Beauty

Samantha Gatewood, BIÂN Beauty Medical Director, is a board-certified Full Practice Nurse Practitioner at BIÂN Chicago with a decade of experience in aesthetics. Her training was alongside a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon at Northwestern Medicine after having a rewarding career in Obstetrics.

During her time at Northwestern, she obtained hands-on training in aesthetic enhancements utilizing neurotoxins and dermal fillers, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, skincare education, chemical peels, and a variety of laser treatments. After rigorous training, Samantha was the first and only nurse in the practice to provide aesthetic and medical injectables with neurotoxins and dermal fillers, as well as all chemical peels, body sculpting, and aesthetic laser treatments. Additionally, she provided consultations and care plans for aesthetic treatments.

Upon leaving Northwestern Medicine plastic surgery, she continued to grow her referral-based aesthetic practice. She has continued her education and advancement in her skillset through annual conferences, educational and cadaver courses. She is a member of AANP for nurse practitioners and a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN).

Samantha is a full-time Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner with BIÂN Chicago since opening in November 2020, where she has been able to share her passion for integrative aesthetics as well as introduce additional holistic wellness options.

Kelly brings nineteen years of experience in the beauty industry, including seven years in medical spas, to the Beauty team. Kelly is thrilled for the opportunity to combine her luxury and medical spa experience for members of the incredible BIÂN Chicago.

Kelly grew up in Boston's North Shore and received her BS from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She had long been interested in skincare, but an internship at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s Look Good… Feel Better program confirmed she wanted a career helping people feel better about themselves, inside and out. Kelly went on to receive her aesthetics license in 2003 from the Elizabeth Grady School of Esthetics, graduating at the top of her class.

Kelly started her career in the Boston area providing traditional spa services and truly enjoyed attaining visible results with her clients. She moved to Chicago in 2005 and took the opportunity to achieve further improvements in people's skin conditions through a more medical focus.

Kelly’s continuous education approach includes certifications in chemical peels, skin biology and physiology, microdermabrasion, various lasers and IPL machines as well as advanced facial massage techniques. Now at BIÂN she is able to combine the best of both, providing services including Hydrafacials, Luxury Facials, Dermaplaning, VIPeels, and Venus Legacy/Freeze skin tightening treatments among others.

Harmony’s mission is to pave the way for people feel beautiful, and have confidence in the fact that there are solutions to most skincare desires. Her interest in skin care started early in her life, as she battled her own problematic skin. After attending aesthetics school at Estelle Skin care and spa institute, she knew that if she could solve her own skin care health, she could facilitate for others to experience the same. After graduating Harmony spent time working in both medical spas and day spas around Chicago. The greatest reward to Harmony as an aesthetician is building strong relationships with her clients and having the privilege of going through their skin care journeys as a dedicated partner and friend.

Izabela’s passion for skin care was awakened by her personal struggle with, and triumph over acne. In her journey, she paid emotional tolls, discovered the importance of personalized holistic care, and now feels called to help others achieve beautiful, healthy skin. Whether it’s reversing the effects of sun damage for retirees, clearing acne for teenagers, or helping mothers maintain their radiance for decades, what Izabela enjoys most is heartfelt collaboration with her clients and seeing their quality of life improve with great skin results. Izabela also understands the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. She firmly believes that how we feel directly impacts how we look. Along with a degree in Aesthetics from Estelle Skin Care & Spa Institute, Izabela holds several certifications (i.e. chemical peel, HydraFacial, and more) recognized in the field. Prior to joining BIÂN, Izabela owned and operated her own Chicago-based practice. Izabela is known not only for achieving incredible skincare results, but for compassionately prioritizing each client’s individual need and creating bespoke, holistic treatment plans that exceed expectation.

Loren’s career spans various healthcare roles, from working the front desk at a hematology and oncology clinic to analyzing data for computational genomics studies. Her passion for enhancing others' well-being and her personal experience with skin sensitivities led her to pursue esthetics. After becoming a Licensed Esthetician at G Skin & Beauty, Loren gained nearly a decade of experience in both holistic and medical spas. She has advanced certifications in treating diverse skin conditions and modalities such as lymphatic drainage, chemical peels, and microneedling. Loren combines her extensive knowledge to create customized treatments, blending science, energy, and spirituality. Her approach incorporates skin care treatments, breathwork, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Ayurvedic techniques. Clients appreciate her integrative method and her attentive care, often praising her for her “angel hands” and the results she helps them achieve.

Tara Leggero joins BIÂN Beauty as her official Chicago practice! Tara brings nearly 20 years of experience as an aesthetician with a distinguished background that includes leading roles at Northwestern Medicine and Spaderma MedSpa. At BIÂN, Tara will be offering custom facials, Hydrafacial, VIPeel, BBL, and microneedling services by appointment only.