Shani Darden Spa What makes your spa popular or unique? I originally started out working in a few different spas in Los Angeles, California before I decided to go out on my own. Once I made that leap, I ended up working out of the guesthouse of my former rental house, and then the house itself. After a few years, I began to outgrow the house and knew that I wanted to find something that was private and a bigger space to grow into. The location was one of the most important things when I searched for the perfect property. I wanted it to be central to most of my clients, yet private. Finding a space in Beverly Hills, California was a challenge. After a very long search, I was able to find something that had great bones located on a very quiet yet accessible street. When it came time to design the studio, the main goal was to create a space that evoked a sense of calm and serenity while maintaining the feel of a high-end spa. We used a lot of natural, raw materials along with polished finishes, bringing in elements that reflect my personality. The walls are coated in a lime wash texture which gives it a natural, organic base. After ripping up the old flooring, we found these amazing wood floors. We bleached them several times to create this stunning light color. Shani Darden spa specializes in facials, peels, LED, microcurrent, vibration therapy, and oxygen therapy. The spa’s top 3 professional products retailed are: Retinol Reform by Shani Darden Skincare Cleansing Serum by Shan Darden Skincare iS Clinical Active Serum The most popular treatment offered: Our in-house signature facial is designed to deliver a radiant and healthy glow. Specifically created to address each client’s individual concerns and needs, this facial tightens, lifts and boosts collagen, and hydrates skin. The signature facial includes skin analysis, herbal steam, deep pore cleansing, extractions, and professional exfoliation. It also features LED light, oxygen therapy, and vibration therapy. We also offer a 90-minute facial that includes microcurrent in addition to the treatment. How long have you been a licensed aesthetician, and what made you join the industry? I have been an aesthetician for almost 16 years. I did not always know that I wanted to be an aesthetician, but I grew up with a passion for skin care. I had some skin issues as a kid, such as rashes and acne. The journey of figuring out how to treat my own skin and understanding how much it can affect one’s confidence made me want to help others with their skin as well. What pushed you to open your own spa, and at what point in your career did you open it? After working at a handful of spas throughout the years and the birth of my second daughter, I decided to go out on my own and work out of my guesthouse. Eventually, I began to outgrow that and knew I wanted to open my own place – officially. I opened my spa in Beverly Hills, California after about 14 years as an aesthetician. What is your favorite treatment to receive? I always love a brightening lactic acid peel, but my favorite lately is vibration therapy. It helps stimulate the muscles to target wrinkles at their source. It transmits acoustic sound waves below the skin’s surface to provide deep muscle stimulation that targets crow’s feet, eyebrow furrows, and nasolabial lines under the surface at the source, rather than on a superficial level. The vibrations also boost circulation to increase the skin’s oxygen uptake, resulting in more glowing, youthful skin. Overall, it helps skin appear firmer, more contoured, and radiant with regular use. I made my new Facial Sculpting Wand to get these same benefits at home. It is my favorite treatment to start the day with. What product do you try to retail to every client? Retinol Reform is the number one product I recommend to all of my clients to keep their skin glowing between facials. It has a stable encapsulated retinol along with lactic acid to boost collagen, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, reduce dark spots, and smooth the texture of skin. It is a great formula that does not cause any of the dryness or irritation often associated with prescription retinol. Favorite skin concern to treat? I love treating all skin types; however, there is nothing like helping someone struggling with their skin achieve their best skin through targeted professional treatments and homecare. Seeing how confident they become after getting their skin to the right place is incredible and the reason I wanted to become an aesthetician. You can only take 3 products to an island… which products do you bring? Cleansing Serum Sunscreen Lipgloss Where do you see your business in the next 5 years? I just want to see it restored to where we were before the pandemic. I want to see the studio busy and get back to helping people with their skin. Contact Information Instagram @shanidarden shanidarden.com 424-295-7139 Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.