BY KRISTINE HUFFMAN

Throughout 2023 , Pulse will feature interviews with experienced practitioners whose insights about spa specialties will help facility leaders to recruit , engage and retain staff members .

Kristine Huffman for Pulse : You studied art in college , how did you end up in the spa industry ? DAWN MATKOVIC : While I was in school , I decided to get my nail license and got a job working in a salon doing nails . I loved doing nail art . When I graduated , I moved into corporate America and was there for 22 years . I loved my role and worked for a great company but , when I was 41 , I had twins . I had to care for them while I worked long hours . At the same time , both of my grandparents became sick and I cared for them as well . When my grandparents passed away , I realized my cup wasn ’ t full . I was ex- hausted and needed to do something to take care of myself . Someone presented the opportunity of visiting a Woodhouse Day Spa and the potential of becoming a franchise owner . When I visited , I said , This is so me , I just can ’ t not do this .

Pulse : You had been doing nails in salons . What gave you the confidence to be able to say that you were ready to be an owner of a facility ? DM : When my grandparents passed , I realized I needed to be in charge of my own destiny . I had saved my whole life .

44 PULSE n AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2023