Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dana Waldie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Dana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

Unlike most aesthetic practices that focus solely on beauty, I take a 360-degree approach to treating the skin. I treat the whole person—skin, body, and spirit. While many in the aesthetic industry concentrate only on the skin’s appearance, I believe it’s essential to consider the interconnectedness of the body. Factors like stress, diet, and lifestyle can greatly impact the skin, leading to conditions like acne, wrinkles, and other skin issues. For example, I’ve been trained to recognize when a client is stressed or when cortisol levels may be elevated, as these physiological factors can manifest visibly on the skin.

The cornerstone of my work is merging mindfulness with licensed skincare procedures. My facials are a unique fusion of reiki and sound healing, designed to guide clients into a deeper state of relaxation and healing. This holistic approach not only supports the skin’s health but nurtures the client’s overall well-being, which, in turn, promotes healthier, more radiant skin.”**

Dana , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Dana Waldie, Owner of Methods & Rituals Spa + Licensed Aesthetician:

I am a holistic aesthetician and the spirited force behind Methods + Rituals Spa. I was born amidst the buzz of a Michigan beauty salon, my early fascination with skincare led me to pack my bags at 20 and dive into the glitz of the West Coast’s fashion and film industries as a makeup artist. I quickly realized that true beauty transcends foundation and concealer. Seeking to marry licensed procedures with mindfulness and holistic practices, I delved into the world of aesthetics, ultimately becoming the lead aesthetician at Vera Bella Skin Therapy in Beverly Hills.

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However, my journey didn’t stop with skincare. My quest for deeper healing pushed me to explore the realms of energy work. Now a certified Reiki Practitioner, Sound Healer, and Breathwork and Meditation Facilitator, I believe in the transformative power of human touch and integrate all of these modalities into my practice. My approach isn’t just about treating the skin but nurturing the soul, using stress-reducing methods to enhance both inner peace and outer beauty.

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Today, I continue to share my unique philosophy from Joshua Tree, California, where I live with my husband, daughter Luna, and our two dogs. Under the vast desert sky, I service private clients in the Joshua Tree and Palm Springs areas, performing sacred rituals and spreading my knowledge that beauty is a harmonious blend of skin and soul.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

“Passion, grit, and consistency—these three attributes have been my secret sauce to success.

For any business to thrive, I truly believe you have to be deeply passionate about what you do. When you’re passionate and operate from a place of authenticity, clients can feel it. It’s part of human nature to want to support someone who is genuinely excited and committed to their work. In the end, it’s a win-win: the client feels good supporting you, and you feel validated and motivated when you see their support.

Grit has also been a key factor in my journey, especially during the tough times. I grew up in a small town in Michigan in a blue-collar, hard-working family. Nothing was handed to me, so I’ve had to work for everything I have. This background has shaped me, both personally and professionally, teaching me to persevere and adapt in challenging situations. It’s also instilled in me a strong problem-solving mindset that I rely on daily.

Finally, consistency is crucial when building a business. Setting clear business hours and maintaining a steady presence on social media helped establish trust with clients. One of the most effective strategies I used to grow my business was hosting community events. I organized them monthly or bi-monthly, and no matter how many people signed up—whether it was two or twenty—I always showed up. Over time, clients started to ask about the next event, which showed me that consistency and commitment had built a loyal following.

These values of passion, grit, and consistency have helped me create a foundation for my business and continue growing it, no matter the challenges that come my way.”

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

This isn’t so much a lesson as it is an attribute I had to unlearn: comparing myself to others or feeling jealous. When I was younger, I often found myself comparing my progress to others, especially in my professional life. I would wonder why I wasn’t as far along as they were or why I hadn’t reached the same level of success.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gained more perspective on both life and work. Looking back, I can see that there were still lessons I needed to learn. One of the biggest realizations was that I wasn’t fully in alignment with my goals. I now understand that when we’re truly living in alignment with our life’s purpose and utilizing our unique skillset, things start to happen quickly. Life doesn’t feel like a race anymore. The right opportunities come at the right time, and success becomes more about personal growth than about measuring up to others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.methodsandrituals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/methodsandrituals_spa/

Image Credits

Sound Bath image credits to: Laura Grier