Meet Danika Desjardins
Meet Danika Desjardins, the owner of DD Beauty Bar (@ddbeautybar) in Ottawa, Canada. With over 5 years in the beauty industry, what started as doing lashes at 15 years old, has grown into opening her own waxing and esthetics studio.
Whether she's behind the wax pot or behind the camera, Danika's authentic personality shines. Her hilarious, relatable content and educational videos have earned her a loyal community on Instagram and TikTok.
What inspired you to become an esthetician?
I've always loved helping people feel confident. What began as an interest in lash services quickly grew into a passion for all things beauty. Today, my favorite part of being an esthetician is building genuine relationships with my clients and creating a space where they feel comfortable, confident, and truly cared for.
Why did you decide to start your own business? What's the biggest challenge you've encountered so far?
I always wanted to work for myself and I’m so happy and proud that I was able to make that dream come true! Owning my own business has given me the freedom to build something that's truly mine and to have control over every aspect of the client experience.
The biggest challenge has been wearing all the hats that come with running a business. Staying on top of everything and pushing through the tough days isn't always easy, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Seeing how far DD Beauty Bar has come makes all the hard work worth it.
What business goals have you set for yourself this year, and how do you plan to achieve them?
This year, my goal is to continue growing DD Beauty Bar by expanding my client base, introducing advanced services like electrolysis and thermocoagulation, and building stronger relationships with brands. I plan to achieve this by staying consistent on social media, investing in continued education and providing the best possible experience for every client. I believe that showing up consistently and continuing to grow is the key to building a business that lasts.
What is your favorite service to perform and why?
Brazilian waxing will always be my favorite service to perform. I love watching clients become more comfortable and confident with every appointment. Building that trust and seeing their confidence grow is incredibly rewarding. I also enjoy educating my clients on proper aftercare and helping them achieve healthier, smoother skin over time.
What do you wish every client knew before their first appointment?
There's absolutely no reason to be nervous, we've truly seen it all, and there's zero judgment. My goal is to make every client feel comfortable, cared for, and confident from the moment they walk through the door. One thing I always remind clients is that following the proper before and aftercare makes a huge difference in their results and helps keep their skin healthy between appointments.
How and when did you discover Bushbalm? Why did you choose to carry us?
I first discovered Bushbalm PRO a few years ago while searching for high-quality aftercare products for my waxing clients. After trying the products myself and seeing the results firsthand, I knew I wanted to carry them in my salon.
What really stood out to me was how Bushbalm PRO addresses real concerns like ingrown hairs, irritation, and hyperpigmentation with products that are effective, easy to use, and simple for clients to incorporate into their routine. It’s a brand I genuinely trust and feel confident recommending to every client.
Which Bushbalm product is most popular at your salon? Why do you think that is?
The Watermelon Sugar Ingrown Hair Oil is by far my salon's most popular Bushbalm product. I recommend it after almost every waxing service because clients see real results. It helps reduce ingrown hairs, keeps skin hydrated, and is easy to incorporate into their daily routine.
As for my personal favourite, it's hard to choose! I've loved the Milk & Honey, Cozy Cashmere, and Vanilla Coconut collections. I love how Bushbalm's seasonal scents bring something fresh and exciting to a product category that's usually very practical, making clients genuinely excited about their aftercare routine.
What do you enjoy most about the Bushbalm PRO community?
What I enjoy most about the Bushbalm PRO community is how supportive and connected it feels. Bushbalm truly invests in estheticians by providing valuable education, listening to our feedback, and creating products that make both our jobs and our clients' experiences better. It feels like a brand that's built with professionals in mind, and I'm proud to be part of a community that genuinely wants to see estheticians succeed.