Miles of Style

By Mollie Shambeau

Dione Laufenberg: In the stylish spa-tlight

On one hand, Dione Laufenberg is a savvy entrepreneur. On the flip side, she’s a girly-girl who loves all things beauty and style. Altogether, she packs a potent one-two punch: business acumen and style savoir-faire.

Laufenberg discovered her passion for holistic health while job shadowing at a spa during her college days at UW-Madison. After years of furthering her education, she launched Indulge Spa on Madison’s east side in 2008.

Despite her job title, you won’t find this fresh-faced 27-year-old spa technician clad in a stark white gown. Whether in the office or out on the town, Laufenberg isn’t afraid to wear her fashionable flair on her sleeve for all to see.

The following are Web exclusive interview questions with Laufenberg:

brava: Tell us about the outfits you wore for the shoot and why you picked them.
Dione Laufenberg: The first outfit I chose is a free flowing long dress that is somewhat formal. I like it because it’s comfortable and expresses my free spirit. I wore it for my three-year anniversary date with my husband, which we rented a limo for a night on the town with two other couples.

The second outfit I chose because every woman needs a great pair of jeans. I bought these from a little boutique in Denver. They are a pretty expensive — for jeans — and I defiantly splurged. The shirt is flirty and fun and is in my favorite teal color, the color that inspired my logo for Indulge.

Lastly, I chose a conservative, more professional stripped turtleneck with black slacks. This is a look that I would wear to work, but the gray bag and silver-heeled stiletto boots still gives the look a little flair.  

brava: When we think of spas, images of oversized white gowns come to mind. Describe your work uniform and how you incorporate personal style.
DL: We don’t have a uniform, but we do have Indulge logo shirts that can be worn by the staff members if and when they choose. I allow them to show off their own personal style because we are a group of very different women and a variety of personalities from very natural and earthy to young trendy fashionistas.

brava: When it comes to fashion, what inspires you?
DL: Colors, textures, fit, celebrities and magazines.

brava: What are the factors that determine if a piece of clothing becomes a staple item in your wardrobe?
DL: The way it makes me feel when I wear it, the level of comfort it has and the confidence I exude while wearing it.

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