We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Carly Kesner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Carly, appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

Absolutely—there’s one story that still gives me chills every time I think about it. I had the honor of working with a breast cancer survivor who had undergone a double mastectomy and reconstruction. She came to me for areola restoration, but what stood out wasn’t just the physical transformation—it was the emotional one.

When we finished, she looked in the mirror and immediately burst into tears. She told me, “This is the first time I’ve felt whole again since my surgery.” That moment wasn’t about perfect symmetry or pigment—it was about giving her back something that cancer had taken away.

It reminded me why I do what I do. The art, the technique, the certifications—those are all tools. But the real work is in helping someone feel seen, strong, and confident in their skin again. That’s what Revival Skin + Artistry is all about.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Carly Kesner—owner of Revival Skin + Artistry, a corrective skincare and medical tattooing studio based just outside Denver, Colorado. Our studio specializes in scar revision, areola restoration, and permanent makeup. But more than anything, we specialize in empowerment—helping clients reclaim their confidence after trauma, surgery, or skin challenges that have made them feel disconnected from their appearance.

My journey into this field was deeply personal. Inspired by my post-accident experience in high school that left scars on my face and neck, I set out to empower women who have been through similar experiences. I’ve always been drawn to art, science, and healing, and I found a way to blend all three through advanced esthetics and paramedical tattooing. What started as a career in skincare evolved into something much deeper after I saw firsthand how powerful these services could be for survivors—whether of cancer, accidents, surgeries, or life itself. That was the moment Revival was born—not just as a name, but as a mission.

At Revival Skin + Artistry, we offer paramedical and cosmetic tattooing (like areola restoration, scar camouflage, and permanent brows, eyeliner, and lips), microneedling, chemical peels, and customized facials. Many of our services are trauma-informed, and some are even covered by medical insurance or grants—especially for breast cancer survivors. We work closely with nonprofits and care teams to make these services more accessible to those who need them most.

What sets us apart is our approach. We don’t just treat skin—we listen to stories, hold space, and help people feel whole again. Every appointment is intentionally designed to make clients feel safe, seen, and supported. We’re also incredibly detail-oriented, because when you’re working with scars, post-surgical skin, or permanent makeup, precision and care make all the difference.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on people’s lives beyond the mirror. Watching someone smile at their reflection after years of discomfort or avoidance is something I’ll never take for granted. I’ve cried with clients, celebrated with them, and walked alongside them through some of their most vulnerable moments.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that this work is personal. It’s not about vanity—it’s about visibility. It’s about helping people feel comfortable and confident in their skin again, no matter what they’ve been through. Revival Skin + Artistry isn’t just about beauty. It’s about healing.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped build my reputation most is the combination of genuine care and consistent, high-quality results. In an industry that’s often saturated with trends, quick fixes, or surface-level services, I’ve always chosen to focus on depth—both in how I treat the skin and how I connect with people.

Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful for us. Clients don’t just leave with great results—they leave feeling seen, heard, and supported. I take the time to educate my clients, to explain the “why” behind what I do, and to tailor every service to their individual needs and goals. That attention to detail builds trust.

What also sets us apart is our specialty in trauma-informed, corrective, and paramedical work. We don’t just enhance beauty—we help people heal from things like scarring, surgeries, and emotional trauma tied to body image. That level of purpose resonates, and it creates a ripple effect. When someone feels empowered, they talk about it. That’s how our reputation has grown—organically, and with integrity.

And honestly, just showing up consistently—with passion, professionalism, and care—has been one of the most underrated but powerful tools in building a solid foundation.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Other than training and technical knowledge, I think the most important qualities for success in this field are empathy, patience, and the ability to truly listen. So much of what we do—especially in corrective and paramedical work—is deeply emotional for the client. You’re not just working on skin; you’re working on someone’s self-image, their healing journey, their confidence. Being able to hold space for that is just as important as mastering your craft.

You also need a strong sense of integrity. Clients are trusting you with their face, their scars, their story. That’s a huge responsibility, and it’s not something to take lightly. Doing what’s best for the client—even if it means saying “not yet” or referring them elsewhere—is key to building long-term trust.

Lastly, I think adaptability is a must. Every client is different, every skin type responds uniquely, and trends or technologies are always evolving. You have to be willing to learn, pivot, and stay grounded in your “why” as the industry shifts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://revivalskinartistry.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revival_skin_artistry/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revivalskinartistry

Image Credits

Zara Ashby