We recently had the chance to connect with Dr. Deanna Holt CRNA DNP and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Deanna, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts early—usually between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m.—with a power walk through my neighborhood while listening to a podcast. It gives me time to clear my head and get energized for the day ahead.
Four to five days a week, I’m working at either a surgery center or a hospital as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). In this role, I provide anesthesia care to patients undergoing surgery, ensuring their safety and comfort before, during, and after procedures. It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding profession that requires both precision and compassion.
After finishing at the hospital, I stop in at both of my businesses—my esthetics school and my medical spa. I check in with my teams, handle any administrative duties, and support my employees with whatever they may need.
From about 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., I dedicate time to my MBA coursework, then cook dinner and tackle household chores. On two or three evenings each week, you’ll find me at my daughter’s volleyball games, which are a highlight of my week. I try to wrap up my evenings by 9:00 p.m. so I can recharge and be ready to do it all again the next day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Deanna Holt, and I wear a few different hats that all tie back to my passion for helping people feel confident in themselves. I’m a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), the owner of Skin Specialists of Fayetteville—an award-winning medical spa—and the founder of Skin Specialists School of Esthetics and Skin Specialists Academy of Advanced Esthetics.
What makes my story unique is the blend of healthcare, entrepreneurship, and education. At the spa, my team and I provide evidence-based treatments that truly change skin and build self-confidence. At the school and academy, we train the next generation of estheticians and medical providers, not just in technical skills but also in professionalism, business, and compliance—so they leave prepared to succeed.
I’m especially proud that both my spa and school have been recognized locally as “Best in Fayetteville” multiple years in a row. Beyond awards, what makes my brand special is our mission: to empower people, whether that’s a client who wants healthier skin or a student who dreams of building their own business.
Right now, I’m expanding our advanced academy to provide even more continuing education and medical aesthetics training, and I’m developing mentorship and affiliate programs so graduates can grow alongside us. My ultimate goal is to create opportunities that help others transform their futures, just as this industry transformed mine.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Without a doubt, the relationship that most shapes how I see myself is the one I have with my daughters. Everything I do, I do with them in mind. I want to be an example of what is possible—that as women, we can be powerful, successful, and create our own path in this world.
My greatest hope is that they see my journey and feel inspired to build their own empires, whatever that looks like for them. I want them to know they never have to rely on anyone else for purpose or validation—they already have everything they need within themselves to live boldly and achieve greatness.
Being their mom drives me to keep pushing, growing, and building, not just for myself but so they can see firsthand what resilience, hard work, and vision can create.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—absolutely. During the first two years of opening my medical spa, I faced some of the hardest challenges of my life. I was trying to learn how to run a business with no prior experience or expertise, and at the same time, I was navigating the breakdown of a marriage that ultimately ended in divorce. The combination of personal and professional stress was overwhelming, and there were moments when I questioned whether it was all worth the time, energy, and sacrifice.
But instead of walking away, I chose to keep pressing forward. I poured everything I had into building the business, and that perseverance paid off. That same year, we won “Best Medical Spa in Fayetteville”—a milestone that reminded me why I started and proved that the struggle was leading to something greater.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—mostly. What people see publicly is very much who I am: driven, dedicated, and passionate about the work I do. What I don’t always share are the tough moments—the stress, exhaustion, and challenges that come with being a full-time CRNA, a full-time business owner, a full-time single mom, and a part-time MBA student.
I don’t typically use social media as a place to vent, so people may not see the behind-the-scenes struggles. But what they do see is real—the commitment, the consistency, and the hard work I pour into every part of my life. That’s the truest reflection of me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Honestly—absolutely nothing. I live my life with intention, and I wouldn’t want to take away any of the roles or responsibilities that give me purpose. The only thing I would change is making room for more vacations and time to experience the world with the people I love.
Beyond that, I would continue to work hard, build my brand, and pour into others. My hope is that in whatever time I have, I can inspire people to chase their dreams, create something meaningful, and believe in what they’re capable of achieving.
