January 8, 2017

Meet Sonya Dakar of Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Dakar.

Sonya, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Tel Aviv and as a young girl, I always admired the way my mother took care of her skin. I would often tag along with her facial appointments where I would observe and absorb the techniques and products being used. As I got older, I would save my babysitting money to get facials of my own! I knew that being an esthetician was what I wanted as my career so I went to school, started my business in Tel Aviv and then moved to Los Angeles over thirty years ago where I opened up my first skin care clinic in West Hollywood. The business continued to grow and thrive. I’m now located in my 5-story flagship building in Beverly Hills and have two Sonya Dakar product lines: NutraSphere and Beauty Bootcamp.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Everything worthwhile takes hard work. I came to this country in the 70s as an immigrant, English was not my first language, I had three children and was pregnant with my fourth. I would say that was a challenge off the bat, but I was young, hungry and so determined that I just saw the light at the end of the tunnel and worked towards it. I opened up my first clinic in my guesthouse, where I juggled with four children and building a business. My second challenge was really creating acceptance for my Beauty Bootcamp philosophy. When I started my skincare career, there were two options clients had in treating their skin: they could get a pampering facial that really did nothing or go see a dermatologist and get prescribed medication and injected. I didn’t fall into either category. I created my own skin transforming products at home in my kitchen that were targeted in correcting any and all skin concerns from acne to aging and everything in between. I even had an oil in my line to treat acne…keep in mind that this was during the 80s when oil-free was all the rage. People thought I was crazy! I didn’t offer a massage or pampering during my facial treatments, which again, was something clients were accustomed to. People did not understand, but they believed in me because I was (and still am) passionate and confident. After the first week of business, clients were calling and telling me how they were so happy to already be seeing improvement in their skin. It took the industry years to catch on and now corrective skincare and face oils are the norm. I believe I was the pioneer.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I’m known for my no-nonsense approach. My clients know they don’t visit me for a relaxing day at the spa. I’m there to work on their skin and generate results. I want my clients to look like the best versions of themselves, not injected and plastic-looking, so I take a very natural approach to caring for the skin. I am proud of my humble beginnings and where I am today. I started with less than 1,000sq feet, and now am in a 12,000sq ft. flagship building, I am lucky and proud to work with two of my children every day who run the product side of my company. I’m also grateful that the beauty industry has not only accepted but celebrated my work. I’ve had the honor of receiving so many awards from magazines such as Allure and InStyle.

What were you like growing up?
Since I was a little girl, I’ve been strong, confident, passionate and determined. Nothing much has changed! It’s these traits that have helped drive and get me to where I am today.

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