Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Kay Parrish.
Hi Donna Kay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My life has always been about diving in headfirst, never just dipping my toes in the water. I’ve never been one to map out the trajectory of my life, and I guess that’s what makes it so unpredictable and special. I never thought I would end up where I am today, but here I am.
My journey began at NCSU with a Bachelor’s in Social Work. After graduating, I traveled with a marketing company for two years, and then I decided to go into the medical field. I returned to my hometown, went through the Radiography program, and then spent nearly two decades at Duke Medical in the operating room. That’s where I learned so much about teamwork, how to handle high-stress, urgent, situations, and the power and importance of being part of a great team.
All the while, I had an entrepreneurial spirit. I loved skincare, so I began taking night classes for Esthetics Technology. I graduated in 2015 and started taking on my own clients part-time in Durham while still working at Duke. I was building my knowledge and my own protocols, and I loved every minute of it.
Then, life threw me a curveball. My parents fell ill, and I had to make a difficult decision. I sold my townhouse and moved back home to care for them. Soon after, I held my mom’s hand as she passed away. This is a part of life no one tells you about, but I will tell you, everyone has an opinion on what you should do. The only opinion that counts is the one you feel in your heart. Remember that. I took an early retirement package from Duke, and while still caring for my dad, I found a perfect space in Oxford. I built out the space, and dkpESTHETICS was born. I’m able to use my creative spirit and customize protocols for clients, bringing a unique approach to skincare to my community. I’m still caring for my dad, and my business gives me the flexibility to do so while living my dream. I never thought I’d be here, but that’s what makes it so special.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing about this journey has been smooth — not one bit. From the very beginning, it felt like every time I took one step forward, something pushed me two steps back. You’d think it would be simple: find a building, fill it with supplies, call the State Board for inspection, open the doors. But no, it was more like a crash course in patience, grit, and Google searches.
The CPA who promised to set up my books never did, which left my finances in chaos that first year. I hired someone on Fiverr to build my website — let’s just say it looked fine but wasn’t optimized for search, so no one could actually find it. Then I hired someone else who ignored every direction I gave. Eventually, I ran out of money and decided to learn web design, SEO, and backlinks myself. That’s when things started turning around — my phone actually started ringing, and I realized sometimes you just have to become your own expert.
Money was tight, advertising was nonexistent, and when my brand-new HydraFacial machine malfunctioned, I spent hours on the phone with corporate support — only to find out a year later that cloud based systems also make mistakes. Add in a botched equipment lien that still haunts my business credit, and, well, you could say the first two years were pure chaos.
But here’s the thing: every one of those setbacks taught me how to survive — and now, I’m thriving because of them. The first two years were bootcamp. The next five? That’s where I build the empire.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is dkpESTHETICS — the name comes from my initials, and the heart behind it comes from my love of skin. I’m a solo Licensed Esthetician with a storefront studio in Oxford, NC, offering customized facials, dermaplaning, waxing, SWiCH Dermal Rejuvenation treatments, spray tans, HydraFacials, teen facials, and skin-lightening services. I’m also oncology-trained, which allows me to safely care for clients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments.
dkpESTHETICS isn’t just about facials — it’s about education and experience. I host skincare classes and “girls’ spa parties” that can be held in-studio or off-site, creating fun, confidence-boosting experiences for all ages. I proudly use Circadia, a results-driven professional skincare line that consistently delivers visible improvements.
What sets us apart is how personalized and community-driven the experience is. I recently launched our HydraFacial Membership Program, designed to help clients achieve dramatic, long-term results through consistent care. For those who prefer flexibility, we’ve added service packages on Vagaro, and our updated dkpPERKS Glow Loyalty Program rewards clients for their dedication to their skin.
Looking ahead, dkpESTHETICS will continue collaborating with local businesses to create special events and fun community nights throughout 2026. My goal is to make results-driven skincare approachable, educational, and empowering — because glowing skin shouldn’t just look good, it should feel good.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people don’t know that I’m actually an introvert. Speaking in public has never been my strong suit, but put me in my treatment room with a client, and I’m in my element. I’m also a little “woo-woo” — that’s the Reiki side of me — so there’s as much energy work happening in my space as skincare.
I still blast the music I grew up on (this will date me, but I don’t care): Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Tupac, the Fugees — all the good stuff. And if you ever catch me walking with a little extra sway at the end of the day, no, I haven’t been drinking. I broke my pelvis back in 1999, and it’s now full of arthritis — so by nighttime, I just have a natural swagger..
Pricing:
- dkp SIGNATURE facial $70
- Signature Hydrafacial $165
- Dermaplane Facial $135
- Sig. Hydrafacial +Dermaplane $222
- Brazilian Wax $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dkpskinstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_oxford_esthetician/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkpskinstudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnakayparrish/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/esthetics411
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dkpskinstudio
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dkpesthetics-oxford
- Other: https://www.circadiaretailer.com/dealer/544689
Image Credits
Kathy Howard Portrait
