Meet Nazila Ataei | Dance performance artist & Licensed esthetician

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

Hi nazila, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
My life as a dance artist performer, and esthetician is a beautiful blend of passion and purpose. Dancing and performing on stage allows me to express my creativity, connect deeply with audiences, and share stories through movement. The thrill of each performance fuels my spirit, while the discipline of the craft keeps me grounded. Equally fulfilling is my work as an esthetician, where I help people feel confident in their own skin by guiding them through personalized skincare routines and treatments. The joy of witnessing their transformations is as rewarding as the applause after a performance. These two worlds, though different, share a common thread—bringing happiness, confidence, and inspiration to others, which is what makes my journey truly meaningful.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey has been fueled by a deep passion for both dance and skincare. As an immigrant starting from zero in the U.S., I’m incredibly proud of the life I’ve built and the milestones I’ve achieved. From performing as a dancer at numerous events and conventions to earning my California esthetician license and becoming a professional in my field, every step has been hard-earned. The road hasn’t been easy — working full-time at corporate offices and facing the challenge of being laid off twice taught me resilience. Each setback became a stepping stone to a new chapter, reinforcing the lesson to never give up. My love for skincare is boundless, and I take joy in sharing it, even participating in charity events to provide facial massages for homeless individuals—a heartwarming and humbling experience. I’m both grateful and excited for where I am today, embracing every opportunity to grow and give back.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is a vibrant hub of culture, creativity, and entertainment. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new and exciting to explore.
The Getty Center & The Getty Villa: Stunning art collections and beautiful architecture with panoramic city views.
Santa Monica Pier: Classic boardwalk fun with an amusement park and ocean views.
Venice Beach Boardwalk: A lively scene with street performers, vendors, and skate parks
Melrose Avenue: Street art, quirky boutiques, and trendy dining spots.
Grand Central Market: A food lover’s paradise with diverse vendors and flavors.
The Magic Castle: An exclusive clubhouse for magicians, offering mesmerizing shows if you can snag an invite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dance journey has been a transformative and inspiring adventure, beginning in 2005 in Los Angeles with the incredible Mesmera as my first teacher. Her guidance ignited my passion for dance and set me on a path of artistic growth and self-discovery. Along the way, I have been blessed with the mentorship and support of many remarkable artists, including Zahra Zuhair and Kamala, who have each played a pivotal role in shaping my style and confidence as a performer. A special shoutout goes to Stevie and the LA Belly Dance Academy for their ongoing encouragement and mentorship, which continues to elevate my artistry.

another huge shoutout to Savvy Beauty Academy, where I earned my esthetician license and began my journey into the world of skincare and beauty. The academy provided me with not only a solid foundation of knowledge and practical skills but also the confidence to pursue my passion for helping others achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Website: https://beautifulfacesbynaz.wixsite.com/facialworkoutnazila

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazilaataei/

Image Credits
Olga Dieterle
Leo Hernandez