Exclusive Interview with Danuta Mieloch for Viva!: The Story of Real Beauty Empire
[Translated from Polish]
Today, Danuta Mieloch oversees a true beauty empire, with two luxurious spas in Philadelphia and New York, along with her own skincare line, DANUCERA. Within these stunning spaces, clients can explore a curated selection of premium products and indulge in a variety of treatments—from manicures to advanced facials designed to restore the skin’s health and vitality. While Danuta specializes in facial care, she now rarely performs treatments herself, making an appointment with her a coveted experience. As a mentor, she shares her expertise with others, including her team of 140 dedicated employees.
Her clientele includes major stars like Emma Stone, Naomi Campbell, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and Colin Farrell. Influencers, models, TV presenters, and athletes also seek her expertise. Brides-to-be book treatments to prepare for their big day, while socialites turn to her to look their best for glamorous events. Known simply as “Dana” to her American clients, she’s renowned for her ability to transform the skin. Many say her face masks work like magic, and the touch of her hands feels extraordinary. Danuta herself confidently states that she can see the skin’s needs and knows exactly how to improve and refine it.
Polish beauticians have wonderful traditions. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Helena Rubinstein-- born Chaja Rubinstein-- left Podgorze near Krakow with her mother's recipe for face cream, her only asset at the time. She worked as a nanny and a waitress, but that cherished recipe, which would later become known as Valaze, laid the foundation for her remarkable career. Over a hundred years later, Danuta Mieloch also left Poland, carrying her own cream recipes in her purse. Like Rubinstein, she knew New York only from films and stories.
Today, she’s often referred to as the Beyoncé of cosmetology or, in a different light, the Confucius of skincare, sharing her insights in prestigious publications like "W," "The New York Times," and "Vogue." "My skin has never looked this good," wrote one editor from the popular beauty blog Into the Gloss. We meet in Danuta's stunning apartment on Hożej Street in the heart of Warsaw to discuss her story.
Q: Is it true that you went to America with a few dollars in your pocket and no knowledge of English?
I left in the fall of 1989, shortly after the June elections that changed the political system in Poland. But the wall in Berlin was still standing... My sister lived in the United States, she received Political Asylum in America. She sent me an invitation. I had $20 in my pocket and a lot of hope.
Q: Did your sister take you under her wing?
Yes, but she didn’t spoil me. Shortly after I arrived, she made it clear that I needed to find work. She took me to a Polish restaurant in New York's East Village and told me that until I learned English, I could either work there or clean houses. I chose to be a waitress. Those were tough years—I didn’t know the language yet. The American people were kind; as I served them dumplings (Polish pierogies), they often tried to teach me English.
Q: And apparently, you learned in half a year?
I devoted every moment to my goal. Each day, I rode the subway from Queens to Lower Manhattan for 45 minutes, bringing a book with me to study verb conjugations and vocabulary. I read simple language magazines and watched soap operas to immerse myself in the language. There’s an American saying: “Go big or go home.” I embraced that mindset wholeheartedly; I knew I wanted to stay in America, and I truly found myself here.
Q: “I was afraid,” you said in a report about yourself in one of New York magazines. The journalist was surprised because you rarely talk about difficulties.
The truth is, I’m an optimist who adapts quickly and focuses on the positives rather than obstacles. I don’t complain about having one lemon; instead, I think about how to make lemonade from it. However, those years were challenging. I dedicated myself to studying while juggling my job making coffee. I also knew I needed to return to beauty school to earn my diploma in America and pursue my dream profession.
Q: When you were a little girl in Bialystok, you made various potions, and apparently you cured your sister of acne.
I made her a mask using brewer's yeast, chamomile, oatmeal, and egg whites, and it worked wonders. While other children played in the yard, I found joy in mixing creams—a passion I had nurtured since childhood. My mom emphasized the importance of self-care, often reminding me that if I didn’t wash my face at night, I would wake up feeling seven days older each morning. As a young girl, I dreamed of creating an elixir of youth that could prevent anyone from aging—seriously!
Q: How do you know what to add to what? Is this secret knowledge, like from potions classes?
I consider myself truly blessed with this gift. My talent extends beyond just making creams and masks; I have an innate ability to assess skin, identifying both the treatments that have been performed and those that are needed. I can advise on the right steps to take and know how to touch the skin to activate the appropriate muscles. With over 10,000 treatments under my belt, I also have a keen eye for evaluating products.
When I opened my first Rescue Spa in Philadelphia in 2004, I worked tirelessly, putting in 10 to 12 hours a day. I performed all the treatments myself, knowing I could only rely on my own expertise. I didn’t even feel tired—I’m a workaholic, but it’s a passion that makes work a joy. Every step forward and each moment of self-improvement brought me immense happiness and boosted my self-esteem. I believe this feeling resonates with many women.
By the end of the 1990s, I had already come a long way, working at a respected New York salon, Paul Labrecque, where I had built a loyal client base. I later traveled to Paris, where I worked with Dr. Yvan Allouch and Madame Josette, founders of the renowned Biologique Recherche brand. Their focus on microcurrents and gentle skin exfoliation made a significant impact on my practice. They became my mentors, and I am forever grateful for what I learned. Both Paris and New York hold a special place in my heart.
Q: When you opened your first Spa in Philadelphia, you were divorced in 2004. Was this brave step supposed to make you feel that you were regaining control over your life and making decisions about yourself?
It was primarily about business. At that time, I couldn’t afford to stay in New York, and I started considering opening a spa in Warsaw. I visited the city and explored apartments on Wilcza Street in the city center, but I had become too rooted in America and deeply involved in my local investments. Additionally, I had just divorced my husband after 13 years of marriage. He could no longer live in the United States, so he returned to Poland, and our paths naturally diverged.
Q: Are you alone?
I'm currently in a relationship, but it’s not easy because my life revolves around my business, and I don't separate my professional and personal life. I love traveling and find relaxation during those trips, yet even on vacation, I seek out professional inspiration.
You asked about the cost of success in relation to family life. I come from a family of four siblings: I have a sister who still lives in America, another in Białystok, Poland, and my brother also resides in the U.S. My mother lives in Białystok as well, and I cherish my four nephews, who are very important to me. I’ve learned that you can’t have it all. I admire women who manage to balance a professional career with motherhood; it’s no small feat. If I had a family, I know I wouldn’t be able to spend long hours at work without worrying about my children.
Despite this, I take pride in being surrounded by strong women. I have 140 employees, some of whom started with me as young girls and have since built families and homes. My right hand, the head of marketing, began as a manicurist. I often think of them as my "professional children."
Q: Opening a salon in New York was a big risk.
It was a significant step in my business development, but I had to mature into the role. I vividly remember sitting in the ABC Cocina restaurant with a coffee, waiting for the legendary Deepak Chopra, the guru of a healthy lifestyle. Suddenly, I noticed a sign that read "Building for Rent." I knew I shouldn’t take the risk, yet I couldn’t shake the thought. Ultimately, I decided to rent the building.
After months of complete renovation, I opened a spa there. The beginning was challenging; there weren't many clients at first. However, I chose to be patient and focused on delivering the highest quality of services. In business, things don’t happen overnight; it requires perseverance and consistency.
Q: And what was the key to success? Your talent, work, fame?
I believe it's all three. I opened a two-story Rescue Spa in the heart of the Flatiron district, surrounded by renowned restaurants, with the iconic "Iron" building as a landmark. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in Manhattan. There’s no other place in New York where you can receive such a wide range of treatments and purchase top-quality cosmetic products all under one roof.
I also launched an online skincare store, which proved invaluable during the lockdown. I received emails from women in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles encouraging me to open branches in their cities. However, I prefer to focus on maintaining two locations with a strong reputation rather than spreading myself too thin.
Q: What does your life look like today? I know you have a farm in Pennsylvania.
I frequently travel between New York and Philadelphia, spending time in both cities. I have a house in Pennsylvania where I live with my two dogs and my 16-year-old cat, my loyal companion. It’s not a large farm, but I’ve planted 60 fruit trees in the garden; my sister even brought me a blackcurrant from our mother’s garden. I also grow my own vegetables. I appreciate natural ingredients in both cosmetics and food and like knowing where my products come from.
Being on the farm allows me to watch my vegetables grow, assuring me that what I cultivate is organic and genuine. I find it essential to take breaks in the greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. When I was younger, I used to think I would live in an apartment and "not do anything." Now, however, I cherish my work on the farm, which I’ve come to appreciate with age. Although I have help, I still enjoy handling everything myself.
Q: What does your day look like?
I start my mornings by feeding my animals and enjoying a glass of water with ginger and lemon. After practicing yoga, I drink a cup of coffee—one of my favorite small pleasures. Then, I put on my makeup and head to work. Today, my main focus is on sharing my knowledge with others, which I truly value. I want women to learn how to care for themselves and deepen their understanding of skincare.
Q: What would you tell women as a cosmetologist?
First and foremost, it’s essential to remember that even the best treatments won’t be effective without daily skincare. Your routine should include cleansing your skin twice and moisturizing. Don’t layer too many cosmetics, as this can irritate the skin.
I’ve just launched my cosmetics line in the Polish market, which includes a balm, toner, serum, eye cream, and face cream. These products are now available on the Danucera websites for Poland and Europe. They contain ingredients suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. My passion lies in sharing unique knowledge about how to use these cosmetics effectively with women.
Q: You are very different today from that 20-year-old girl from Białystok who dreamed of the big world.
Years have passed, and today I am grateful to fate for the journey I’ve had. I consider myself a lucky person. Over the years, I’ve deepened my spiritual life through daily yoga practice for the past 15 years and regular meditation. While I am a perfectionist, I've learned not to let it overwhelm me, as perfectionism can be a barrier to progress. At some point, it’s essential to take action and connect with others—and I’ve embraced that wholeheartedly.
