For Kara Gomes, founder of Clinique MIKA, medical aesthetics has never been about changing the way someone looks. It is about helping people feel confident while still looking unmistakably like themselves.
Over the past seven years, Gomes has transformed that philosophy into a growing Montreal medical aesthetics and wellness brand with two locations, an education and training division, and a reputation for combining advanced technology with natural, individualized results.
Her introduction to aesthetics was deeply personal. After becoming a mother, Gomes experienced firsthand how taking time to care for herself and investing in treatments that made her feel confident again could have an impact far beyond appearance. That experience ultimately helped shape the philosophy behind Clinique MIKA: enhance what is already there rather than create an entirely different version of someone.
For Gomes, one of the greatest compliments is when a client is told they look refreshed, rested, or radiant, without anyone being able to identify exactly what they had done.
Making Advanced Aesthetics More Inclusive
Inclusivity has also become central to Clinique MIKA’s identity. As a woman who has personally experienced being turned away from aesthetic treatments because providers did not have the appropriate technology or experience to safely treat her skin tone, Gomes recognized an important gap in the industry. She became determined to build a clinic where clients with darker and Black skin would not feel like an afterthought. That commitment influenced Clinique MIKA’s investment in advanced technologies, including multiple Candela platforms capable of addressing a broad range of aesthetic concerns across diverse skin types and tones.
Gomes’ expertise with these technologies has also led to her work as a Key Opinion Leader for Candela, allowing her to combine her experience as a clinic owner, practitioner, and educator while advocating for knowledgeable and inclusive treatment practices. Today, Clinique MIKA offers advanced laser treatments, skin rejuvenation, injectables, body contouring, corrective skincare, and other medical aesthetic services, with treatment plans customized to the individual rather than approached as one-size-fits-all. Its second location in Westmount expands that philosophy beyond aesthetics by incorporating wellness and recovery services designed to complement clients’ overall self-care routines.
From Clinic Owner to Educator
Gomes’ vision extends beyond treating clients. Through Institut MIKA, she and her team provide advanced education and hands-on training in medical aesthetics, helping aestheticians and medical professionals develop the practical skills required to work confidently with modern aesthetic technologies. For Gomes, education is an important part of raising standards within an industry that continues to grow rapidly. Her approach is rooted not only in theory, but in the realities of operating an aesthetics business: working with clients, investing in technology, building teams, navigating growth and continually adapting to an evolving industry.
An Entrepreneurial Journey Recognized on Dragons’ Den
Gomes’ entrepreneurial story reached a national audience when she appeared on CBC’s Dragons’ Den Canada with her previous wellness and fitness concept, Level Up Studio, where she successfully secured a deal with a Dragon. She was later invited back for a follow-up episode documenting the evolution of her entrepreneurial journey, with Clinique MIKA becoming part of the story. The experience gave Gomes national exposure while highlighting something that has characterized her career: a willingness to evolve. What began as an interest in wellness and fitness ultimately developed into a much broader vision encompassing medical aesthetics, wellness, education and entrepreneurship.
The Human Side of Aesthetics
Despite the technology and business growth, Gomes says some of the most meaningful moments of her career have come from individual client relationships. One experience that has remained with her involved supporting a longtime client through a gender transition. Over the years, treatments including facial laser hair removal, skincare and subtle aesthetic enhancements became part of a much larger personal journey.
The experience reinforced Gomes’ belief that aesthetics can represent much more than appearance. When delivered thoughtfully, it can help create a space where people feel listened to, respected, and more comfortable expressing who they are. That philosophy continues to influence the culture Gomes is building at Clinique MIKA.
What’s Next
With two Montreal locations, a growing education division and an expanding wellness offering, Gomes continues to develop Clinique MIKA beyond the traditional definition of a medical spa. Her goal remains remarkably simple: combine advanced technology, education, and individualized care while ensuring that people of different skin tones, backgrounds, and aesthetic goals feel represented. For Gomes, the future of medical aesthetics isn’t about creating more dramatic transformations. It’s about creating better, safer, and more inclusive ones, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves.
