Meet Dana Benson | Spa Owner/Esthetician/Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana Benson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk can be very scary but I’ve learned that its necessary. I took the risk of leaving a job I loved but was no longer serving me completely to open up my skincare studio. It was very scary at first because i appreciated that security the job brought and I was loosing that, but having that courage to step out, did me well. Then 4 yrs into being in my studio the opportunity was presented to me to move to a 2500 sq ft. bldg. and operate a full spa. Again it was scary because I knew this was what I dreamed of but didn’t necessarily know if I was ready for it. Although it was a well thought out move it went pretty hastily and again I’m glad I took that risk.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what sets us apart is that we absolutely love what we do! I’ve been a esthetician now for 20 years and its been an amazing journey! The beginning of my career was mostly on the medical side working with Dermatologist and plastic surgeons in the Kansas city and Atlanta area. I moved to Birmingham, later in my career and received my Esthetics Instructors license and begin teaching my passion. So I also feel that contributes to what sets us apart is marrying clinic, spa, and education, and our amazing team. Part of our mission is “that our clients leave feeling more confident and educated on self-care.”

I’m thankful that I get to wake up and do what I love everyday, Most of what contributes to where I am today is support and determination. Is the entrepreneurial route easy? No, you have a lot of nerve-racking moments. I’m learning to be grateful for those moments because you always learn something.

I’ve learned so many lessons along the way but one in particular is to be intentional about everything.

The Esthetic Loft is a vibe, a safe haven, a calm away from the storm. Our goal is for you to leave feeling more confident, relaxed, and educated on proper self- care for your self. We do this by setting a mood,(aromatherapy, candles in a comfy chic environment). Giving a amazing services and education. We believe in a holistic approach to beauty. #holistiglam

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my Bff was visiting the area, because they would probalbly be from KC ( Jazz City) we would probably visit the perfect note for good jazz and food. I’m a fan of Museums so the Civil rights and Birmingham Museum of Arts. Definitely some nice bars and food. ( Elyton Hotel Rooftop, Surin, Micheals, Redmont Hotel) We would go to a Barron’s Baseball game, Chill at railroad park after visiting a food truck or Eugnes Chicken,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So the success of The Esthetic Loft is also possible because of my team. You are at work or in business more than 50% of the time. So its great to have an environment of good vibes around you. We respect each other and all know the roles we play to make the success of the Loft possible. Its also said that ” You must have an environment of good energy in order to give that.”- We try to make that a part of our mission.

Website: theestheticloft.com

Instagram: @theestheticloft

Linkedin: Dana Benson

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Yelp: The Esthetic Loft

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