A Paparoa beauty skin clinic has been shortlisted for a national beauty industry award after just seven months in business.
The Skin Image Clinic is a finalist in the 'best new clinic' category of the inaugural industry awards programme introduced by the New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Professionals this year.
The winner will be announced at Te Papa in Wellington on September 30.
Owner and skin therapist Nina Quan believes her single-minded vision helped secure a place among the top four entries.
"My vision is to create a small reputable clinic that delivers efficacious treatments using proven technology and products to help women achieve healthy, beautiful skin," she said.
Nina's clinic in the main street of Paparoa has attracted attention since the building was refurbished and refitted late last year.
It is equipped to offer advanced skincare treatments (including electroporation, LED light therapy and Collagen Induction Therapy) as well as other treatments like body scrubs, holistic massage, waxing and eye works.
Her clinic is well supported by locals, and residents from the wider Kaipara district. Her clientele also increasingly comes from Aucklanders who regularly holiday in the area.
Involvement in the beauty business stemmed from Nina's passion for skin science while studying biochemistry and genetics for her science degree. She has since worked in marketing for Unilever across Australasia.
While she said she enjoyed marketing skincare, her most rewarding experiences came from the interaction with customers during research, she said.
As part of the NZARBP award process to decide a 'best new clinic' winner, Nina will give a presentation on her clinic and be interviewed by a panel of judges in Auckland next month.
Nina, husband Riki and children Benji and Jade returned from Sydney two years ago to live and work in Northland.