Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kelly Dunning. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kelly , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
The primary focus of my coaching practice is helping women maintain their autonomy and confidence as they age. I achieve this by fostering a deeper connection between self-care, wellness, and beauty, emphasizing the idea that true beauty comes from within.
One of the most impactful pieces of advice I share with my clients is to let go of the notion of what they should be doing and instead take the time to discover what their ideal self truly wants to do. Too often, we get caught up in societal pressures and lose sight of what genuinely matters to us—what brings us happiness and fulfillment.
When we’re disconnected from our purpose, it’s easy to turn to behaviors or habits that simply mask feelings of discontent. This disconnection often contributes to elevated cortisol levels, increased inflammation, weight gain, and other physical stressors that can eventually lead to chronic conditions like depression, anxiety, and other ailments.
On the other hand, taking the time to redefine and reconnect with your purpose can trigger profound psychological and physiological changes. While it may sound simple, having clarity around your purpose brings meaning to daily tasks and cultivates a sense of drive to remain aligned with your path.
I’ve worked with clients who felt like they had ‘failed’ in every other program they tried, yet they thrived once they discovered their ‘why.’ Understanding their deeper purpose gave them the clarity and motivation to make meaningful changes, transforming their approach to wellness and self-care. It’s a powerful reminder that success isn’t about following a prescribed path—it’s about connecting with what truly drives you.
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 offer comprehensive online wellness coaching designed to enhance physical, emotional, and mental well-being, along with personalized skincare consultations. For clients in New York City, I provide in-person self-care services, including massage therapy, customized facials, tailored stretching sessions, lymphatic treatments, and rejuvenating body scrubs. My approach is centered on fostering holistic wellness and empowering my clients to prioritize their self-care journey.
I believe there’s often a common thread that drives someone to become a wellness provider: finding power in their pain. Many of us are drawn to this path because we’ve experienced struggles or challenges that deeply shaped us. By working through those experiences, we not only heal ourselves but also discover the strength and empathy to help others on their own journeys.
Growing up as a competitive dancer, I was taught that being pretty, skinny, and always happy was the formula for success. I distinctly remember a shift when I was just seven years old—from being told to be cute and smile for the judges to being encouraged to be sexy and ‘sell myself.’ This expectation was placed on me even when I didn’t feel confident or happy.
While those experiences did instill discipline and resilience, they also shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand at the time. The pressure to prioritize appearance and performance over genuine well-being left a lasting impact on how I viewed myself and my worth.
I grew up hearing conflicting and hurtful messages about my body. Dance moms told me I wasn’t ‘skinny enough,’ while at school, I was bullied for being ‘flat’ and having ‘thunder thighs.’ These experiences left me struggling with body image throughout my teenage years. I was constantly labeled as ‘different’ and made to feel like I wasn’t enough, which led to an on-again, off-again eating disorder and bouts of depression.
In my early 20s, I had what many would consider a successful life. I worked as a massage therapist for the Ritz-Carlton, built a loyal following, and earned a comfortable income—especially for someone my age. I was surrounded by a lot of “friends,” though most of those relationships lacked depth. For the first time, I was recognized as the “skinny girl,” and, at the time, that validation felt fulfilling, but that validation came at a cost. It pushed me into a pattern of accepting far less than I deserved in relationships and life. To cope with the pain, I partied—a lot—as a way to numb my feelings rather than face them. It was a cycle of seeking external approval while suppressing my own needs and emotions.
In my mid-20s, I began experiencing skin issues, which led me to pursue my esthetician license as a way to help myself. What started as a personal solution quickly grew into a passion for helping others reclaim their confidence through skin health. This passion naturally evolved into health coaching, as I began to appreciate the deep connection between caring for my body and mind.
In my early 30s, I faced health challenges that fundamentally reshaped my perspective on beauty. I realized that true beauty isn’t about appearance—it’s about how we care for ourselves. Learning to set boundaries and prioritize my mental and physical health transformed my life.
Now, in my mid-30s, I understand that beauty comes from within. It’s about self-care, honoring your well-being, and showing up for yourself—inside and out. My mission is to help other women on this journey, empowering them to reclaim their confidence and redefine beauty as something far more profound than what we see in the mirror.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is the notion that perfection exists. I wish I had embraced this realization earlier, as it would have allowed me to spend more time practicing self-compassion. Clinging to perfectionism made it difficult to admit when I was wrong or to ask for help. However, along the way, I internalized the belief that seeking help was a sign of weakness and imperfection, something that undermined the strength I so highly valued.
It took time to realize that being independent doesn’t mean being perfect, and asking for help doesn’t mean you’re dependent on someone; it can simply mean you’re seeking a sounding board or a fresh perspective. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, gain insights, and expand your way of thinking. In truth, asking for help is a way of adding tools to your toolbelt and reminding yourself that you don’t have to face challenges alone. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward growth and connection.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Becoming a nurse and fully incorporating medicine into my practice has always been my soul’s passion. I was accepted into nursing school during COVID, and while I was overjoyed, balancing school and returning to work at a spa quickly became overwhelming. As someone who’s financially independent, I struggled to uphold the boundaries I had set between work and school in order to keep that independence. I ended up working five days a week while juggling classes and clinicals four days a week, leaving me with little time to study.
By my third semester, the stress caught up with me, and I received a C in one of my classes, which led to my dismissal from the program. I was crushed—being a nurse had become a part of my identity, and I fell into a deep depression.
After taking some time to process and reflect, I stepped away from working for a company and put my energy into building my own business and creating a schedule that works for me. I decided to research alternative pathways, and I discovered direct-entry nursing programs that allow individuals with a bachelor’s degree to enter nursing school while pursuing a career change. Motivated by this possibility, I went back to school to complete my bachelor’s degree, and I’m proud to say I’ll be graduating soon with a 3.9 GPA.
Now, I’m applying to several direct-entry nursing programs, more determined than ever. If something is truly your dream, you don’t give up until you achieve it. This journey taught me resilience, perseverance, and the power of adapting to challenges while staying committed to your goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.integratebeautywellness.com/
- Instagram: Integratebeautywellness
