Meet Stephanie Garbaczewski | Physician Assistant | Founder and Co-Owner of NIKS Medical Spa

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

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My decision to start a business with my younger sister, Erica, was really a combination of passion, experience, and the right timing. Erica and I have spent years—20 combined—in the aesthetics industry, and we’ve always loved what we do. Helping patients feel confident is something we’re both deeply passionate about, and at a certain point, we realized we wanted to create something of our own that truly reflected our vision and values.

Interestingly, NIKS wasn’t our first business venture together. Before this, we launched Bunzie—a touch-free diaper cream applicator—when we were new moms trying to make life a little easier. That experience taught us so much about business, problem-solving, and, most importantly, how well we work together. It gave us the confidence to take on something bigger, and a medical spa felt like the natural next step. Aesthetics has always been our passion—the blend of science, artistry, and the ability to help people feel their best is what drives us. But beyond that, we wanted to build a space that felt personal, welcoming, and truly patient-centered.

As family-focused people, we also wanted the flexibility to grow something meaningful while still being present for the things that matter most. For us, NIKS isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection, confidence, and making an impact in our community. And honestly, we’re just getting started!

What should our readers know about your business?
At NIKS Medical Spa, we pride ourselves on creating an experience that’s as unique as the clients we serve. From personalized treatment plans to our signature touches, everything we do is designed to make people feel their best. One of those touches—our now infamous pineapple juice—has become a favorite among our clients. Not only is pineapple juice a fun and refreshing treat during appointments, but its natural anti-inflammatory properties make it the perfect complement to our aesthetic treatments, helping with post-procedure recovery and swelling. It’s little details like this that set us apart and show our dedication to going the extra mile for our patients.

What truly makes us different, though, is the heart behind our brand. Erica and I built NIKS from a shared passion for helping others feel confident in their skin. NIKS, which is “skin” spelled backward, not only symbolizes rewinding the signs of aging but also rewinding time to restore confidence and enhance natural beauty. Our spa is grounded in family values, personalized care, and a welcoming atmosphere where clients feel genuinely valued.

Getting to this point hasn’t been without its challenges… or crying. 🙂 One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned along the way is that failing is okay. In fact, it’s necessary for success! Every setback has taught us something valuable and how to navigate the unknown. It has also taught us the importance of adapting and staying open to change. Failure isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity to grow, recalibrate, and come back stronger.

We want the world to know that NIKS is more than just a medical spa. It’s a place where science and art meet, where people come not only for aesthetic treatments but to feel empowered and cared for. Our story is about two sisters, bound by family and passion, creating a brand that celebrates confidence, connection, and community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, I’d of course take them to NIKS to show off our pride and joy and hopefully pamper her with some wonderful treatments.

We love a mix of relaxation, adventure, and yummy food, so we would spend a lot of time soaking in coastal views at the beach (with sunscreen on of course!) and a couple of surfing sessions. I would love to take her family to Annies’s Canyon in Solana Beach and explore the out doors there— likely with a Better Buzz coffee in hand. Evenings would be reserved for dining at some of the county’s best restaurants. My personal favorites are Blue Ocean in Carlsbad, Chin’s and Tamarindo in Del Mar, and Paon in Carlsbad. Erica’s husband is a foodie, and we would naturally be with them the whole week, so we would defer to his expertise!

Throughout the week, I’d make sure to include a mix of exciting activities—maybe a trip to Temecula for wine tasting, a trip to Coronado Island on Erica’s family boat, or even a visit to the zoo or Legoland (because let’s be honest— the kids run the show)! These are some of our favorite things to do around San Diego!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our journey and success are deeply rooted in the incredible support and encouragement we’ve received from those around us. First and foremost, our family deserves the biggest shoutout. They’ve been our rock—cheering us on, stepping in when we needed help, and always believing in our vision, even when the road was challenging.

We also owe so much to the mentors and colleagues who have shared their knowledge and guidance over the years. Their wisdom has been instrumental in shaping us into the professionals we are today. A special shoutout goes to the community we’ve built through our medical spa—we have a really special patient population and they inspire us daily to push boundaries and deliver the best care possible.

Website: https://niksmedicalspa.com

Instagram: niks_medical_spa

Facebook: niks_medical_spa

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/niks-medical-spa-del-mar

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NIKS_Medical_Spa

Image Credits
Analisa Joy