Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. This week we meet Danielle Cervantes, aka Nurse Danie! We met Danie while receiving treatments at FreshSkin Medical Spa and can’t say enough great things about her warm and welcoming demeanor and gentle approach. Welcome Danie!
Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here?
Hey, hey! I am Danie, a Nurse and Esthetician new to the North Shore area. Born and raised in the NW suburbs, and have now moved just slightly to the east! I would love if tropical weather could take over the Chicagoland area, then I’d never want to leave!
You’re a Mom! How many kiddos do you have and how old are they? Feel free to brag here.
We have a 13 yo daughter, Leilani, who loves Theater and Volleyball, 12 yo son, Thiago, who keeps us very busy with year round travel Soccer…and just when my husband and I thought we were done having babies, we welcomed sweet baby Mateo, who is almost 1 yo!
What are one or two things people would be surprised to know about you?
We are currently hosting our first exchange student, Konsta, from Finland. He is a senior at our local high school. It has been a blast sharing the American culture and learning about the Finnish culture. It is such a fun experience for both the host family and exchange student I highly recommend it to anybody looking to get a little out of their comfort zone!
What are your favorite local stomping grounds to hang with the kids? This can include activities, restaurants, parks, etc.
Shockingly, I have never been to Ravinia, that’s definitely on our to-do list this summer! Since we enjoy being outside, I would say our favorites would include the Botanic Garden and biking all the great paths we have throughout the burbs. We also love exploring the Wisconsin and Michigan coasts along Lake Michigan. So many fun towns! We are dessert people, so we’re always looking for cute ice cream shops to stop in as we explore!
What are your favorite local “date-night” restaurants?
My husband and I actually love breakfast dates! We love trying small locally owned diners. A few favorites are Cherry Pit Café and The Little French Guy.
We also love to explore breweries when we need a livelier night out. Our go to would be Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. – We love the Colorado decor inspiration!
Please introduce your professional endeavors. How did you get started in your field? What did you do before this?
My career in the aesthetics industry began in 2009 as an Esthetician. I worked in Lincoln Park and Lakeview at a couple medical spas with amazing plastic surgeons. I always wanted to be a nurse, and once able, I decided to go back to school. As a nurse I had the opportunity to work as a Clinical Educator teaching advanced laser therapies across the US and Canada. I recently joined FreshSkin to cover maternity leave for one of our providers. It was such an amazing fit! FreshSkin takes a synergistic approach to wellness and aesthetics, something hard to find! What was meant to be a short term endeavor has turned into my permanent home. I hope to see you in the treatment room!
What is the most rewarding thing about this endeavor? Please list at least one real life example.
I have the ability to make an impact on the lives of others every day. It’s so rewarding to work with a team of like-minded, dedicated, and passionate individuals who want each of our clients to look and feel their best! We target more than just beauty on the outside, we customized each approach to optimize health and wellness for unmatched results.
Who are your influencers and/or mentors that have helped you get to where you are today and/or continue to inspire you?
My mom is my biggest cheerleader and my #1 inspiration. She has truly taught me how to love on others and lift those around me. She has shown me how to manage being a dedicated go-getter while also being a focused and present mother and wife. She gives the “tough love” when I need to grow or see a different perspective yet provides the endless support every day.
What advice can you give other mothers out there who are looking to start a new business in the current climate?
Stay focused, stay passionate, never stop learning, never stop growing. There are peaks and valleys in all aspects of life.
What are the 2 most common questions that people reach out to ask you? Please also provide those answers.
Is there something that can fix my “angry mom” look? – Absolutely! Every person is unique to their needs and identifying your goals is where I always start. Some common treatments may include Collagen Induction Therapy, Neuromodulators, and Laser Rejuvenation, in addition to some great homecare. It’s just like keeping up with your fitness… you don’t just go for a jog to stay in shape! We come at every concern with many different approaches.
Is there seriously a treatment to help with changes “down there”?! – YES YES YES! It is life changing, in such a good way! Treatments for the symptoms we experience “down there” (think dryness, decreased libido or sensation, leaky bladder, etc.) include Laser Hair Removal, PRP Injections, Hormone Optimization, and Viveve! It’s a topic I am incredibly passionate about and I welcome ALL the questions!
Rapidfire… Go!
Strangest thing in your purse right now: Cofix – not necessarily strange these days but 3 years ago I wouldn’t even think of carrying a product I spray in my nose that helps combat viruses around me. I also carry 2-3 GoHydrate packets at all times – hydration is key – not sure if it’s the mom or the nurse in me that keeps hydration packets on hand!
Last book you read: Dare to Lead – Brene Brown
Your binge shows: Fire Fly Lane, Flack, and Yellowstone (my most embarrassing binge is Love is Blind Season 1 AND 2 – LOVE IT. lol)
What’s on the horizon for you both personally and professionally?
Personally, I look forward to the ways our family will navigate teens and toddler years under one roof! Professionally, I look so forward to getting more familiar with the North Shore and putting roots down in my profession. I love teaching, I love meeting new people, and I absolutely love what I do!
If you’d like to learn more about the medical spa services at FreshSkin, visit https://myfreshskin.com/ or call 847-681-8821. For updates on special follow them on Instagram.
About Our Meet a Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here!
