Today we’d like to introduce you to Monika Norman.
Monika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Once upon a time, there was a little girl who spent a lot of time at her great aunt’s house. She was a hair dresser, my aunt had her “salon” in the house and we were not allowed to see what was behind the door…that door…what was it?
For many years I heard laughing, Tea was taken in on a tray, a sweet little brown-betty tea pot that was refilled over and over again. Kind words were always spoken and it was hours of welcoming and waving good bye.
That is where it all started, the road to where I am now.
As I became older I was allowed to go into the salon, to help out with clients, to hear their stories, most of them the same. I grew to know that they would come to see Auntie for more than just their hair. They came to a place that was happy and respected every client. They came for wonderful goodies and a kind friendship that they only found in that house. My Aunt knew everyone and everything, the keeper of the secrets. As a child, I came to know that the house was marked by transient people as a “kind hearted woman’s house.” I loved that house and how it made me feel.
Through the years I graduated school and went on to beauty school. Living in that house with my Aunt through class after class we had some great discussions on the procedure for proper hair care as well as client care. I wanted to have a place of my own that would be like “that house”.
Fast forward, 37-ish years, being licensed in Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois and Texas, having traveled, lived and worked in Europe as well as Canada but still not finding “that house”, we decided to purchase a little historical house in McKinney, TX.
What a great adventure!!
I will say that anything can be a challenge and a commitment to whatever you are doing is vital to a project like this. I took my time for every detail; wanting to get it right the first time because when would I have the time to re-do anything and as I said, failure was not an option.
In the time that we have been open, which will be 10 years in March, We have developed a full list of treatments for full hair care, skin care, including Intraceuticals Oxygen Treatments, waxing, massage, body treatments, natural nail services and non-laser tattoo removal just to note a few. There are 3 menus…our general menu…a menu for the pregnant…and a special menu for Oncology Clients. At present, we are the only full-service Oncology Day spa in the state of TX. Our focus is wellness in everything that we do. Our staff is seasoned and extremely educated in their craft. Our selection of services is vast and we offer many services that are not offered in our area or the state.
In conclusion, I would like to offer my “brown betty tea pot of wisdom” ; take your time… all the time.
I have recreated the feeling in my house that I obtained so long ago. A place of welcoming and waving goodbye. I have become the keeper of the secrets and try to work through grace every day. For this is a gift, not without its challenges but a gift no less. So if you’re in the area, drop in and say hello, have a cup of tea and relax. We can share with you the McKinney experience as you experience Spa Esoteric.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my case, the first salon I owned was in the 80’s. It was just hair then and knowing I wanted more as the legislation allowed us. Taking as many classes as I could, becoming an educator for many companies helped to increase my knowledge in the field. As the field grew so did my desire to know more. Taking the time and years to really learn our industry and how it ticks has made things much easier. From a business side, I cannot stress enough to make sure that you have a great accountant and lawyer. They will make your life so much easier. Don’t cut corners, you can compromise in some areas but being selective, keep it simple.
In our industry, the struggle seems to be your branding. It is very important to know what audience you want to play to, then have those toys for that audience. So many people think they have to be all things to all people. Not true…that is why there are 37 flavors of ice cream…
Please tell us about Spa Esoteric.
Spa Esoteric is a full-service day spa. We offer quality services in Hair, Aesthetics, Natural Nails, Waxing, Massage, Body Treatments, Non-Laser Tattoo Removal. We have a menu just for the Pregnant and a separate menu for Oncology Clients.
Spa Esoteric is located in a historic house in the Down Town McKinney area just off the square. The house is warm and inviting to all. Walking in you can leave your world outside and come in to our lovely inviting energy and spend time. We nurture and take time with each and every one and are known for making everyone feel welcome and well taken care of. You become part of our family.
We are known for our “non- traditional” treatments. We offer services not done in our area or even the state. Our services is second to none. They are the best of the best. Our staff is extremely educated and collectively we have over 100 years of experience.
What makes me most proud as a company? The love and Dedication that I have from the staff. We have a tremendous team, that works very well together and are like minded. This is so very hard to find and I love and am so proud to call them my family. It is an honor to work with them every day.
I believe that it is our commitment, dedication and compassion that sets us apart from others.
Our Oncology program is a tremendous part of our practice. We have on an average of 1,000 oncology clients that come through our doors every year. All levels of cancer, young and old, men and women who can leave their cancer at the door, come in and have a wonder service in a clean, safe environment. There is nothing more heartfelt than to have an Oncology spa party in for the day. We spend a lot of time with them, pampering and educating them on the in between part of doctors and real life.
I also teach Oncology Aesthetics to spread education to other skin care providers, to help and pamper their clients.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t think that I would have done anything different. Maybe made a few better decisions. I think every rung on the ladder has had purpose to get me where I am today.
I do not live with regret…you just need to embrace it or move past it and go on.
Pricing:
- Our Oncology menu is a national average of $50. or less for a service (these are greatly reduced).
Contact Info:
- Address: Spa Esoteric,
105 South Church Street
McKinney, TX 75069 - Website: www.spaesoteric.com
- Phone: 972.540.2278
- Email: reception@spaesoteric.com
- Facebook: Spa Esoteric
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