds a very special place in my heart. Fortunately this profession allows me to do teeth whitening which I’m VERY happy about!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love helping people look and feel amazing and confident about themselves. This is what I’ve done all my professional career either by working with teeth, or now with all sorts of facial treatments. I was born in Brazil to a Lebanese father and Paraguayan mother so I speak 4 languages fluently (Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, and English) which is great for living and working in Miami. If I wasn’t a dentist or an esthetician I would’ve been a nutritionist or a dermatologist! I just love everything related to beauty and wellness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love shopping and I love the beach! I think Miami and Florida in general are perfect for this! I would take my friend to one of my favorite malls, either Aventura, Dadeland or Merrick Park. I’d hang out with her and eat out in Coral Gables, Brickell or Wynwood which have awesome spots. As for local beaches, either South Point Park or North Miami Beach (53rd street and up, very family friendly!) But my absolute favorite beaches are in the west coast of Florida so I would do the trip with my friend to Marco Island, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, etc. I love them all!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to all my family who supported me in every way throughout my career as a dentist and now as an esthetician. A special shoutout to my mom who convinced my dad and fought (literally!) very hard for me to enter university and have a career. My family from my father’s side is Lebanese and I was raised in a very traditional Arabic household and my dad was super strict about what I did, where I went, and who I hung out with. Naturally after finishing Highschool he already had in mind who I was marrying! I really wanted to study, and my mom had a lot to do with helping me get there. I would also like to thank my husband for the encouragement to open Piel de Miel Spa, my son, and lastly my relatives and close friends who volunteered to be my first customers!

Website: www.pieldemielspa.com

Instagram: @pieldemiel.spa

Facebook: Piel de Miel Spa

Other: 183 Madeira Avenue, Coral Gables WhatsApp/Text/Call: (786) 925-5070

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