Hi Chamonda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After working in the banking industry for 14 years and network marketing for ten years, I knew I was missing something, and I was not doing what I genuinely loved. I am a people person and I have the heart to help people; I love making people look and feel good about themselves. As a network marketer, I focused on providing products that really enhanced my clients, from health and wellness, beauty and skincare, even toxic-free cleaning products. Being able to witness my clients experience beautiful transformations brought me so much joy. But still, something was missing. I needed change and I needed a shift to go deeper that would help me impact lives. Since a preteen, I have suffered with acne. I will never forget the time a boy called me “connect the dots face”! Imagine the hurt I felt. As I grew into a woman, I begin to spend money on all types of skincare products, wasting a lot of money because nothing seemed to work.
At this time, I had not heard of an esthetician. It wasn’t until I was introduced to a young lady who was a student at Elaine Sterling Institute of Esthetics and Massage. This is when I discovered how to correct my acne problem and developed healthy skin. I knew immediately what I had to do next. I felt as if my purpose had been revealed. I scheduled a tour of Elaine Sterling Institute and decided to enroll in March of 2018 and nine months later, I graduated. This has changed my life and now I want to change others. I want others to experience being able to leave the house without having to cover up blemishes and acne with make-up and help others become as confident in their own skin as I am in mine. I knew that I had to really become an expert in the field and that means that I had to learn new skills to help me be successful in such a “hot” industry.
In March of last year, I decided to work for a medspa in order to give the experience I needed, as well I learned the art of dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is “a skin treatment that uses a surgical blade to skim dead skin cells and hair from your face. It’s also called micro planing or blading,” and with this treatment, I am able to remove weeks of dead skin cells and the “peach fuzz” that helps you have baby smooth skin and a natural glow. My clients love it and is my most requested treatment. Working with the medspa only solidified what I knew was the next natural course for me, creating my own customer base and working for myself. In 2019 I partnered with Onanya Joni Day Spa in Union City, GA and have been able to work alongside the owner, who was actually a classmate of mine at Elaine Sterling. This opportunity gave me the flexibility and experience I needed to work independently and establish myself as an expert in the field.
I recently started offering mobile services and it has allowed me to thrive even during the shut-downs we have experience. I love being able to help women (and men) and giving them the confidence to fall in love with their own skin. When you have clients sharing, “Chamonda, I no longer have to wear make-up to work today”, you know you are doing something right. For me it isn’t about vanity, it is about corrective skincare; it is about the health of your skin. One of my main goals is to show that skincare is not just for women, but I want to create an education piece for men and make skincare a common part of their self-care as well. Ultimately, self-development is essential in growing a business, and my goal is to continue to master my craft by availing myself to continuing education opportunities and become the premier destination for skincare in the metro Atlanta area
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Right after graduation, I was ready to get to work but unfortunately, a lot of spas was not willing to give me a shot due to lack of experience. The more no’s I got the harder I tried. I started to doubt if I jumped into the industry at such a late age. I am 43 years old, starting a new career. I also had to prove myself by posting pics and videos of my work in order to show people that I am good at what I do. You can’t just recommend products. You have to understand skincare ingredients, how they work, and how they will affect the skin. Esthetics is a relationship-based industry. You have to get people to trust you and your skills. My ultimate goal is to get to know my clients, listen to their skin issues, and help them reach their goals. That’s what I’m here for.
We’ve been impressed with Spa Eloni, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed esthetician. I specialize in corrective skin care. Dermaplaning and chemical peels is my specialty. What sets me apart from others is my ability to gain my client’s trust. I also reward them for allowing me to treat their skin and others they refer to me. I do not just do facials. I follow up with my clients to make sure they are also doing the work as instructed so that we can reach their goals.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The esthetics council has provided services and environmental disinfection guidelines for all estheticians to follow in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak. I take every precautionary measure to ensure the safety of myself and my clients prior to and during the service.
Contact Info:
- Address: Onanya Joni’s Day Spa 6740 Shannon Parkway Suite 25 Union City, GA 30291l
- Email: spaeloni@gmail.com
- Website: linktr.ee/chamondarush
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/spa_eloni
