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

Hi Yael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2010, I made the bold decision to return to school and pursue my passion for lasers and skincare. Having personally struggled with excess hair for much of my life, I was fascinated by the emerging promise of laser hair removal, a groundbreaking technology that was just beginning to gain recognition as a more effective alternative to electrolysis.

At the time, only dermatologists were working with lasers. Aesthetics was still a very guarded industry, and opening my own spa felt like an enormous leap of faith. But I believed in the technology and even more importantly, I believed in creating a space where others like me could find real solutions and finally feel confident in their skin.

That leap paid off. My first spa became a tremendous success, and I soon found myself at the forefront of what would grow into one of the fastest-expanding segments in beauty and wellness. Today, aesthetic clinics are on every corner, and while the competition is fierce, so is my passion. That’s something that has never changed.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey hasn’t been easy but it’s been worth every challenge. Building my business took years of hard work, late nights, and relentless dedication. I went back to school after having children, balancing motherhood with my studies, and even in the midst of it all, I faced one of the hardest chapters of my life: battling cancer. But I got through it and I kept going.

I want people to know that it doesn’t matter what stage you’re in – whether you’re starting over, starting late, or starting scared – what matters is that you start, and that you don’t give up.

What truly sets my brand apart is the heart behind it. Everything I’ve built comes from passion, personal experience, and a genuine desire to help others feel confident in their own skin. I’ve walked this journey myself, and now I get to help others transform – not just on the outside, but from within.

That philosophy is at the core of NIYA – a sanctuary where medical precision meets spa-like tranquility, and every treatment is designed to enhance both beauty and well-being. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come, and most excited for what’s still ahead. Because NIYA is more than a business, it’s a testament to resilience and reinvention.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends visit Miami, I love curating a mix of relaxation, style and unforgettable dining. We’d start the weekend with a Saturday of shopping at Bal Harbour Shops or exploring the Miami Design District, followed by lunch at Makoto or Nami Nori. Saturday night would be all about elegance and atmosphere – dinner at Casa Tua, then cocktails at the Faena Living Room or their vibrant cabaret show. Sunday would be for a beach day at Acqualina Resort, soaking up the sun and enjoying a light lunch, followed by dinner at Avra for incredible Mediterranean meal.

And of course, no week in Miami would be complete without a visit to NIYA for a rejuvenating treatment – because feeling good is just as important as looking good.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to Dr. Martin Zaiac, a board-certified dermatologist and my greatest mentor. For the past 20 years, he has played an instrumental role in shaping both my career and my confidence. Dr. Zaiac made me feel like I wasn’t just working, I was creating. He saw artistry in what I did, and that perspective changed everything for me.

His belief in my abilities gave me the courage to stand beside him, to trust my own hands, and to keep growing with purpose and passion. Thanks to his guidance, going to work has never felt like a job, it’s felt like a calling. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without his mentorship, encouragement, and example.

Website: https://www.niyamiami.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niyamiami

Other: https://www.instagram.com/yaelemano/

Image Credits
NIYA

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