Welcome To RIYA Studios

This naturally led me to study beauty therapy after high school. After graduating, I started working in traditional spas. Days were often back-to-back with full-body massages and facials, and while the work was physically demanding, I loved it.

I then moved to the UK to complete further studies in advanced modalities such as laser, microneedling, and radiofrequency. I was completely fascinated by the depth of knowledge required for these treatments, particularly surrounding skin anatomy and physiology.

I moved into clinical environments, gaining valuable experience working with some of the leading aesthetic devices on the market, and had the opportunity to learn alongside doctors, nurses, and experienced, in-demand aestheticians.

Getting into Acupuncture…

During the pandemic, far away from home, and like many people at the time, I was craving self-care more than ever. It was during this period that I developed a deep passion for at-home rituals, particularly facial reflexology and Gua Sha - practices rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

I had been exposed to acupuncture from a young age, as it was something my father utilised, but it was during the stress of the pandemic that I returned to treatment myself. My nervous system was in overdrive, and I was blown away by how much acupuncture helped me.

I came across a university degree in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. I was hesitant to commit to studying overseas and shift focus away from my career, but I had become slightly obsessed and decided to take the leap.

Learning Chinese Medicine was like learning a new language. I found it immensely challenging and equally rewarding. Blending the depth of theory with the practicality of acupuncture was what I loved most. At the end of the day, my happiness lies in the treatment room.

I studied for three years alongside working in the aesthetic industry. At one stage, I wasn’t sure whether I would remain in aesthetics, but over time, I began to recognise the common threads between both worlds. The skin reflects our internal health, and providing a facial is so much more than “fluffy luxury.” Facials have evolved. They can support the nervous system, work with fascia, encourage lymphatic flow, and even offer insight into our internal health - from inflammation to hormones. In many ways, this isn’t so different from acupuncture.

Since graduating, I have gone on to complete further training in facial acupuncture and am currently completing a postgraduate diploma in gynaecology, fertility, and obstetrics.

It’s safe to say I’m completely obsessed with what I do and feel incredibly lucky to work in an industry where I can help people feel good and look their best. I love that skin is an ever-evolving field, while acupuncture offers a lifelong path of learning. Both continue to challenge, inspire, and keep me deeply engaged.

So why RIYA?

Opening a business is something I have envisioned since entering the beauty industry over 10 years ago. My nickname as a child was Riya, and the imagined future business I would always speak about was named Riya Skin. That dream stayed with me for years, slowly evolving into RIYA Studios and expanding alongside me with the addition of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture.

RIYA is an expression of everything I’ve cultivated over the past decade - blending the high-touch care of a traditional spa with the precision and results-driven treatments of clinical practice, alongside the wisdom of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture.

I can't wait to meet you and guide you to good skin.

Mariya Makas
Founder
RIYA Studios