Meet Ayla Dankanyin | Somatic practioner and holistic esthetician

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

Hi Ayla, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

That we are all capable of deep healing. We were born with this innate ability to self heal and all we have to do is believe in its potential. Many people practice these modalities alone, or through the abundant tutorials out there. I love that healing and transformative growth has become a huge awareness in our generation. Self care and self love has never been recognized and validated in our society in such high regards as it currently is.  It’s beautiful to have your own daily practice, but what I’ve realized is that WE TRULY HEAL IN COMMUNITY. There’s something so special  and amplifying about being honored, supported and witnessed.

What should our readers know about your business?
As far as I can think back I’ve had entrepreneur blood in my soul, and my goal has always been to help others. I was raised by my grandparents. By the age of 4 I was selling lemonade, going around to the neighbors houses asking if they needed anything done inside or outside to help for a few spare quarters. I would save all year and at the end of the year my grandmother would take me to Pick n Save around Christmas and I would take my $100-$200 dollars that I earned throughout the year and buy Christmas presents for my entire family. My older brother and I were the only kids in the family back then and it warmed my heart to be able to give little presents to all the adults in my family.  At the age of 12 I was running my own concert ticket business and I did that till I was 19, with the goal of putting myself through college and earning  a holistic certification as an esthetician. I had already been creating DIY skincare for myself,  and after my friends and family began to notice a miraculous difference in my own skin health, they began asking me to create products for them as well.
I wanted to help others find their confidence, happiness, and light. So I continued to work for myself, renting out a space in a holistic co-op in Los Angeles, where I was able to have full creative control of my offerings. I managed my clients, services and continued to excel in specialized, clean skin care. I was bartending on the side while I began doing farmers markets in LA. Soon after that I made my move to Denver at the age of 30 where I found a home at Moondance Botanicals. I continued to manage my own space, while educating others about skin and the correlation to your health. I began continuing my own education once again as I began noticing the many links to our own health and happiness and how we live. It was around that time I became pregnant. After having my baby boy, I dealt with postpartum depression and crippling anxiety. This left me highly dysregulated for many years. Once again it was my fight to save myself that began opening up so many new avenues of creation.  I worked for the next few years, becoming a master Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, Clinical Hypnotist, Somatic Practitioner, Sound Healer, breathwork, plant medicine, and retreat facilitator.  I began doing workshops at festivals and throughout our local community. I opened up my own in-home studio in Arvada, called Wolf Moon Studios, where I can combine all of my creative holistic modalities to create a completely unique experience. My drive comes from within, when I heal and grow, so does my business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s arguable that we truly live in one of the best places in this country. There’s a reason why I have everyone visit me here now. In the 13 years I’ve lived in this gorgeous state I’ve fallen in love with nature, animals, the weather, music, rooftop patios and beer gardens, hot springs, hikes, camping, community and healing. When my people come to visit, we’d start the day off with some deep healing through presence and gratitude. The salt caves are a beautiful way to amplify this. Afterwards we would dine in one of the gardens around the city, being plant based, Watercourse has always been one of our go to’s. This would now be the perfect time to go on a hike, one of my favorites that feels like your miles away is Saint Mary’s Glacier. On the way back you can soak in some hot springs or sit by the river to ground in Idaho Springs. It would now be the perfect time to grab happy hour at Blue Sushi for some vegan rolls and head home to freshen up for a night out at Red Rocks. Such deep reverence for this beautiful land and all of its offerings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Special shoutout to my wonderful partner of 15 years and 4 year old son. For they have both honored every part of me, allowing me to be exactly where I was in my process. Unconditional love has continued to flood in from all directions as I continue to be embraced and allowed to express authentically throughout all layers of my healing.

Website: https://Lalunaessence.com

Instagram: WolfMoonEssence

Facebook: Ayla Claire Dankanyin