Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara McDonald
Hi Dara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began nearly 20 years ago as a registered nurse, specializing in anti-aging, plastic surgery, aesthetics, and functional medicine. I’ve always been drawn to treatments that enhance natural beauty, and over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for techniques that work with the body’s own healing properties, like plasma-based therapies and collagen stimulation.
As my children have grown older and I entered the near-empty nest phase of life, I felt inspired to step into a new chapter. This journey of self-discovery led me to create Self Aesthetics + Wellness—a modern medspa in Cedar Park designed to provide luxury, personalized care. My mission is to help clients feel confident and radiant while staying true to their most authentic selves.
What truly drives me is building relationships. I want each person who walks through my doors to feel seen, heard, and valued. By focusing on the most natural approach first, I strive to deliver results that enhance rather than alter, helping my clients embrace what makes them beautifully unique.
Creating Self Aesthetics + Wellness has also been an opportunity to connect with other women entrepreneurs in the Austin area. I love growing relationships, both professionally and personally, and feel blessed to be part of this amazing community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Surprisingly, the road has been much smoother than I anticipated, which has been a reassuring sign that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. Starting a new business is never without its challenges, but I think trusting the process and staying focused on my mission—helping people feel confident and naturally beautiful—has kept me grounded.
I went into this journey without too many lofty expectations, and that mindset has allowed me to appreciate every step along the way. The support I’ve received from the local community and the connections I’ve made with my clients have been incredible and far beyond what I could have hoped for in such a short time.
While there are always small hurdles in any new venture, I’ve learned to approach them as opportunities for growth. My patience has definitely improved! This experience has truly been a blessing, and I’m so grateful for how things have unfolded.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Self Aesthetics + Wellness is more than just a medspa—it’s a place where science and artistry come together to enhance confidence and celebrate individuality. Located in Cedar Park, we offer a range of advanced, natural-focused aesthetic and wellness services designed to help clients look and feel their best, inside and out.
Our offerings include:
• Neurotoxin treatments for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
• Dermal fillers to restore volume and enhance natural contours.
• EZGel and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin), cutting-edge regenerative therapies that use your body’s own plasma for skin rejuvenation and hair restoration.
• Microneedling for collagen stimulation and improved skin texture.
• IPL treatments to address hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and redness.
• Weight loss programs tailored to your goals, offering proven methods for sustainable results.
• IV vitamin and anti-aging infusions to boost energy, immunity, and overall wellness.
What sets us apart is our commitment to a natural-first approach—working with the body to deliver results that enhance, not alter. Clients trust us to provide treatments that leave them feeling refreshed and confident without looking overdone.
I’m most proud of how our brand reflects authenticity and a deep focus on relationships. At Self Aesthetics + Wellness, we’re not just providing services—we’re creating an experience where every client feels valued, heard, and cared for. Whether it’s a first visit or a long-standing relationship, our goal is to ensure each person leaves feeling like the best version of themselves.
I also want to highlight the strong sense of connection we foster with our local community. Supporting other women entrepreneurs and growing relationships in Austin and the surrounding areas is a core part of what drives me.
We’re here to help you achieve your goals with treatments tailored just for you. I’d love for readers to reach out, learn more, and take the first step toward feeling amazing—both inside and out.
What’s next?
The future of Self Aesthetics + Wellness feels so exciting! Now that the business is in motion, everything is coming together and growing much faster than I could have imagined. My main focus right now is ensuring that quality remains at the heart of everything I do. Each client is unique, and it’s so important to me to provide personalized care that makes them feel confident and beautiful. With such rapid growth, I’m dedicated to ensuring that no client ever feels like just a number.
This April, I’m thrilled to be attending a national aesthetics conference in Las Vegas. As part of this experience, I’ll also participate in a cadaver lab, where I’ll deepen my understanding of the intricacies of facial anatomy. Continuing education like this allows me to refine my techniques and stay on top of the latest technologies and trends in the industry. My goal is to provide my clients with the safest, most effective, and cutting-edge treatments available.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing my practice and building relationships with the amazing community in Austin and beyond. This journey has already been so rewarding, and I can’t wait to see where it leads!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Selfatx.com
- Instagram: @selfaestheticsatx
- Facebook: Self Aesthetics + Wellness
Image Credits
Amber Fletcher photography
