AN ARDOUR FOR AESTHETICS

Editor Anna Dobbie asks Dr Paris Acharya and Anna Miller to reflect on the first year of their joint venture, Ardour Clinic

Fate, friendship, and a shared passion for beauty and wellbeing were the factors behind co-founders Dr Paris Acharya and registered nurse prescriber Anna Miller setting up Ardour Clinic. Having first crossed paths at a previous clinic, where they worked together for six years, they embarked on a new journey together in May 2024, when they opened the doors of the medical aesthetics sanctuary in Marylebone, with a mission to provide a holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing.

“After 12 years, I decided it was time for a new chapter, leaving in June 2023 to pursue something closer to my heart,” comments Miller. “It was a leap of faith, but I instinctively knew it was the right move.”

Driven by a common vision to offer a more personalised and comprehensive approach to aesthetics and wellness, Dr Acharya and Miller combined their expertise in medical aesthetics and holistic wellbeing to not only treat their patients’ symptoms but also provide holistic guidance and support at every step of the journey.

A couple of years ago, Miller retrained as a life coach and launched the Anna Miller Method as a side hustle: “It allowed me to combine my passions for coaching and aesthetic facials, blending inner transformation with outer confidence. Setting up a clinic with Dr Acharya felt like the natural next step, and from that moment, everything just fell into place — almost as if it was meant to be.”

During their years working together, they noticed a lack of what they felt was a truly holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing. “We found many patients were struggling with certain aspects of their lives and presented with skin issues, hormonal problems and general health concerns,” adds Dr Acharya. “Our clinic isn’t just about treating symptoms; we delve deeper to provide personalised guidance every step of the way. Whether our patients seek aesthetic refinement, optimal skin health, hormonal balance, or life coaching, we are here to support them.”

THE HEART OF ARDOUR CLINIC

The clinic’s name, meaning great enthusiasm and passion, reflects the care that Dr Acharya and Miller bring to their practice, guided by the core values of wisdom, service, and empowerment.

Located in the vibrant Marylebone Village, Ardour Clinic is housed in Elliott House, a space that exudes warmth, elegance, and charm.

“When it came to choosing the location, we always knew we wanted to stay in and around Marylebone,” comments Miller. “It’s a community we know intimately, and I’ve been part of it for many years now. Premises in this area are notoriously hard to come by, and we visited several locations before finding the perfect one. We explored places on Cavendish Square and Crawford Street, but none of them felt right. Some were too clinical, while others lacked the soul we were looking for.”

The moment they walked into Elliott House, they fell in love. “It had everything we wanted — a beautiful space with character, charm, and warmth,” adds Dr Acharya. “It’s vibrant yet elegant, perfectly reflecting the ethos of our clinic. We couldn’t ask for a better home for Ardour.

The clinic was designed to feel more like a home than a clinical environment, with details that create a sense of calm and tranquillity. From the bright and airy interiors to the presence of plants and greenery, every aspect of the design reflects Ardour Clinic’s commitment to creating a nurturing and welcoming space for its patients.

“The design was inspired by a Parisian apartment, with thoughtful details that create a sense of warmth, elegance, and belonging,” elaborates Miller. “Our aim was for patients to feel immediately at ease, surrounded by beauty and calm, as soon as they walk through our doors.”

The clinic’s design was a step-bystep process focused on functionality, aesthetics, and patient experience: “We knew that we wanted the space to be welcoming, warming, and conducive to healing, and we also wanted to be able to transport patients away from the busy hustle and bustle of London life. We’re aware that many people visit us for an escape, so we wanted to make sure that this shone through in the design.”

“We always knew that we wanted the space to be very bright and light, with white furniture and walls to really open the space up,” adds Dr Acharya. “The last thing patients want when visiting a premium clinic is to feel uncomfortable, so it was important to us to encompass this airy feel in the design. We also chose warm, wooden flooring to create a calming environment, reflecting our dedication to patient care. The clinic embodies wisdom in its timeless and sophisticated aesthetic, creating an atmosphere where expertise and experience are evident. It represents empowerment by providing a space where patients feel seen, heard, and supported to become the most confident version of themselves.”

According to Miller, the foliage was designed to give a sense of vitality: “The presence of plants is associated with reduced stress and improved wellbeing, creating a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for Ardour. We’ve taken the clinical out of the clinic, made it homely and welcoming, it’s somewhere to relax and enjoy.”

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

The clinic’s clientele ranges from busy professionals to individuals navigating significant life changes, all seeking to invest in their long-term health and confidence. Ardour welcomes patients of all genders and ages, offering bespoke treatments that focus on subtle, naturallooking results and a balance between looking good and feeling good.

“We don’t really have a ‘typical client’,” says Dr Acharya. “Our clients value subtle, natural-looking results and appreciate the balance between looking good and feeling good. Many of them are busy professionals or individuals navigating significant life changes, such as menopause or periods of stress, who want to invest in their longterm health and confidence. They come to us because they trust our expertise and know they’ll be treated as a whole person, not just another appointment in the diary.”

In addition to its signature facials and aesthetic treatments, Ardour Clinic offers a range of bespoke programmes tailored to different needs. From the ‘Focus, Influence and Confidence’ programme for men to the ‘Serenity and Strength’ programme for stress management, the clinic aims to provide a 360 approach to wellbeing for every individual, blending aesthetics with wellbeing and life coaching to achieve their fullest potential.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

To get to where Ardour is today, Miller feels they have had to “trust the process”. She says, “One of my biggest life lessons would have to be realising that everything I have ever done, jobs I’ve had, books I’ve read, courses I’ve been on, new skills I’ve learned, have all led me to exactly where I am now. I am no longer in pursuit of anything. I’m proof that everything will happen in its own time, and I love that I can be an example to my coaching clients.”

Miller advises any practitioners looking to open their own clinic should know their value, focus on quality not quantity and invest in building relationships: “Building trust with your clients takes time, but it’s the key to long-term success. Treat your patients like individuals, not transactions, and they’ll keep coming back.”

“It is completely normal to make mistakes along the way,” adds Dr Acharya. “Often it is not the mistake that is the issue but how it is managed and the biggest lesson to learn is the ability to communicate clearly and kindly – it will help you go far when running your own business.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Ardour plans to expand its menu with cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance skin health and overall wellbeing. Regenerative therapies like exosomes and polynucleotides are in high demand, offering innovative solutions to improve skin health at a cellular level. For example, Ardour’s Skintuitive treatment, which combines Mastelli polynucleotides with clinical-grade chemical peels and growth factors, is a popular choice among patients seeking to rejuvenate their skin.

“In 2025, we’re planning to expand our menu with more cutting-edge treatments designed to enhance skin health and overall wellbeing,” adds Miller. “Our focus will continue to be on bespoke, sciencebacked solutions that empower our patients to feel their best, inside and out.”

“We’re also excited about the prospect of expanding Ardour Clinic beyond its current scope, although we’re still exploring what that will look like,” says Dr Acharya. “Whether through additional locations, partnerships, or new services, we’re committed to staying true to our values of wisdom, service, and empowerment as we grow. Ultimately, our goal is to create a community where every patient feels seen, valued, and supported – not just as clients, but as individuals.”

The clinic aims to lead the way in offering innovative, science-backed treatments that celebrate the natural ageing process and promote resilience, texture, and luminosity. By focusing on enhancing skin health and wellness, Ardour seeks to empower clients to thrive and embrace their individual beauty.

“We believe that true beauty encompasses more than just external appearance,” concludes Miller. “It’s about achieving your fullest potential in every aspect of life — health, beauty, and overall wellbeing. We want to make an impact on everyone’s confidence, showing that true beauty and holistic wellbeing come from the inside too.”