We recently connected with Sam Zbikowski and have shared our conversation below.

Sam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my career came when I realized the power of holistic skincare in a world often focused solely on quick fixes and trends. I started my journey as an esthetician, trying various treatments and products, but I noticed that my clients were often still struggling with long-term skin issues. It wasn’t until I deeply explored the connection between the skin and the body’s overall health that everything clicked for me. This shift in perspective sparked my fascination with the science behind skin health. How things like nutrition, stress, and lifestyle factors play such a critical role in skin’s appearance and function.

As I began applying these holistic principles in my treatment room, the results I was able to achieve spoke for themselves. My clients were seeing real, lasting improvements by focusing on a more integrated approach to skincare, treating both the skin and the underlying causes of their concerns. It became clear that this was the direction I wanted to pursue, which ultimately led to the creation of our storefront, Dahlia Beauty Bar, and eventually Dahlia Skincare.

The experience taught me that having a successful skincare business isn’t only about offering the latest products or techniques, but about building a holistic foundation that prioritizes connection, well-being, balance, and a deeper understanding of what your body is telling you through your skin. By combining two of my favorite things, scientific principles with a holistic approach, I’ve been able to create a business that educates clients on how to care for their skin, inside and out, with products and services that align with their overall well-being. This blend of science and holistic care has become the core philosophy behind both my beauty bar and skincare line.

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?

I’m Sam, an Advanced Esthetician and the owner of Dahlia Beauty Bar and Dahlia Skincare. The journey to where I am today was deeply shaped by my own personal struggle with acne. For years, I tried everything – products, treatments, and harsh exfoliants, anything for a quick fix to clear my skin, but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until I began focusing on nourishing my skin barrier and making changes to my lifestyle that I truly started seeing results. I discovered that simple, soothing solutions, rather than aggressive treatments, were the most effective way to heal and support my skin. This experience inspired me to create Dahlia Beauty Bar, where I could share my approach with others. At Dahlia, I focus on holistic skincare that not only addresses immediate concerns but also promotes long-term health and balance. The space itself is warm, earthy, and inviting, providing an atmosphere where clients can relax and reconnect with themselves while receiving treatments that cater to their unique skin needs.

The same philosophy that guided my personal skincare journey also led me to create Dahlia Skincare. The line was designed to offer simple yet effective products that nourish and protect the skin barrier. Every product is crafted with clean, high-quality ingredients to help maintain healthy, glowing skin while supporting the skin’s natural balance. I’ve carefully formulated each item to be soothing, gentle, and easy to incorporate into daily rituals. No harsh exfoliants or quick fixes, just results-driven solutions that promote lasting skin health.

What sets Dahlia Beauty Bar and Dahlia Skincare apart is the personalized approach we take with each client. We believe in the power of simplicity and nourishment, creating skincare routines that are sustainable, calming, and effective. After over a decade as an esthetician, I am so proud to have created a space and a brand that empowers people to embrace a holistic approach to their skin and wellness.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe that creating genuine connections with people is one of the most important elements for success in this field. When I first started my career, I was shy and nervous about talking to clients, but over the years, I’ve learned that building a true connection with your clients is what makes all the difference. The more comfortable you get, the easier it becomes to engage with people, and the more meaningful those connections become. I make it a priority to create a relaxed, welcoming environment for every client. I genuinely enjoy getting to know the people who trust me with their skin, and I think that personal connection is what really sets us apart. Many of my clients are always surprised by how much I remember about them, whether it’s a small detail about their life or something they mentioned in passing at a previous appointment. They often say that coming to see me feels like hanging out with a friend, and I truly love hearing that. I see some of my regulars more than my own family at times and really cherish them.

We also focus on intention in everything we do, whether it’s the services we provide or the products we create. Each treatment at Dahlia is personalized to meet the unique needs of the client, and we always ensure that the experience goes beyond just the physical treatment. When crafting our products, I pay close attention not only to the quality of the ingredients but also to the overall sensory experience. From the colors and textures to the smells and the plants, we want to make sure every detail excites our clients and makes them look forward to incorporating our products into their daily rituals.

While creating genuine connections and being intentional with clients is essential, it’s also crucial to set strong boundaries to protect both yourself and your time. Over the years, I’ve learned that establishing clear boundaries helps maintain a healthy, balanced relationship with clients. It ensures that I can give them my full attention during appointments without overextending myself. I strive to be present and fully engaged with my clients, but I also make sure to protect my time and energy so I can continue to show up as my best self. Setting these boundaries also helps foster respect and mutual understanding, ensuring that both my clients and I feel valued. It’s an ongoing learning process, but it’s one of the key factors in sustaining a long-lasting, successful career while maintaining the passion and enthusiasm for the work I do.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

I always say I have the best job in the world, and I genuinely feel lucky to do what I do every day. It’s funny, because growing up, I was always drawn to makeup and dressing up. I would spend hours experimenting with different looks, and I vividly remember family members calling me “vain” for being so into beauty. But little did I know, that love for self-expression and aesthetics was actually the foundation for my career. In fact, it even says in my astrological chart that I was destined for a career in beauty, which always makes me smile when I think about it.

Over time, I realized that my passion for beauty was much deeper than surface-level. It wasn’t just about looking good, it’s most importantly about helping people feel good, confident, and empowered in their own skin. Becoming an esthetician allowed me to channel that love for beauty into something meaningful. I’m able to create a space where people can relax, unwind, and experience skin transformations that go beyond just cosmetic improvements. I get to make a positive impact on others’ lives while doing something that truly lights me up every single day.

So yes, I would absolutely choose this path again. It’s more than just a job for me. Being an esthetician has given me the opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level, learn about science and skin health, and create holistic solutions that help people feel their best. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a profession that aligns so deeply with my passions and allows me to make a difference in others’ lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dahliabeautybarohio.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/samzbikowski
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/dahliabeautybar
• Linkedin: https://Linkedin.com/in/samzbikowski
• Other: https://linktr.ee/samzbikowski

Image Credits

Sokol & Co. Photography