May 15, 2017

Meet Ben Moeun of Ben Moeun Hair and Makeup in Newton center

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Moeun.

Ben, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was about 12 years old I used to cut my uncles hair, why they trusted me I have no idea. They started to pay me and at 12 why would I say no. That later evolved to me being interested in how people’s hair looked. So eventually I ended up in beauty school. Thankfully I wasn’t horrible at it! I started off in Pennsylvania, where I grew up, assisting for a year. Then I started managing salons for a while. Here I am now in newton for about 8 years now. After my previous employer, Fia salon, had retired I decided to rent a booth and it’s been the best scariest thing I’ve decided to do. And here I am today doing this interview.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is any road really that smooth? I’ve worked in a couple salons and spas and stylists can be some very tough people to work with. I think my hardest struggle was when I left Boston to move home for about 6 months, returning to Boston and praying my old clients would still come to see me was very challenging. I would work part time at a salon in Pennsylvania (Shoutout to Salon Element spa) and full time there in Boston to make ends meet. Then to find out about 4 months later the salon was going to be closing! Scared me to death! But I think that scare got me to where I am today and I am actually very thankful for it. In this industry there will always be a struggle and challenge because clients come and go just like styles come and go. Keep it fresh, keep it updated, keep it moving!

Ben Moeun Hair and Makeup (soon to be… BeMo + Co) – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My Business is in the world of beauty. I like to make people feel and look their best. I pride myself in giving my clients styles that they can manage on their own, from the cut to the color to the maintenance and even to wardrobe decisions, the whole package. If they can make it look good on their own, it’ll make me look good, team effort!
I take my business on the road to learn new techniques, new products, innovative styles, etc. staying current keeps me relevant in this ever changing industry. From photoshoots, weddings, or just a glam party, on set, at the shop or in your home I do my best to accommodate any needs.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My success isn’t in making a ton money, it’s feeling accomplished and proud of my work and life. I could work 7 days a week but then my personal life would feel unbalanced, I have done it before and I probably won’t do it again. I did that for two years open to close (not very long I know) and the things I’ve missed from doing that be it family events or just quality time with friends. Those moments are some of the precious moments that I personally need to feel fully accomplished along with a successful career.

Maybe one day I’ll do a big Hollywood star that would be a pretty big milestone. Along with owning my very own salon one day.

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