Dena Halim shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dena, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of building my business when no one was watching. The behind-the-scenes work—the late nights, the self-doubt, and the determination to keep going—are what shaped me into the woman I am today. Luxury Esthetics Studio isn’t just a business; it’s proof that with faith, discipline, and focus, you can turn your passion into something powerful. The growth people see today was built in silence, and that’s what I take the most pride in.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Dena Halim, and I’m the founder of Luxury Esthetics Studio, a beauty and wellness brand built on empowerment, education, and excellence. What started as a single suite has grown into a brand that helps women feel confident—both in their appearance and in their ability to build something of their own. I specialize in esthetics and mentorship, offering services, training, and resources for aspiring beauty professionals. I’ve also developed my own professional product line, created to support both clients and beauty artists with high-quality, results-driven products. What makes my brand unique is the focus on building generational confidence—helping others not only look beautiful, but create sustainable success in the beauty industry.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a creative soul with big dreams and a fearless heart. Ever since I was a child, I’ve always dreamed big and had a love for the finer things in life—not just material things, but the idea of living beautifully, purposefully, and successfully. I believed anything was possible and never doubted that I was meant for more. Somewhere along the way, life tried to shape me into something smaller—but that inner fire never went out. Reconnecting with that version of myself is what led me to build Luxury Esthetics Studio. Every step I take now is guided by that same bold, creative energy—the belief that I can turn vision into reality and help others do the same.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me discipline, emotional strength, and perspective. It taught me how to build when no one believed, how to trust myself when nothing made sense, and how to find peace in the process. Success celebrates the results—but suffering builds the foundation. Without it, I wouldn’t have the mindset or the confidence to sustain the level of success I’m reaching today.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity—doing things with intention, authenticity, and respect, whether someone is watching or not. In my business, I believe in leading with honesty, keeping my word, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. The beauty industry can be competitive, but integrity keeps me grounded and ensures everything I build stands on a solid foundation.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People might misunderstand that my legacy was never just about lashes, esthetics, or luxury—it’s about empowerment. Every part of what I’ve created comes from wanting to inspire others to believe they can do more, be more, and have more. What some may see as ambition is really purpose. My journey was never about proving anything to the world—it was about becoming everything I knew I could be.
