Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Cunningham.
Hi Tara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of experience as a registered nurse across oncology, women’s health, pediatrics, and aesthetics. I spent several years as a lead pediatric nurse before transitioning into aesthetics, a shift that began after relocating to Arizona due to my husband’s job.
While in Arizona, I completed my initial aesthetics training at the National Laser Institute during COVID. After that, I continued investing in advanced training on a monthly basis to build my confidence and skill set. When we later relocated back to Maryland, I was able to secure my first role in aesthetics, which allowed me to continue growing in the field.
Today, I own a solo practice, Sage Wellness & Aesthetics, where I bring together my clinical background and passion for aesthetics to provide aesthetic care with intention.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning into aesthetics came with real challenges and moments of uncertainty, especially early on, when I had to pause and take an honest look at the direction I wanted my career to go. That period forced me to get clear on the kind of provider and leader I wanted to become and pushed me to invest more intentionally in myself. I didn’t come into aesthetics planning to open my own practice, but after navigating several setbacks, the opportunity came at the right moment, and I built something that reflects my values and my vision.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Sage Wellness & Aesthetics, I provide personalized, one-on-one care by appointment only, offering services such as neuromodulators, dermal fillers, microneedling, chemical peels, and PRP/PRF treatments. I specialize in treating skin of color, ensuring safe and effective treatments for every client, something I’m passionate about after experiencing a procedure early in my aesthetics career that left me with burns and hyperpigmentation that took years to correct.
As a mom of four, I understand how challenging it can be to prioritize self-care, and I want my clients to feel empowered, confident, and guilt-free about taking time for themselves. I pride myself on truly getting to know each client, so they feel seen, heard, and cared for.
The practice is named after my youngest daughter, Sage. As my fourth and final child, her arrival coincided with a season of significant change in my life and career. During that time and many personal trials, I gained the most strength, clarity, and focus, which helped me reassess my path and shape the direction I wanted to take in aesthetics. Her name, which means wisdom and clarity, reflects the perspective and intentionality I carry into my work every day.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is being able to show up fully in roles that matter most to me as a mom, a wife and a provider. I absolutely love my family and being a mom no matter how hard it can be at times. Having a schedule that allows me to be present for my family while still achieving my professional goals has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, especially knowing that only about 5% of Family Nurse Practitioners in the U.S. are African American women and far fewer in aesthetics. Representation matters and I’m grateful to contribute to widening that space.
I also love the autonomy that comes with owning my practice. Being able to choose the products and treatments that I stand by allows me to practice with confidence. That balance of family, purpose, and independence is what brings me the most joy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Sagewellnessandaesthetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576016385826/
