The Vendor Files: Skin Atelier

Skin Atelier: https://skinatelier.co.nz

Meet Nandika from Skin Atelier

Nandika is the heart and hands behind Skin Atelier — a boutique skin studio where science meets self-care. With a deep passion for skin health, Nandika brings a holistic, results-driven approach to every treatment. Her calm, nurturing energy and attention to detail make her a trusted go-to for brides who want glowing skin and a tailored skincare journey leading up to their big day.

What does skin confidence mean to you — and how does that show up in the work you do at Skin Atelier?

To me, skin confidence is about feeling good in your skin. Not because it’s perfect, but because you feel connected to it and feel proud of the care you’re putting into it. It’s about knowing that real, healthy change takes time, and feeling empowered by the progress you're making. I love when clients start to shift from frustration to trust. Trusting their skin, the process, and themselves. That’s what skin confidence really is for me.

Your space feels like more than just a clinic — it almost feels like a sanctuary. Was that intentional?

Absolutely, that was very intentional. From the beginning, I didn’t want it to feel clinical or cold. Skincare is such a personal thing, and people often come in feeling vulnerable, frustrated, or discouraged. I wanted to create a space that felt safe, grounding, and calm. The energy of the space matters just as much as the treatments. I’ve always believed that healing (of any kind) happens more easily when you feel supported. So the details, the vibe, the way we talk to & look after our clients is there to make people feel safe and cared for.

In a world that can be so focused on appearance, how do you balance beauty with authenticity and well-being?

It’s something I think about a lot, especially working in this industry. I genuinely love skincare and the feeling of looking good — but only when it comes from a place of self-care, not self-criticism. For me, it’s about helping people feel more at home in their skin, not like they have to change who they are to be “beautiful.”

That’s actually a big part of why we transitioned from Malkia Beauty to Skin Atelier. I started to feel like the word “beauty” came with a lot of pressure and expectation — and I didn’t want that to be the energy we were putting out.

When should someone ideally start their skincare journey if they have a wedding coming up?

Ideally, I’d love to start working with someone at least a year out from their wedding. Of course, it depends on their skin concerns and what we’re working with, but a year gives us the time and space to do it properly. I always say: think of it as 12 treatments, not “one year” A lot of people think they can start 2–3 months before and expect magic; and honestly, that’s just not how skin works. We can still do beautiful work in that time, but if you really want lasting changes and that healthy, confident glow on your big day (and beyond), starting early is key. It’s a process, and your skin deserves that kind of care.

What are your go-to treatments or skincare recommendations for brides-to-be?

It really depends on the bride and her skin. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, because everyone’s skin is in a different place when they start. That said, micro needling is often the ultimate goal. It’s the treatment that can truly deliver that “dream skin” moment. Smoother texture, glow, clarity. However your skin has to be prepped and in the right state to get the most out of it. If we have the time and can get started early, we’ll work toward that.

When it comes to skincare, hydration is everything. Seriously. Brides need juicy, healthy, nourished skin. Not just for how it looks, but for how it holds makeup and responds to stress. My absolute go-to products are the Super Moisturiser from Environ and Omegas from Advanced Nutrition Programme (these are supplements, two pills a day!) If you’re a bride and you’re not on these... you need to be.

Are there any skincare mistakes you often see people make in the lead-up to their wedding?

Yes one of the biggest mistakes is assuming 1-2 treatments will achieve their dream skin. People will sometimes put a huge amount of pressure on that one last-minute facial, expecting it to give them the results of a 12 month investment. And honestly, that’s just not realistic. Skin needs time, consistency, and the right strategy, especially if there are concerns like acne, texture, pigmentation, or sensitivity involved. Waiting until the last minute limits what we can do, and it creates a lot of unnecessary stress. The best results come when we start early, plan intentionally, and treat it like the process it is.

What do you hope your bridal clients walk away with — not just physically, but emotionally?

This question really means a lot to me, and you may have already picked up on it from some of the previous answers. Of course, I want my brides to walk away with glowing, healthy, radiant skin that photographs beautifully and makes them feel their best. But more than that, I want them to feel proud of themselves. I want them to feel like they showed up for themselves in the lead-up to such a big moment. That they invested in their skin and in their confidence. Because when you commit to your skin journey in a real, intentional way, something deeper happens. You build a kind of internal confidence that goes far beyond appearance. It’s this quiet, powerful sense of self-belief. You are proud of yourself for the consistency, the knowledge you’ve gained about your skin, the investment you’ve made in yourself. And honestly? That glow is more striking than a healthy skin alone. It comes from within — and that is how I want my brides to feel, walking into their moment.

For someone who doesn’t know where to start — what’s the first step to getting their skin ready for a big event?

Start with a consultation. It’s where we assess your skin, talk through your goals, and educate you on exactly what your skin needs. No guesswork, just a clear plan tailored to you.

What’s one underrated skincare habit that makes a big difference over time?

Sunscreen! Hands down. It might not make your skin feel like a glistening jar of pudding, but trust me, it does so much more. It protects all the hard work you’re putting in and keeps your skin healthy long-term. If there’s only one thing you’re going to do, let it be sunscreen. Applied in the right amount and at the right times. And if you’re investing time and money into your skin but skipping your sunscreen (or not using sunscreen correctly) You’re basically undoing all that effort. It’s that important.

How do you support clients who feel overwhelmed by the world of skincare and beauty?

Honestly, we hear this all the time, that people just feel lost with skincare. There’s so much info out there, and most of it is confusing or conflicting. That’s why education is the simple answer to this question. It’s a big part of what we do. We walk you through what’s actually happening with your skin and what it really needs. A lot of that clarity happens in the consultation. We tackle that overwhelmed feeling right from the beginning. From there, it’s about keeping things simple and making sure you actually understand your routine.

How do you take care of yourself when you’re pouring so much into others?

It’s definitely a work in progress. Between having two kids and running a business, it can feel like there’s barely any time left for me. But I’ve learned I have to be intentional, even if it’s just in small moments. Sometimes that looks like quiet time before everyone wakes up, sometimes it’s a walk, a dinner out with my husband or just hanging out with the girls. I try to protect my energy where I can, and remind myself that rest isn’t lazy, it’s necessary. Especially as a brown woman, there’s so much generational messaging that rest is a weakness, or that you have to earn it. But I’m actively unlearning that. Rest is strength. It’s how I stay grounded. It’s the only way I can really show up for my clients, my family, and myself.

Has there been a particular client or moment that reminded you of why you do what you do?

When we’re able to heal acne for a client, it’s truly moving. Seeing their transformation and hearing their gratitude reenforces why I’m so passionate about what I do. Those moments make everything worthwhile, and I feel lucky to be part of their journey.

What’s one gentle reminder you’d love to give to someone preparing for their wedding right now?

If the way your make up looks, and lasts on the day is important to you, then your skin has a huge role to play in that. Please don’t wait till the last minute to start your journey.

What’s next for you and Skin Atelier — or what dream are you currently working toward?

In the very immediate next, we’re diving into the second phase of our rebrand, which will include launching our very own loyalty program. I’m so excited about this and can’t wait to reward my loyal community for their support and trust in Skin Atelier. It’s going to be such a great step forward.

A massive thank you to Nandika for sharing her wisdom and heart with us! We hope this conversation brings you a little more clarity, calm, and confidence as you plan for your special day.

With love always,
HP xx