In the tranquil desert oasis of Joshua Tree, Dana Waldie, the founder of Methods & Rituals Spa, has carved out a niche in the aesthetic industry by blending traditional skincare practices with holistic wellness. Our conversation reveals the journey of an innovator who has seamlessly integrated mindfulness and healing modalities into her aesthetic practice. From the bustling city life of Los Angeles to the serene expanses of Joshua Tree, Dana's story is one of passion, rejuvenation, and the pursuit of wellness not just for the skin, but for the soul.
The Catalyst for Change
Twenty years ago, Dana moved from Michigan to Los Angeles with ambitions of becoming a makeup artist. Working with models and brides, she quickly understood the paramount importance of skin health for flawless makeup application. "The skin is like a canvas," she explains. This realization led her to pursue an aesthetician license, training under the mentorship of Vera Kantor at the holistic Vera Bella Spa in Beverly Hills. It was at Vera Bella Spa where Dana was introduced to the holistic approach to skincare, which focuses not just on the skin’s surface but also on the body as an interconnected system.
Incorporating Holistic Practices
Dana's holistic journey took a transformative turn when she moved to Joshua Tree. The desert, she says, "cracked me open," introducing her to alternative spiritual practices and healing modalities such as sound healing, breathwork, and Reiki. She wanted to incorporate those mindfulness practices with the licensed treatments she offered. Today, each facial at Methods & Rituals includes a mini sound bath and breathwork session, weaving these practices into traditional skincare to enhance both the efficacy of the treatments and the overall wellness of her clients.
Holistic Aesthetics Defined
When asked about the difference between a holistic and a regular aesthetician, Dana highlights the comprehensive approach of holistic aesthetics. "We take a full-body approach to skincare," she notes. By considering a client’s diet, lifestyle, and sleep habits, Dana can address root causes of skin issues, such as acne, dryness, and fine lines, and enhance her treatments with referrals to other holistic practitioners like acupuncturists, dieticians, or other healers. It’s this approach to skin care that has forged meaningful relationships between Dana and her clients, where clients regularly tout that every experience, “always leaves [their] skin repaired and [their] soul rejuvenated.”
Dana has made SUCH a difference in my skin. She's more than an esthetician -- she is a HEALER.
Favorite Aspects & Services
Dana's passion is evident when discussing her favorite part of her work: helping people care for their "skin and soul" to ensure they can present their best selves to the world. Her favorite service to offer is facial cupping and Gua Sha, which are both results-oriented and provide a calming experience. Conversely, her preferred treatment to receive is bodywork or massage, emphasizing her belief in the importance of comprehensive care of the whole self.
Product Recommendations and Skincare Advice
Dana is selective with the products she uses and sells in the spa, favoring items like Ruby Facial Oil and Soothing Relief Balm from ISUN Skincare, which align with her holistic philosophy. Despite the plethora of skincare trends and questions she encounters, such as the newest #SkinTok trend on TikTok or the efficacy of collagen supplements, Dana sticks to the basics, recommending bone marrow broth for natural collagen intake and emphasizing the non-negotiable need for sunscreen, regardless of skin type or concern. Trends are just that…trends. And, while some treatments or products may help with short-term concerns, she emphasizes that skin health starts from the inside out–a reminder of what drew her to become a holistic aesthetician in the first place.
Beyond the Treatment Room
Looking forward, Dana is enthusiastic about the future of holistic aesthetics, particularly the growing recognition of mindfulness in maintaining skin health. Her next venture includes training and mentorship programs for other skincare professionals, aiming to propagate her knowledge and holistic approach further into the aesthetic community.
Dana Waldie’s journey from a traditional makeup artist to a pioneer of holistic aesthetics exemplifies how personal and professional growth can lead to profound impacts on both practitioners and clients. At Methods & Rituals Spa, Dana not only beautifies skin but also nurtures the soul, embodying the true spirit of holistic care. Every client who walks in the spa doors knows they’re in good hands with Dana, and they trust that she can help them remember their beauty from the inside out.
Dana is pure magic. She’s incredibly talented and a complete master of her craft. She is kind and intuitive and has found a beautiful and flawless way to integrate sound and massage into her relaxing and rejuvenating facials.