When you meet Traci Daly-Smith, you immediately sense that her work goes far beyond skin. As the Founder and Executive Director of A New Daly Beginning and Dragonflies Haven in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Traci has built her career around one simple truth: healing is about restoring hope.
This year, Traci returns as a Judge for The Skin Games, lending her extensive background in esthetics, wellness, and integrative therapies to the Compassion Category—a division that celebrates heart-centered service and purpose-driven estheticians. With over two decades of experience as a Licensed Esthetician, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Certified Educator, Traci brings unmatched empathy, authenticity, and integrity to her role on the judging panel.
The Heart Behind Her Mission
Traci’s defining career moment came when she worked with a woman undergoing cancer treatment who told her it was the first time she’d felt “normal” since her diagnosis. That single session became the spark for A New Daly Beginning, Traci’s nonprofit dedicated to supporting cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers through restorative esthetic and wellness therapies.
Her second venture, Dragonflies Haven, expanded that mission into a full-scale wellness retreat where clients can reconnect with mind, body, and spirit. Together, these initiatives represent her life’s purpose—to create spaces where healing and hope meet compassion and expertise.
“When someone shows up with genuine passion and professionalism—and you can feel their care for the person in their treatment room—it’s powerful. Heart shows in every touch, every word, every result.” — Traci Daly-Smith
Judging Philosophy: Compassion Meets Accountability
Traci describes herself as a heart-centered but honest judge. Her approach blends empathy with clear expectations, honoring both the human side of the profession and the technical skill it requires.
“Skill and empathy are both essential to true healing. I want every competitor to feel seen, encouraged, and inspired to keep growing.”
As part of The Skin Games’ Compassion Category, Traci evaluates not just technique, but intention. She looks for authenticity, professionalism, and purpose—qualities that elevate an esthetician from practitioner to healer.
Advice for Competitors
“Remember why you started. Don’t compare—focus on your story, your art, your impact. Nerves are just energy trying to move, so breathe, center yourself, and let your purpose lead. Whether you win or not, you’ve already made a difference by showing up for something that matters.”
Traci’s message to competitors beautifully aligns with The Skin Games’ mission—to celebrate growth, education, and connection among estheticians worldwide. Her words remind us that competition is not just about winning, but about showing up fully and authentically in one’s craft.
Rituals, Tools, and Favorite Myths to Bust
- Judging-Day Ritual: A Grande dark roast with two espresso shots—bold and straight to the point, just like her judging style! And always lots of water to keep balance and clarity flowing.
- Favorite Skincare Products: Traci swears by Hale & Hush Quiet Wash and Soothe Essence, two products that helped her skin through perimenopause and menopause. She also turns to her Celluma LED panel for calming, healing, and restoring balance.
- Skincare Myth That Drives Her Nuts: That you can “shrink” pores! You can refine texture and minimize appearance, but you can’t erase what nature built into your skin.
A Voice for Compassion in the Esthetics Industry
Traci’s ongoing work through A New Daly Beginning and Dragonflies Haven exemplifies what The Skin Games Compassion Category is all about—heart-led service, integrity, and making a difference one client at a time. Her leadership reminds every esthetician that compassion and accountability can coexist—and that true beauty begins when care meets purpose.
As The Skin Games continues to celebrate innovation, education, and community in professional skincare, leaders like Traci Daly-Smith stand as beacons for what the industry can be when love and excellence intersect.
Connect with Traci Daly-Smith
- Instagram: @anewdalybeginning | @dragonflieshaven
- Location: Lawrenceville, Georgia
- Judging Category: Compassion Category
- Titles: Licensed Esthetician, Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Educator
About The Skin Games
The Skin Games is an international competition and community celebrating excellence in esthetics. Each year, industry professionals showcase their work through case studies, live categories, and specialty divisions such as the Compassion Category—honoring those who use their skills to uplift and heal.
Join us March 19-22, 2026 in Dallas, Texas for the 10-Year “Rhinestone Rodeo” Edition of The Skin Games, where judges like Traci Daly-Smith help shape the next generation of beauty professionals.