Today we’d like to introduce you to Mondi Hodgdon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was around 11 I wanted to be a dietitian. I went to the University of Vermont. I double majored in Dietetics and Nutritional science. After I graduated I moved to Boston and got a job at a Hospital. I also worked at hospitals throughout college and knew that’s not what I really wanted to do. I was more into fitness and nutrition so I left and went to work at a gym. A good friend of mine was a trainer there and had a client who was an esthetician. After talking to her one day I realized omg this is exactly what I want to do!! So I registered at Elizabeth Grady school of esthetics soon after.
While in esthetic school I worked at a well-known spa as a receptionist and learned everything I could from all the estheticians. At that time I was more into skin care. I worked in a few different locations on Newbury St. and every time it was the same thing. They would move or close. I wanted something more stable so decided I needed my own space where I was in charge. I finally found my own space and put my name on the door.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, ect. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know its not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It wasn’t always easy for me. I started from the bottom and worked my way up. It took a lot of hard work to get to where I am now. I would say the biggest struggle was when I started my family. I only took a 6 week maternity leave because I didn’t want to leave my clients hanging. After coming back to work I shortened my schedule to only a few days a week. It was almost impossible to fit in my big clientele I built over the years in those few days. I was always stressed out that I couldn’t accommodate everyone. I had to stop taking new clients for a few years until I expanded my schedule. I increased my hours and added a few more days over time. I now appreciate and enjoy being able to spend most days at home with my kids and still own a successful business in Boston.
We’d love to hear more about Mondi’s Brow Studio.
I specialize in brow shaping and also do lip waxing. I used to offer a variety of esthetic services but decided to focus on what I really love. Eyebrows. I’m known for Brow shaping. I have a few accolades including Boston Magazine and Allure Magazine which helped get my name out there. It was such an honor and so amazing to be recognized after years of hard work.
I’m very into clean eating and using clean non Toxic makeup. Recently I incorporated that into my business. I now sell nontoxic brow products. I work with each client to perfect each brow to fit their unique facial structure and eyebrows natural growth pattern. I consult with my clients and show them the areas of the brow that could use improvement. Most clients who come in for the first time have had a bad brow shaping somewhere else. They come to me to help fix them. I give the option of waxing or tweezing. If they choose wax I will only clean up the stray hairs with wax and tweeze and trim the shape of the brows for precision. If they have some areas that need growth I teach them how to fill with brow makeup until they grow out. I also shape brows while the client is seated in front of me. This ensures a more accurate shaping.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I don’t have any specific apps, books or podcasts I would recommend that helped me. However I am always trying to keep up with the latest fashion and makeup trends in all the magazines.
Pricing:
- Eyebrow shaping $60
- Lip waxing $20
Contact Info:
- Address: 45 Newbury St. Suite 310
Boston, MA 02116 - Website: Mondisbrowstudio.com
- Phone: 857-753-4669
- Email: mondibrows@gmail.com
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Mondisbrowstudio
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
