We were lucky to catch up with Dawn Hanson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dawn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

I spent over two decades as a nurse and developed a passion for health and wellness, even owning a yoga studio for several years. My interest in aesthetics grew over time, particularly in natural approaches to aging, like skincare, laser treatments, microneedling, and biostimulators. When I was pregnant with my son, I decided to dive into the world of aesthetics, taking over 100 hours of online and in person aesthetic trainings and attending laser school, all while preparing for motherhood. After my son was born, I applied for a part-time job at a plastic surgery center in Austin, Texas, determined to break into the field. It’s notoriously tough to get that first job, but after 9 months of working there, I transitioned into a full-time injecting role. While I loved helping clients gain confidence and feel better about themselves, I quickly realized the culture didn’t align with my values. The lack of passion and support from the team, along with the director’s money-driven approach, led me to seek something more meaningful. Eventually, I partnered with a nurse practitioner to open a medical spa and wellness center. It’s still growing, but we’ve built a space centered around passion and compassion, not profit, and though running a business is tough, I’m proud of the work we do. I’m excited to continue growing and helping people in a way that feels authentic and true to my values.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

At our medical spa, we take a holistic approach to aesthetics, focusing on creating personalized, long-term treatment plans for each client. We offer an extensive consultation where we address multiple aspects of aging, including skin health, internal wellness, lifestyle, volume loss, and facial muscle strength. Based on these factors, we tailor treatments to each individual, ensuring the best outcomes. Our services range from injectables, lasers, and microneedling to biostimulators, all with a focus on safety, precision, and natural results. We work with each client as a long-term partner, adjusting their treatment plan as needed and correcting any past mistakes along the way.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail, commitment to safety, and our use of advanced techniques, such as ultrasound guidance during injections. We also know when to say no to a treatment, ensuring that we never overdo it or make decisions that could harm our clients. Above all, we believe in the importance of providing treatments that enhance confidence and help people feel like the best version of themselves.

We are also proud to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone, including individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, and all other diverse groups. We believe beauty and self-care are for everyone, and we strive to create a space where each person feels respected, valued, and heard. Our goal is to ensure that every client receives the best possible care in a safe and compassionate environment.

While we are still growing, we are incredibly proud of what we’ve built—a space where passion and compassion come before profit, and where our clients’ well-being is always our top priority. We look forward to continuing to support our clients on their journeys to feeling confident and beautiful in their own skin.

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

In addition to training and knowledge, networking and mentorship are incredibly important for succeeding in our field. Having a strong support system outside of your immediate workplace is invaluable. Mentorship provides a safe space to ask questions, seek guidance, and discuss concerns that may not be appropriate to address with coworkers. Building relationships with others in the industry can offer new perspectives, advice, and opportunities that help you grow both professionally and personally. Networking also opens doors to collaborations and partnerships that can accelerate your career, making it essential to surround yourself with individuals who can inspire, support, and challenge you.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Growing our clientele has been a challenging but rewarding process. We’ve explored several avenues, including local magazines, Facebook Meta ads, Google ads, flyers, and tabling at events. It’s crucial to identify the type of clientele you want to attract and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. In our experience, we found that many of the clients we attracted through Facebook Meta ads were price-sensitive, similar to those who use platforms like Groupon, often hopping from deal to deal. On the other hand, we’ve seen more long-term, loyal clients come from Google ads and local magazines. Social media also plays a role, though it’s more hit-or-miss. While we get fewer clients directly through social media, those who do come in are often loyal—they’ve been following our posts for a while and have a strong connection to our brand before even booking. Ultimately, understanding where your ideal clients are and how to reach them is key to growing and sustaining a loyal clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.westashevilleaesthetics.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/westashevilleaesthetics

Image Credits

photographer: Leea Gorell