Margarita Saian - Our Founder

We are very proud to announce that our amazing Founder was featured in the February issue of DERMASCOPE Magazine's Trade Secrets

Margarita Saian 

State-certified educator, Ambassador of the Aesthetic International Association, Saian has been in the skincare industry for over 20 years, and has studied esthetics and mesotherapy in the United States as well as in France. In addition to being a Licensed Esthetician, Ms.Saian is a CMA/Cardiac Technician, National Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified ECG, and Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant. Ms.Saian has had the honor of training skin care professionals, nurses, and doctors worldwide. She is constantly researching new ways to raise industry standards, and improve the product line! Ms.Saian actively practices a healthy lifestyle, and is an avid advocate of natural living, positive thinking, and endless possibilities!

How long have you been in the aesthetics industry? 

I have been in the industry for 25 years – I started when I lived in Russia. 

What credentials do you currently hold? 

Licensed Esthetician, CMA/Cardiac Technician, National Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified ECG, Aesthetic Educator (CA certification) and Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant. 

What various roles and positions have you held within this industry? 

I have worked in a spa as an esthetician, and have represented my company worldwide as an educator and speaker. 

Which of these roles taught you the most or had the most impact on you and how? 

Owning my own company has been the most challenging, because the work is on my mind 24/7, but it is a big enjoyment for me! 

Has there been a constant theme that has led you from one point to the next throughout your training and career? (as in asking questions, reading certain material, etc.) 

The theme in my career has always been education and improving on my knowledge! I always try to research the latest and greatest in skincare ingredients, equipment and packaging, to bring to my customers. Things that make their work easier and more pleasant! 

What characteristics or skills set you apart from your peers and enabled you to be so successful so quickly? 

8 years ago, when I started the company, I didn’t start as a businesswoman with an intention to make a living selling skincare. I started as an esthetician with an intention to bring high quality products to my peers! It is a sincere professional to professional product – I want to teach you everything I know, and give you all the resource I have, so that you can succeed, too! 

Do you have any regrets, or is there any one thing you can point to and think, “I wish I would have done that differently” or “if only I had known then what I know now” that you can share with the readers? Please explain.

I wouldn’t change a thing – life has not been easy for me – I came to America in 1992 with $30 only, and have accomplished everything on my own. I am grateful for everything. 

What adaptations have you made over the years to stay relevant in the industry? 

I have started trying medical skin care trade shows lately – after the plastic surgeons and dermatologists have taken interest in the brand. 

What has surprised you most during your professional journey? 

What has surprised me the most, is the large amount of people who are eager to learn, and who seek advanced education. It is a pleasant surprise! 

What are the greatest pressures, strains or anxieties in the work? 

Sometimes my daughter (my business partner) and I disagree on some crucial issues – she always wants to “go big” and I tend to think it over and play it safe. 

How did you decide that your current career is the right one for you? 

I wake up in the morning and can’t think of anywhere I would rather go than to my office! 

How and where do you find inspiration? 

Inspiration is everywhere for me – good books, nature, yoga. 

What do you see are upcoming trends in the industry? 

I see more focus on the natural and pure products, and a departure from chemicals and toxic ingredients. That is our brand philosophy, and has been since we starts SAIAN Natural Clinical Skincare. 

Is there a particular moment or procedure where most professionals go wrong? What could they alter for a better result? 

Jumping into carrying a skincare line or buying a big facial machine without doing due research first. Like we say in Russia, Measure 7 times, cut once. It is always a great idea to take classes at trade shows, to find out more about all the products you’re interested in. 

Why do you think people come to a particular spa? 

It is the feeling of comfort and familiarity with technicians who make you feel relaxed and safe in their hands. 

What do you believe separates the best establishments from the rest? 

Consistency is what separates the best from the rest. The spas that get it right every time, and not just once in a blue moon. 

Is there a particular ingredient that you feel is a “super” ingredient? If so, why? 

I love hyaluronic acid, and that is what all the anti-aging creams and serums in my line are based on! Hyaluronic is super-hydrating, non-comedogenic, light, fragrance-free, and silky! We use a plant-based vegan hyaluronic, which is superior to the chicken-derived hyaluronic you may also encounter on the market. 

Do you have a signature treatment or technique that your clients love – a classic of sorts? What makes it so loved? 

SAIAN Collagen infusion treatment is amazing – we have a collagen facial that we combine with a neck-lift that gives an instant lifted and tight result. 

What tool(s) would your treatment room (or business) not be complete without and why? 

Definitely a galvanic and a high-frequency machine! Those two machines are essential! 

What is the one piece of advice you give to every client you see? 

Don’t forget to do your homework! Treatments with the esthetician are not enough – clients need to take product home, and keep up their results – especially if they are struggling with acne or hyperpigmentation. 

What advice do you have for someone planning to start a career in this field? 

Do you have a passion to help people? Do you love this career? Are you constantly striving to learn more? If you answered “yes”, go for it! If you say this just “seems like an easy, quiet job”, I would reconsider. 

You wear so many hats in this industry. What is your secret to keeping life in balance and enjoying the journey? 

I have 2 very close people to me – my mom and my daughter. Our little family makes me happy – they mean the world to me. 

What are your hobbies when not working? 

I am an avid reader, I love exercise, salsa dancing, singing, and travel! 

Do you have a company or personal motto that you live by? 

I love my life – live is BEAUTIFUL! 

Can you share something that most people wouldn't know about you? 

I have a PhD in music. I am an ethnographer of Russian traditional and folk music. 

Other than your products, what are the greatest assets and strengths your company offers? 

We give all of our clients personal attention, extensive customer service, and most importantly, education! 

What is the toughest decision you have had to make at your company? Every decision has seemed huge to me, until it was done, so no particular one sticks out in my mind.

What is your daily skin care ritual? I cleanse my face with SAIAN Replenishing cleanser, apply SAIAN Active Renewal Serum, and on top of that the SAIAN Active Renewal crème – both have 6 peptides based on Hyaluronic acid – same in the evening!