Air Force Veteran’s Near-Death Journey Inspires Revolutionary Spa for Healing

Danielle Patterson-Ramsey’s transformation from military veteran to wellness innovator is a story of resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to holistic healing. After overcoming a traumatic near-death experience, the former Air Force member channeled her survival into creating NTRL + NAKD Skin Spa, a medical spa in Fort Smith, Arkansas, that offers a revolutionary approach to skin and body care.

Patterson-Ramsey’s journey to this new life began in a hospital room where she lay clinically dead for up to ten minutes. After being revived following a 5 minute-long seizure from quitting both pain medication + benzodiazepines simultaneously, after years of prescribed medication for spinal injuries and emotional trauma, Patterson-Ramsey emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. She didn’t just want to survive; she wanted to transform herself and, in turn, help others do the same.

Her story is one of extraordinary resilience.  Growing up, she spent some time in witness protection, spent years in the military, and endured a difficult marriage, then ended up battling a prescription painkiller addiction that started after surgeries for her spinal injuries, while raising her two young sons. Each of these life chapters was marked by intense struggle, but they also served as stepping stones that shaped her future.

Today, as the founder of NTRL + NAKD Skin Spa, Patterson-Ramsey is using her unique background in military precision, psychology, nursing, and holistic aesthetics to offer something entirely different from traditional medical aesthetics. She is combining her understanding of the emotional, physical, and psychological components of wellness to provide permanent solutions that go beyond superficial treatments.

Patterson-Ramsey’s spa philosophy runs counter to industry norms. While many aesthetic professionals focus on quick, temporary fixes, Patterson-Ramsey is committed to long-term transformations. Her military training instilled a deep commitment to precision and discipline, which she now applies to every treatment. Additionally, her studies in psychology allow her to address the deeper emotional factors that contribute to her clients’ skin and wellness concerns.

In her work, Patterson-Ramsey focuses on real results that last. While other practitioners may rely on recurring treatments or injections, her spa uses cutting-edge equipment and holistic techniques to solve problems at their root. The goal is not to create dependence on continual treatments but to liberate clients from cycles of short-term solutions.

Her spa also emphasizes emotional healing, with many clients discovering the connections between their skin issues and unresolved emotional trauma. Patterson-Ramsey’s approach includes sound therapy, which uses vibrational frequencies to promote cellular and emotional healing, further highlighting her belief in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.

The holistic approach Patterson-Ramsey champions has earned her a loyal client base, many of whom describe feeling deeply understood and supported throughout their healing journey. For her, success is not measured by revenue but by the lasting transformations she facilitates.

“I want every person to feel seen, heard, and healed,” she says. “This isn’t just about making people look better—it’s about helping them feel whole again.”

Patterson-Ramsey’s influence in the community extends beyond her spa. She has earned several notable recognitions, including multiple nominations and a win as a “Top Pick” in the River Valley Best of the Best, Fort Smith Community Votes, and Best of Fort Smith awards. Her expertise has been featured in prestigious outlets like Maxim Next and Neighbors of South Fort Smith, further establishing her as a leader in the holistic wellness field.

Moreover, her mentorship program is a cornerstone of her mission to uplift others. Patterson-Ramsey is committed to reshaping the aesthetics industry by mentoring new practitioners to focus on meaningful, transformative service rather than prioritizing profits. Her program teaches emerging aestheticians how to measure success through the positive changes they make in their clients’ lives, not just their bank accounts.

The upcoming expansion of NTRL + NAKD Skin Spa is set to elevate the region’s wellness offerings with the addition of a full-scale facility. This new space will embody her vision for a healing environment that offers permanent solutions, while her role as a mentor will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.  She plans to have different rooms for some of the separate healing modalities, as well as rooms to offer her fellow practitioners or mentees, who are licensed in holistic aesthetics or other healing modalities.  She wants to give others the same wonderful chances she’s been blessed to receive, from the 2 local spas she’s been able to rent suites from these past few years.  She also wishes for other Healing Professionals to feel seen and heard, and have a place to start that aligns with their own missions or businesses. 

Adding to her list of achievements, Patterson-Ramsey is preparing for an exciting new opportunity—an appearance on an entrepreneurial coaching show filming in November. Although the show’s name cannot be revealed, it will feature Patterson-Ramsey as part of a challenge program designed to highlight the stories of entrepreneurs who are making an impact. This opportunity will allow her to share her story on a larger platform, inspiring others to embrace transformation, just as she has.

For Patterson-Ramsey, her past struggles were not simply obstacles to overcome, but powerful lessons that have equipped her to help others heal. She draws strength from her military background, and every day she applies the precision, discipline, and commitment that once served her in defense of her country to the mission of transforming lives.

As someone who once felt trapped by her own pain, Patterson-Ramsey’s journey is a testament to the power of radical reinvention. “It’s never too late to start,” she tells clients, showing that no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve gone through, transformation is always possible.

NTRL + NAKD Skin Spa Earns Top Honor as Best Med Spa in Fort Smith 2025

NTRL + NAKD Skin Spa has been named Best Med Spa in Fort Smith of 2025, a testament to their innovative approach to wellness. Under the leadership of Danielle Patterson-Ramsey, the spa combines holistic treatments with advanced aesthetics to create lasting transformations for clients. With a focus on healing over quick fixes, NTRL + NAKD has redefined what a med spa can offer, setting it apart in the industry.

To experience the transformative services at NTRL + NAKD Skin Spa, visit their website at ntrlnakdskinspa.com and book a consultation. Follow Danielle’s ongoing journey of healing and mentorship on Instagram and TikTok.