Getting to Know Me

DERMASCOPE Magazine is trying something new with their Contributors department for 2016! In an effort to further educate their readers about the authors, they asked to include a ‘get-to-know-you’ section with some fun questions for their writers. I hope you enjoy reading my replies, and find out some cool things about me you never knew.

Dasha Saian 

L.E., CEO Saian Natural Clinical Skincare 

Twitter handle: @DashaSaian

• Go-to karaoke song?
Definitely has to be “At Last” by Etta James! I used to be a voice major in high school and college, so jazz is definitely the closest musical genre to my heart.

• Favorite exercise move?
Squats are what it’s all about, ladies. I like to work out with weights 5 days a week, and dance 4 days a week for 4 hours. It’s amazing how exercise picks you up, and revives you!

• Favorite restaurant?
It may sound corny, but my favorite place to eat is at home. There’s nothing like a good home-made meal - I’ll take my own cooking over any restaurant any day.

• Number one thing on your bucket list?
I have traveled the world, and done some crazy things, so can’t think of anything more exciting than having a child. That is the one goal to get done before kicking the ol’ bucket!

• Favorite drink?
Coffee, of course! I am in Europe often, and the variety of coffee there is mind-blowing! I always feel like a kid in the candy store at cafes.

• Favorite travel destination?
I love Hong Kong and China. Whenever I visit Asia, I get to practice speaking Mandarin, shop ‘till I drop, and visit beautiful ancient places. Europe is also wonderful - I can’t resist the charm of old cobble stone streets.

• Favorite book?
“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay - this is one book I never get tired of re-reading. She is my mentor and inspiration.

• Favorite social media site?
I love Facebook, because it lets me connect with my friends from all around the world. I am always happy to see photos of children growing up, and catch up on the lives of my far-away connections.

• Makeup product you couldn’t live without? (For example, foundation, eyeliner, lipstick)
I can easily live without makeup, but toothpaste and moisturizer - that’s a different story!

• Favorite sport?
I’m not big on sports, but I sometimes watch basketball.

• Biggest phobia?
Shrimp! I’m allergic, so I frantically check ingredients before taking a bite of foreign foods.

• Perfect pizza?
Doesn’t really matter what’s on it, as long as it’s eaten with friends over some good laughs!

• Favorite genre of music?
Salsa music is my addiction - I have a vast collection of mambo I’m very proud of.

• Favorite thing to spend money on?
Absolutely, with no questions about it, undoubtedly - travel!

• Favorite television show?
Oh gosh, it may be strange to tell you this, but I don’t watch TV at all. No idea what is going on, or what shows are on. I have no time or interest in pop culture, celebrities or fashion. Just living my own life one day at a time.

• What do you do in your free time?
I spend a lot of time dancing and taking dance lessons, traveling, and spending time with my closest friends. I believe that time is the resource that you can never get back, so make the best of it every minute!

• What does your name mean?
When people ask me what the meaning of my last name is, and why they have never heard it before, I explain that it’s unique, and everyone with this last name is related. My last name (Saian) means Zion - a very spiritual word. My mother told me that she heard that our ancestors were the first to arrive on mountain Ararat out of Noah’s arc. Zion or Sai-on was later changed to Sai-an like all armenian last names. The meaning of the word is “kingdom of heaven” and “Jerusalem”.

• Favorite decade?
Every decade is amazing, but I remember the 1990s being super cool!

• Celebrity crush? 
Will Smith! Isn't he everyone's? Just perfect in every way.

• If you could choose any artist to see live, who would it be?
Maia Plesetskaya, the famous ballet dancer. Watching the videos of her performances is electrifying!

• Biggest guilty pleasure?
It’s silly to say, but nuts are my downfall! I can easily eat 2 lbs of walnuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds! I’m like a mad squirrel when it comes to nuts.

• Which “_______ for Dummies” book do you need to read?
Quickbooks for Dummies, please! I am sure the program is capable of a million functions, but in all the years that I have used it, I only know how to make receipts and enter customer data. Good thing my accountant is on top of things for me.

• Favorite childhood game?
Building tree houses was great - I was quite a tomboy in my days.

• Dogs or cats?
Both! I have a cat and a dog - they are both orange, fluffy, and loving.

• Cookies or cupcakes?
Fruit, please! I’ll take delicious natural goodness over baked goods any day.

• Would you rather explore the ocean or space?
The ocean is a bit scary for me, and so is space. I’d rather explore in books from the comfort of my own home.

DERMASCOPE Magazine's 40th Anniversary Issue

DERMASCOPE Magazine interviewed Dasha Saian for their 40th Anniversary issue, asking to share some business advice, as an industry expert. Here is the full version of that interview: 

Do you have any advice for newbies? What advice do you wish you had been given when you began in the industry? 

What I wish I had known is that building a brand isn't only about the quality of the product, but about the knowledge of the educators, and the language of the marketers. Keeping it simple and explaining it well is the key to success!

Tell us about your history with DERMASCOPE. Any great stories or fun facts readers would find interesting?

My first article, co-written with my mother, came out in the May 2010 issue of DERMASCOPE, and my first solo article came out in the July 2010 issue of DERMASCOPE Magazine - exactly 5 years ago! Ever since then, I have been blessed to be a part of this wonderful publication! I am so overjoyed and proud to have been able to start contributing at such a young age, and can assure you that I will never run out of content, topics, fresh information, and inspiring stories in the coming years! My work is my passion and pride, and I am committed and dedicated to share all my knowledge and experience with DERMASCOPE readers!

What product innovation do you feel paved the way for today’s must-haves in our industry?

Natural products without chemicals and parabens are among the most popular and revered in the industry today, and rightfully so! Health and beauty go hand in hand!

What do you feel is the one thing that has made the biggest change in the industry?

More and more professionals are now taking the time to research ingredients, to make sure they are choosing the right products for their clients. Gone are the days of relying on ads and promises - estheticians want results, and invest their time in finding the best products out there!

What is the one advancement that is needed the most going forward?

Education is the most important element which must be present to be able to advance! Taking workshop classes, watching tutorials, webinars, listening to podcasts, reading trade magazines such as DERMASCOPE, that's what it's all about! If you feel you know everything, you close yourself off from learning more.