By Philip Haldiman
Mail | X: @PhilipHaldiman

Last November, Danitza Torres lost her baby to a stillbirth.

She said the experience was incredibly difficult, but she channeled her profound grief into a project that is poised to improve the lives of other mothers.

Torres will host a free Mother’s Day outreach event May 18 to gift 20 local moms a serene 30-minute custom facial experience designed to refresh and hydrate their skin.

She placed the event a week after Mother's Day because she figured most of the moms would already have family plans on the actual Mother’s Day.

After all, mothers need not only be celebrated once a year, whether that be May 11 or any other day.

"I didn’t want them to feel like they had to choose between their family and children or themselves," she said.

Torres said the stillbirth deepened her desire to pour back into moms who have faced grief, loss, or difficult seasons.

“I want to create a space where these women can rest, feel pampered, and be reminded of their worth. My hope is that they leave feeling loved, valued and seen.”

Beyond the facial, Torres says, she and other estheticians and volunteers will create a thoughtful experience that includes a quiet room for reflection and prayer, skincare consultations, and tea with snacks and refreshments.

Torres said the mothers will be given a full day of rest and self-care.

Each mom also will be given a special skincare kit so they can continue their self-care at home.

Torres said it is a small way to recognize the immeasurable sacrifices mothers make every day for their families.

“Our goal is to help them relax and feel truly cared for,” she said. “Many of these women are navigating grief, infertility, or the challenges of single motherhood.”

In 2018, Torres graduated from esthetics school and started her business from a small rented room in her home. Then she moved from home-based services to a small downtown suite, and in 2023, fulfilled her dream of opening her own spa in Peoria, Danitza Michelle Aesthetics, located at 9976 N. 91st Ave., Suite 102.

She said the mothers for her event were chosen through community nominations.

“We used social media to nominate moms who have shown strength, resilience and love despite facing hardships. I want to honor women who truly deserve a moment of rest and selfless love,” she said.

Torres thanked the volunteers and estheticians who are helping bring this event to life.

“Their passion and genuine care will make this day truly special,” she said. “I also want to encourage others to continue supporting the mothers in their lives, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. A small act of kindness or acknowledgment can mean so much. I will continue praying for each woman who walks through my doors and thank God for giving me the opportunity to reflect His love onto them.”

Senior News Editor Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on X @philiphaldiman. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Philip Haldiman
News Editor | Peoria

phaldiman@iniusa.org

Philip Haldiman is a fourth generation Arizona native with brief residencies on the east and west coasts. He has bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Journalism at Arizona State University, and is an award winning journalist with more than 15 years worth of experience in reporting and editing. Most recently, he took first place for investigative reporting and third place for best sustained coverage or series at the 2023 Arizona Newspapers Association awards. In his free time, he produces an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.