In Conversation With Donna Ryan
Donna Ryan is a London based holistic facialist with a celebrity following and she knows first hand the challenges of living with skin issues. From her teenage years through to her late twenties, she battled severe acne, which took a toll on her mental health, plunging her into bouts of depression and anxiety. and today she is talking to YOMU about her inspiring journey and why she believes that nurturing a spiritual connection with our skin reflects not only our external appearance, but also the essence of our being.
Beautiful.
I hope this thoughtful insight gives anyone who is dealing with skin issues hope that things can get better and do check out her website and offerings, the look divine.
What inspired you to start a company in the health and wellness sector and what do you offer?
Like most people who get into this industry, I was suffering with health problems. One of the most upsetting issues I had was with severe acne that didn't get better with conventional methods. I eventually healed my acne by working holistically with my body and that led me into a whole new world of health and wellness. I began my retraining in holistic skincare and facials at a time when there were very few holistic therapists, and I was one of the first people to use natural skincare in my treatments. I now help my clients with skin issues, but I also support with stress management by using Gua Sha and other techniques to release tension in the tissue working with the body and the face. I also do buccal massage as a lot of people suffer with TMJ disorders and tightness in the jaw.
What influenced your services or product design?
Mostly my clients. I have learnt from them what people want and need in a good treatment. I have used these insights to develop my service offering over the past 10 years.
With my product design I wanted something that was natural, earthy and my favourite colours, I didn't want to look like other people in my industry.
How does your company uniquely address the health and wellness needs of its customers?
Central to my approach is a commitment to skincare rooted in nature and a passion for holistic healing. Over time, I've refined my methodology, advocating for Dermaviduals, a corrective, medical-grade skincare range crafted from pure, skin identical ingredients. This philosophy extends beyond surface-level concerns, emphasising our intrinsic connection to nature and the profound impact of holistic practices on our physical and energetic well-being.
I believe that nurturing a spiritual connection with our skin is paramount, as it reflects not only our external appearance but also the essence of our being. By utilising ancient Eastern techniques like Gua Sha, we can release energetic blockages, fostering vitality and inner harmony. Our face shows the personality of our soul, both the emotions we show and the ones we feel we cannot show.
Ultimately, my mission is to empower individuals to cultivate radiant, glowing skin and confidence that emanates from within.
It begins with reconnecting with oneself, starting with the skin
I honed my expertise by training under esteemed practitioners such as Cecily Braden, a leading Facial Trainer in the USA, and Clive Witham, a renowned author and expert in Gua Sha. Additionally, I recently expanded my skill set by completing training in Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage for the face and neck.
What major health and wellness trends have impacted your business strategy
People want to use more natural methods to prevent premature ageing and they realise that a lot of that comes down to releasing tension and stress. They are aware of stored trauma and come to me because Gua Sha can release stagnant tissue and make them feel lighter. I have noticed that more people are investing in their health and wellbeing and experiences instead of accumulating more things.
Could you describe a pivotal moment or decision in your company's development? How did it influence your path forward
Moving to a new location was a pivotal moment in my business. Previously I was based underneath a hair salon in Fitzrovia. It was in a great location, and I enjoyed being there, but I struggled with the noise. When I made the decision to move to Marylebone, I was scared I would lose clients, but Marylebone was my dream location for work and I had to do what my heart wanted, so I took a risk, and it pad off immediately. The new location had me fully booked within a month of moving.
How do you measure success in terms of health and wellness outcomes for your clients or customers?
When I see how my clients’ lives start to improve. When I see how much happier they are that they no longer worry about their skin because their acne or pigmentation has gone, or the pain they have had for years is no longer there. Also, my treatments give people space to unwind and relax away from the outside noise of the world. I think this is an important part of my client journey.
What role does technology play in your business, especially in relation to enhancing health and wellness?
I have an online booking system which saves me a lot of time and stress and has been a game changer when it comes to managing my schedule.
In my treatments I use LED which is a fantastic way to energise skin cells and give the skin a wonderful glow, I also use Oxyjet for the ultimate skin hydration, it pumps oxygen into the skin and is perfect for very dry or dehydrated skin.
What are the biggest challenges you face in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of your wellness products/services in a rapidly growing industry?
I must be very strict with not seeing too many clients in one day, to protect my energy but also for my clients so that I am fully present and ready to give them the best treatment I can. I am also careful to not fall for fads, there are new gadgets and machines coming out every week - all make big promises, but most are just marketing hype. Nothing can beat the power of a hands-on treatment.
How do you stay informed and continue to innovate within the health and wellness field?
I am part of many different forums with experts who I stay in touch with, and I also do a lot of research myself. I have developed my network in the industry over the past 20 years and I have a lot of knowledge. I try only to look at research from trained professionals and not influencers who are not qualified.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the health and wellness industry?
You must do something that you love and have first-hand experience in. Always remain in integrity and be kind, do your research. Some days will be hard but keep going and you will get there.
You can follow Donna on Instagram, book a treatment with Donna here and find out more and out about her Facial Gua Sha training here.
Natalie
