Durban - Gauteng's top aesthetic doctor, Reza Mia, is in the business of making people beautiful - but his skills extend far beyond beauty, as he is the mastermind behind the Pegasus Vertical Business Jet, which is currently being designed.
The 34-year-old was born in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, and now lives in Linksfield.
He has a Bachelor of Medicine and a surgery degree from the University of Witwatersrand, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool and a Master’s in Finance from the London School of Business.
Mia’s practice, Anti-Aging Art Medical Aesthetics, is based in Houghton.
“When I started practising medicine privately, I realised my patients had a need and demand for aesthetics and I decided to further my studies in it. Initially, it was a part-time practice ... (but it) evolved into a full-time aesthetic career,” said Mia, adding that he specialised in skin, body and hair rejuvenation treatments.
He said the most rewarding part of his job was seeing how the results influenced his patients’ self-confidence and overall well-being.
“The popular procedures for men and women differ - men come in for treatment for dark circles under their eyes, frown lines, sagging skin and hair loss. Women, on the other hand, need treatment for fine lines, pigmentation marks and body sculpting.
“Our patients include celebrities and socialites but the bulk of our patient base is made up of people who are ... just looking after themselves.”
Mia’s other passion, aeronautical engineering, led to him designing the Pegasus Vertical Business Jet.
“The jet is unique in that it has a vertical take-off and the technology allows for it to land on wooden decking and even grass without setting it alight.
“It can fly for up to six hours. The plane is in the process of being designed. We are busy with the wing design. The jet is designed for private use only and can accommodate up to eight people. It will sell for the price of a similar-sized business jet.”
When Mia is not busy with work, he unwinds by keeping fit at gym, yoga and doing cardio exercises.
He said he also enjoyed martial arts.
Mia also draws, paints and creates computer-generated art.
He is involved with the Smile Foundation and said he recently started a new charity, which is part of his practice and called Project Restore.
It is aimed at providing aesthetic medical treatments to people who have suffered from conditions ranging from severe acne scarring to facial deformities.
Mia said his mother, Farida, inspired him to study and his dad, businessman Sayed Mia, encouraged him never to give up on his dreams.
“I watched my mom study when I was growing up. She did her PhD in physiology and nutrition. My dad taught me never to give up, no matter how challenging things become.
“Watching him progress in his life by studying as well as starting up diverse companies and ventures inspired my entrepreneurial spirit.”
He said he lived by his philosophy of focusing on the positives, never giving up, learning from his experiences and moving forward.