In Conversation with Blush Skin Clinic founder, Sandi Carter

Specialising in Laser Genesis, DMK enzyme therapy and depigmentation treatments, Blush Skin Clinic opened its third clinic in the upmarket Auckland suburb of Newmarket clinic just last month, and already the chic and calming space is thriving.
The new clinic is the skin specialist’s third location across Aotearoa, having established its presence in Whangārei in 2017 and Christchurch in 2023, and at its helm is the unstoppable Sandi Carter. I met Sandi when the team hosted media the day before opening, and was immediately struck by how incredibly knowledgeable she was about skin health and all manner of treatment modalities. She also expertly guided me through my very first DMK Enzyme Therapy experience, which was completely unlike any other treatment I’ve ever had – and I’ve had a few! Blush has also just been recognised as New Zealand Clinic Of The Year 2025 at the DMK Awards in Sydney, and her authentic passion for the brand was palpable.
I caught up with her again just a few weeks later, for a little deep dive on her journey to date…

I know you started your career in the industry very young, and got very serious about your future not long after that! What first drew you to train as a beauty therapist?
At 19, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take in life. University felt like a big commitment, both in time and cost so I decided to give beauty therapy a go. The course was only a year long, and it felt like something I’d genuinely enjoy doing every day. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

At 25 you won New Zealand Beauty Salon of the Year, which is a significant win so early on in your journey – how did that feel, was it a little daunting?
I’ve always been very goals-driven, and that award was something I had set my sights on early in my journey. Achieving it felt incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed that we were on the right path toward the vision for myself and for Blush.

Now you juggle your time working between three cities, and have a bub on the way! How do you prioritise your time so that you have sufficient space to reflect and soak it all in?
My husband Ryan is also super involved in the business, so we really operate as a team. We’re constantly talking about future goals and ways we can improve both personally and professionally. We also make a point of setting aside time each month to connect with our team, reflect on what’s working, and celebrate our progress. Having that shared vision keeps everything balanced and purposeful.

Blush Skin Clinic, Newmarket

You literally just opened your Newmarket, Auckland clinic, how has it been going?
The Newmarket clinic has been open for just one month, and it’s been incredible to see how quickly it’s grown in such a short time. The local community has been so supportive, and the response has exceeded our expectations. It’s truly been an amazing start — we’re so excited to see where it goes from here.

You are a DMK pure clinic, which is a rarity in New Zealand and saw you winning an award recently in Sydney. What initially drew you to the brand?
My journey with DMK actually started through my own skin struggles. I had acne and was searching for a long-term solution rather than a quick fix. I was immediately drawn to how incredibly results-driven the brand is, and the level of education and science behind it. The training and knowledge that DMK provides are truly next-level — it’s miles ahead of anything else I’ve worked with in the industry.

I’ve experienced one of the enzymatic masks, which was wild! Have you been introducing new clients in Auckland to them, and how have they received such a unique treatment?
Yes, absolutely the Enzyme Therapy is one of our staple treatments at Blush. It’s such a unique experience, but beyond that, it works deeply within the skin to correct dysfunctions and target the root causes of skin concerns. That’s why we can customise it so much every treatment is tailored to what your skin truly needs, and clients love both the unique process and the results.

What is the one treatment you offer at Blush that everyone must try?
Definitely the DMK Enzyme Therapy! It’s our hero treatment for a reason it delivers real, lasting results and gives clients that healthy, radiant glow. Once you experience it, you understand why it’s such a game changer.

Blushskinclinic.co.nz