provider spotlights
Stories & Insights Sara Rieman: Elevating Skincare Excellence in Kansas For over 16 years, Sara Rieman, founder of Elevate E...
For over 16 years, Sara Rieman, founder of Elevate Esthetics Parlor in Leawood, Kansas, has been transforming the skincare industry with luxury, results-driven facials, expert waxing, and personalized client experiences. Located in the Old Leawood Historic District, Elevate Esthetics Parlor offers a unique blend of modern skincare advancements with a welcoming, community-driven atmosphere.
Her expertise, combined with numerous industry certifications and awards, solidifies her place among the Top 10 Estheticians in Kansas.
Sara’s journey into esthetics began with a simple yet transformative experience—her first facial in college. However, it wasn’t until years later that she realized esthetics was her calling. Her deep love for skincare, brow artistry, and client connection led her to pursue a career where she could help others feel seen, heard, and confident in their skin.
“Giving clients space to feel special, seen, and cared for is what gives me purpose.” – Sara Rieman
Since obtaining her license in 2009, Sara has pursued continuous education, earning advanced certifications in dermaplaning, chemical peels, lash lifts, and holistic skincare treatments. She is also on track to achieve international certification in oncology esthetics—a testament to her commitment to excellence and compassionate client care.
“Esthetics isn’t a career; it’s a calling. After losing my father to cancer and seeing my own clients face the challenges of cancer treatments, I knew this was the next step in my journey. Oncology esthetics allows me to offer comfort, support, and specialized care to those who need it most.” -Sara
Her passion for skincare extends beyond her treatment room. She is deeply committed to supporting local small businesses in the Kansas City area, carefully selecting product lines that are locally made, smaller-scale, or female-owned. Her dedication to fostering a thriving local business community is reflected in every aspect of Elevate Esthetics Parlor.
Additionally, Sara is an active advocate for domestic violence awareness and support, organizing an annual fundraiser that raises money for a local domestic violence shelter. Through her efforts, she not only uplifts the skincare community but also contributes to meaningful causes that positively impact the lives of those in need.
Beyond her expertise in skincare, Sara has also played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of estheticians. She spent seven years as an esthetics trainer for the companies she worked for and has continued to mentor young estheticians at her alma mater and within the professional beauty community. Her dedication to paying it forward has helped shape the careers of many up-and-coming estheticians, ensuring they enter the field with strong foundational skills, business acumen, and a passion for client care.
At Elevate Esthetics Parlor, Sara takes a personalized, results-driven approach to skincare. She believes in customizing each treatment to address individual concerns while ensuring a luxurious, transformative experience.
Her signature treatment, the 80-Minute Zen Meditation Facial, is a client favorite.
A fusion of science and holistic wellness, this treatment combines:
✔ Guided meditation & chakra balancing
✔ Custom exfoliation & serum infusion
✔ Hot/cold stone therapy & gua sha
✔ Lymphatic drainage & acupressure
✔ Healing crystals & essential oil aromatherapy
This experience transcends traditional facials, creating a profoundly calming effect while improving skin health.
“A healthy mind creates healthy skin.” – Sara
Clients love this facial because it blends clinical skincare with holistic relaxation, allowing them to reconnect with themselves while achieving glowing, rejuvenated skin.
Sara specializes in treating hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, two of the most common concerns among her clients. Through a combination of customized home care plans, advanced treatments, and education, she helps clients achieve visible, long-lasting results.
Her philosophy?
✔ Listen before speaking – Understanding client concerns is the first step to transformation.
✔ Set clear expectations – Transparency builds trust and ensures realistic, achievable goals.
✔ Educate every client – An informed client is an empowered client.
This client-centered approach has earned her a loyal clientele that values her expertise, attentiveness, and ability to deliver consistently outstanding results.
Sara’s influence extends beyond her treatment room. In March 2023, Sara launched Nuvo Beauty Collective, a boutique space designed to bring together the best independent beauty professionals specializing in esthetics, hair, and nails. Her vision was to create more than just a workspace—it was about building a community.
“I realized that one of the biggest reasons people leave this industry is the difficult choice between going solo—which can be isolating and lonely—or working for someone else and struggling to earn a living wage and giving up their entrepreneurial freedom. So, I brought together some of the best independent beauty professionals I could find and created a space where they could thrive. Nuvo is an intimate yet upscale environment where we support each other, grow together, and provide Leawood with a premier one-stop shop for beauty—all while maintaining our independence.” -Sara
At Nuvo, Sara has fostered a tight-knit group of experts who share her passion for elevated beauty and client-focused service, making it a space where both professionals and clients feel at home.
Her dedication to mentorship and professional growth further cements her as a leader in the Kansas esthetics community.
Sara’s commitment to excellence has earned her multiple industry accolades, including:
🏆 #1 in Hair Removal & Waxing (2015,2023) – Pitch Magazine
🏆 Bronze – Best Waxing in Kansas City (2024) – The Kansas City Star
🏆 Runner-Up – Best of Kansas City (Waxing) (2020) – Kansas City Magazine
🏆 Trainer of the Year – Beauty Brands Salon/Spa
🏆 Top 10 Estheticians Nationwide (2013-2017) – Beauty Brands Salon/Spa
Now, being recognized as one of the Top 10 Estheticians in Kansas is a career-defining moment for Sara.
“This recognition means more than any other award—it validates my dedication, merit, and integrity in this industry.” – Sara
She plans to share this honor with her loyal clients, whose trust and support have played a vital role in her success.
Beyond skincare, Sara recognizes the profound emotional impact of her work.
She recalls a particularly touching moment when a client undergoing chemotherapy told her that their facials were the only time they truly felt relaxed.
“Sometimes a facial isn’t just about skincare—it’s about emotional healing. I’ve held clients as they cried, because in that quiet, safe space, they finally allowed themselves to let go.” -Sara
For Sara, esthetics is about more than just beauty—it’s about confidence, self-care, and human connection.
