Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dawes.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With over 13 years in the massage therapy industry, my journey into business ownership was never part of a master plan. I did not set out to open my own practice—instead, the opportunity presented itself at a pivotal moment when I found myself professionally restless and searching for something that would reignite my passion for the work I loved. Taking that leap became a turning point.
What began as a step into the unknown has since evolved into Essence Day Spa, now in its seventh year and recently underwent a major renovation and expansion. Over time, I have built a team of highly skilled massage therapists and estheticians who share the same core values: a genuine commitment to helping others and delivering exceptional, results-driven care. Each practitioner brings their own unique modalities and expertise, allowing the spa to offer a depth and diversity of services that sets us apart on the Grand Strand.
Beyond the treatment room, I am deeply involved in advancing the profession. I serve as Co-Director of the South Carolina Massage Championship, hosting competitive events that draw massage therapists from across the country to showcase their skills and compete for national recognition. In addition, I became a CoreStones Educator after discovering the modality in 2023 and quickly realizing its transformative impact. Today, I teach CoreStones classes throughout the East Coast, combining education, innovation, and hands-on mastery.
What truly differentiates both me and Essence Day Spa is a commitment to continual growth—personally, professionally, and collectively. I believe strongly in lifelong learning and in creating environments where others can thrive. That drive to evolve, refine, and elevate the standard of care is what continues to fuel my passion every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it has not been a smooth road, but that’s been one of the most valuable parts of the journey. Stepping into business ownership required a rapid shift from practitioner to leader, learning operations, team development, and long-term strategy while maintaining a high standard of care.
There were challenges in building the right team, navigating growth, and managing the realities of a service-based business. Each obstacle pushed me to evolve, sharpen my leadership skills, and strengthen the foundation of the business. Those experiences ultimately shaped the clarity, resilience, and direction that define where we are today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Essence Day Spa has set the standard for excellence along the Grand Strand, earning five Best of the Grand Strand nominations and being voted Best Day Spa by the local community. These distinctions reflect our unwavering commitment to exceptional service, thoughtful craftsmanship, and an uncompromising attention to detail. We are known for an exceptional team of highly skilled professionals, each bringing their own unique modalities to the treatment room. We are also proud to be the first massage business on the Grand Strand to offer couples Ashiatsu and CoreStones, allowing us to deliver innovative, results-driven experiences that truly set us apart.
From a brand perspective, what I am most proud of is our commitment to serving both our local community and the visitors who come to this area. We value transparency and accountability, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on honest Google reviews and genuine feedback from every client who walks through our doors.
To readers, I want Essence Day Spa to be known as a true one-stop destination—for pain relief, deep relaxation, advanced bodywork, beauty treatments, and corrective skincare. We are committed to continual learning and adaptation, ensuring that our services evolve alongside the needs of those we serve.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as the ability to breathe and grow through the difficult moments, rather than avoid them. It means recognizing when to ask for help and understanding that progress is rarely achieved alone. Just as in life, building and sustaining a business often requires leaning on others—and embracing that support is, to me, a true measure of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essencemb.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essence_day_spa_mb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EssenceDaySpa843
