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

Hi Dawn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I HATE taking risks! Starting a new job, moving to a new town…heck deciding to get a new haircut makes me sick to my stomach! But what scares me even more than not taking the risk, is missed opportunities.

One of my biggest risks in life was 18 years ago, when I decided to leave a very lucrative pharma job to become a stay at home mom! Colleagues thought my husband and I were risking our financial stability. Friends worried that I was risking my personal independence. But in that season of my life, there was nothing I was more passionate about than the opportunity to be at home with my children for the big and small moments.

Now in my 50’s, and in a different season of life, I continue to see the opportunity in every risk I take! I’m here to tell you that success is not guaranteed. I’ve certainly had my share of triumphs and failures, in life and business. But taking the chance and putting in the hard work, is always worth the opportunity to learn, to serve, and to find your true passion!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’ve had an obsession for skincare and makeup for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I loved watching my Mom put on her face! She never left the house without lipstick!

But when I lost my Mom and my Aunt both to cancer, I decided to dig deep and take control of my own health. I was on the right track with eating and fitness. But I hadn’t really thought much about my beloved beauty products, until my daughter had an almost anaphylactic reaction to drugstore make-up. After a series of testing, we found out she was allergic to several ingredients commonly found in makeup and personal care products. This meant an overhaul of the products in our house. I have since become somewhat of a nerd, when it comes to ingredient safety in the cosmetic and personal care industry. This encouraged me to learn more about natural beauty, completing several internationally recognized accredited holistic certification courses!

I launched The Face Naturalist, LLC with a passion to empower other women to love the way their face feels and looks at any age. As a certified Face Yoga and Gua Sha Instructor I customize, create, and teach programs using unique holistic techniques that are natural and effective solutions for more radiant and youthful skin.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am blessed to live in Naples Florida, which we locals affectionately call paradise. Pristine white powdery beaches, 300 days a year of sunshine, and world class dining…it’s no wonder Naples has been named one of happiest and healthiest cities to live.

If I could plan the perfect day in Naples it would start at the Naples Botanical Gardens, a 170 acre world class garden. You’ll immediately feel serene as you tour the lush and vibrantly colored landscape that includes meticulously maintained plants from around the world.

Right up the road, you’ll find the perfect lunch spot at Celebration Park! This waterfront food truck park has a fun vibe with options from burgers to pizza to beignets. Even the pickiest foodie is bound to find something to enjoy.

Of course you can’t visit Naples without exploring our beautiful beaches. With over 10 miles of soft white sand and calm gulf waters, you just might spot a dolphin or manatee as you relax in your beach chair.

Then watch the sunset as you eat an intimate dinner at one of Naples favorite local beachfront restaurants, the Turtle Club.

To finish off a perfect day in Naples, Florida take a stroll down 5 th Ave. Known as the Naples Historic District, this stretch of shops boasts everything from upscale fashion, jewelry, spas, art dealers, to fine dining. Maybe even indulge in a sweet treat from SWFL owned, Grace And Shelly’s Cupcakes

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so blessed to have the love and support of my husband and kids. Whether it’s been to help set up for an event or pose for social media pictures, they have encouraged me every step of the way! I also had the incredible opportunity to participate in my local Goodwill MicroEnterprise Institute Program. I am extremely grateful for the patience and advice of my mentor, Ekkehard Grampp, who helped me take my business vision, put it on paper, and gain the knowledge and confidence to bring The Face Naturalist to life! ,

Website: https://msha.ke/thefacenaturalist

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thefacenaturalist

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-sRmh39N6N64AiTPP3uWMw

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.