Meet Elizabeth Donat | Spa Consultant and Licensed Esthetician

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

Hi Elizabeth, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After gaining extensive experience working with some of the top spas and beauty brands in both NYC and beyond, I recognized that my diverse background could be a valuable asset for fellow beauty business owners. The key to success in the beauty industry often hinges on the way clients feel during their interactions with a business. While the quality of services is essential, the overall experience takes precedence. Beyond competency, passion, and maintaining a safe and clean environment, a truly successful beauty business needs that special element that becomes the talk of the town.

I was confident that I could assist beauty business owners in making a distinctive and powerful impact on the beauty industry. My goal was to provide them with the necessary tools and systems not only to thrive financially but also to build a sustainable and enduring business

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At elizabethdonat.com, my spa consulting business comprises three main pillars: in-spa/onsite consulting, virtual consulting, and my proprietary digital products (business and growth templates, and my signature course, The Spa Owners’ Sales Academy, created in collaboration with spa sales and marketing guru Meghan O’Brien), available for direct purchase and download from my site.

What sets me apart from other spa consultants is my extensive 20-year hands-on experience in the beauty industry. I’ve engaged in high-end sales, luxury customer service, teaching, spa management, and product training. Over the years, I’ve personally assisted thousands of clients with their skin through facials and body treatments. This broad exposure has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the beauty and spa industry, spanning from high-end customer service, seamless selling and advanced hands-on techniques. The industry is not just a profession for me; it’s been my home since my late teens.

A source of pride for me is having my writing and industry quotes featured in various national beauty and spa magazines. This exposure has not only elevated my profile but also validated my credentials, attracting top-tier clients I continue to work with. Although the journey involved chasing down journalists and weathering rejections, I was determined to have my voice heard.

In my years of business, I’ve come to understand the challenges faced by spa and beauty business owners. They often feel tired and frustrated about their business structure, retaining clients, or encountering major challenges with their staff. Spa owners typically have a vision for their spa but sometimes lack the time to organize it and bring it to life. They want to reconnect with their dream business and reduce overwhelm. That’s where I step in. Just like in any field, sometimes you need a partner, ally, and helping hand to get to the next level. My clients are savvy but exhausted and need someone to guide them through challenging times, take worries off their shoulders, and systematically tackle each pressing task. Before they know it, tasks are completed, there’s a huge sense of relief, and expansion follows naturally! We aren’t meant to do big things alone. If you need help with your spa or beauty business, please reach out.

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?
We reside in Southwest Florida, just outside Sarasota. When friends or family visit, we indulge in ample time on the stunning Gulf beaches, unwind by the pool, and soak in the sunny weather. A favorite dining spot is Tikka Indian Cuisine in Venice, a place we eagerly introduce to our loved ones. For special evenings in downtown Sarasota, we devour the modern Asian cuisine at Kojo and have a blast on the rooftop at the Art Ovation Hotel! During the week, we frequent the new Wellen Park Downtown area—a family-friendly space with a beautiful, tranquil lake with lots of live music and restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Numerous individuals played crucial roles in shaping me into the triple-licensed esthetician, spa consultant, and published industry expert I am today. Primarily, I had the fortune of studying esthetics at the renowned Atelier Esthetique Institute of Esthetics, located on Park Avenue in New York, NY. Annette Hanson, the owner, founder, and a living legend in the industry, took me under her wing right from the start. Her unwavering commitment to excellence in every aspect of her school and businesses was incredibly inspiring and remains etched in my memory to this day. Recognizing my passion for the spa industry, she not only hired me to teach at her school but also played a pivotal role in guiding me towards more advanced opportunities and positions. Annette exemplified that women can be strong, fearless business leaders, showcasing foresight and innovation ahead of her time in various ways.

Website: https://www.elizabethdonat.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethmdonat/