Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Holmes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My family is from West Baltimore. My mom moved us out of the city to Elkridge and that’s where I grew up. Being in Howard County, most of my school mates lived in big houses with both of their parents. I lived with my mom and brother in an apartment and we were very poor. We shopped at thrift stores because we had to, those days it wasn’t the trendy thing to do. When school field trips came up I was always worried I may not be able to go because of how much it cost. My brother and I used to stay up late at night in our sheet tents, coming up with business ideas and planning how we were going to make some money. I believe that having less can give one the deepest desire to have more, and if one is lucky they will also have the drive to go along with it. I’m blessed to have the desire plus the drive, as well as a problem with authority – lol. I believe I’ve always been destined to be a business owner and work for myself. I’m creative in every way imaginable, it’s only natural that I strategically created a business and lifestyle that is fulfilling and also gives me independence and freedom to work as I choose. But it’s been a very long road to get where I am, literal blood sweat and tears have poured into years of hard work, dedication and focus.
I became a mom at 19 years old when I had my daughter, then 8 years later I had my son. I eventually became divorced and found myself a single mom working as a restaurant server. Serving was a great way to make fast cash, but having to work all weekend every weekend was brutal. I knew I needed to make a change. Once my son started kindergarten and both my children were in school full-time, I decided to go back to school myself. I decided to focus on esthetics because the school was very close to my work and home, and the program was only 8 months – I knew I could handle that. It was a lot of work and I was very tired. Work, school, kids, homework.. it was a lot – but I did it! During school I fell in love with waxing and I decided that’s what I wanted to focus on. I started working at a major wax chain, I was there for over 3 years. I’m so grateful for my time there because I learned a lot and was able to perfect my skill. I was happy there, but I started to grow uncomfortable. I then got a major push to start my own business when my daughter was going to college. I needed to make more money, but I also needed more time because I homeschool my son. To me the only option was to start my own business so I could have the potential to make more money, but have control of my work schedule and time available for my son. My children are truly the reason for everything that I do. Being a mom always comes first. My career fell into place because I wanted to take the best care of them. I’m so grateful because now Shine Studio has been in business for over 3 years.
It took a lot of focus to do what I did. It was very scary and a huge risk, but I knew what I had to do and I knew the universe was supporting me. I learned to become very mindful of my energy. We only have so much energy to give to others, things, situations in our lives. We must protect it. I spend a lot of time alone. Meditating, creating, fishing on my kayak or taking a walk in the woods. I take care of my body, I take vitamins and herbs daily. I try to get plenty of sleep. I love to take naps and sometimes I even nap during my break on workdays! I don’t drink alcohol often or spend time out around a lot of people doing frivolous activities. I’m focused on going within myself and creating the best version of my life for myself and my children, and all of us really. We are all connected, we are all one. I understand how magical life truly is, and you feel it when you walk into Shine Studio. All of my clients talk about the energy there, all of the decor, the music. The truth is it’s all from within me, it all comes from my heart. I have a strong connection to Mediterranean influences and you can see that as well, with evil eyes and Turkish rugs. Most importantly I use the best wax ever and I have perfected my skill and craft. I’m so grateful for my skill set. I have a keen attention to detail and as a perfectionist I refuse to leave a hair behind! My clients know this and they are so grateful, too. Overall I’m the most grateful for my clients, they are all so amazing. I’ve seen many come and go over the years, and I have quite a few who have been with me for almost 7 years now. I’ve had clients who were single when I did their first wax ever, and now they are married with three kids! It’s such a blessing to build these connections with others through my work. What I do is so much more than waxing. I’ve built a support system, for myself and my clients. I hear about all of their good times, bad times and many of their secrets as well. And they are there for me in the same way. They enjoy my fishing stories, and all of my relationship drama lol. They also love to hear how my kids are doing. My daughter has now graduated college with her psychology degree, and is thriving working for a non-profit in Arizona. My son just turned 14 and we are starting high school in the fall. I’m so blessed, to be able to provide and care for my children and to see my business grow into more than I ever imagined it could be.
Making my own schedule also allows me time for other activities, like fishing! I also enjoy volunteering with my son with local non-profits like the Coastal Conservation Association. Up until recently I was the president of their Baltimore Chapter. I am a life member and advocate for the health of the Chesapeake Bay, the heart of our home here in Maryland.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My current location is not my original location. I was at my first location for 6 months, I was subletting a room from a girl that was trying to open a whole beauty clinic with a hair salon and other services. She struggled to make it successful. I came to work one day and there was an eviction letter on the front door. I was paying rent to her, but she was not paying for the whole building. I had less than two weeks to find a new location and pack up and move everything – also with a full book of clients. It was one of the scariest times of my life. I felt like everything I built was being taken from me and I had no where to stand. But I had faith that if I wasn’t meant to be there any longer, there was somewhere much better waiting for me.
I looked online and didn’t find any decent retail spaces available. I had one week left before I had to move, and I still had nowhere to go. I decided to park and walk down eastern avenue, looking for a vacant retail space with a sign in the window. I walked past a realty office, and there were people inside. A little voice told me to “just go and ask.” I’ve learned to listen to that voice! It stopped me in my tracks, I turned around and knocked on the door. A nice gentleman greeted me, and I told him I was looking for a retail space available. He said he had something across the street if I wanted to look at it right now! I said yes, and when we walked inside I couldn’t believe this place was just sitting here empty. I knew it was waiting for me, I knew it was where I belonged! I told him at that moment I wanted it, and by the end of the day I had signed an agreement. My new landlord was in awe, he said he’s been doing this 25 years and that NEVER happens – someone walking in off the street and signing right away. I told him I’m just going with the flow of the universe 🙂
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Esthetician and I specialize in full-body waxing. I am known for my quick, easy Brazilian waxes. I am so proud of my skill and attention to detail. I’m also very proud of the way I keep my clients comfortable. Getting waxed for the first time can be scary, and I am great at making my clients comfortable by carrying on conversation or making them laugh. I also use the best wax in the industry, Berodin Wax. When I started using this wax I couldn’t believe how calm and clear my clients skin looked at the end of their wax session. This wax is truly a game-changer! I also pride myself not only on my wax skill, but the time I take to tend to my clients skin by removing ingrown hairs, etc. I don’t just want to simply remove hair, I want to make sure my clients skin is as clear and healthy as possible. I also want to make sure that their waxes are as quick and easy as possible! That’s why I always educate my clients on the importance of waxing on a schedule (every 4-5 weeks) and also caring for their skin at home. I make my own sugar scrub and body oil for them to use to care for their skin at home. My products are full of amazing ingredients and strategically chosen oils that are perfect for keeping waxed skin clear.
I am also a Reiki Master, I have been practicing Reiki since 2008, and I acquired my Master Certificate in 2023. I believe my gift of energy work goes hand in hand with my waxing. I can feel what my clients are feeling, so I am able to keep them as comfortable as possible. I know if something hurts them or not. It is truly a gift!
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I loved to play outside. My brother and I were always in the woods, playing in the creek catching crayfish and building dams. I was a little socially awkward and didn’t have much confidence. I seemed different from everyone else, and I always thought there was something wrong with me. I did talk a lot and was classified as a “social butterfly” on my report cards. I wasn’t a great student, I didn’t like school. It wasn’t easy for me and I thought I wasn’t as smart as other kids were. I was always daydreaming, and had no idea what the teacher was talking about lol. Now I know I just learn differently, and I’m actually incredibly intelligent. I think outside of the box, my mind cannot be contained to a dreary classroom all day!
I was always very creative with a mechanically inclined mind. I can see how pieces fit together in my mind. I know now what a gift this is. I was always interested in making things – it could be woodworking or sewing or something else maybe. My mom gave me my first sewing machine around 11 years old, and when I was in high school I would make my own clothes and bags. I still love to sew and am actually working on making items to sell in the studio.
As a kid my dad would always have me help him with projects, he has taught me to use his tools and I’m very handy to this day. Usually even more than most men I’ve dated haha.
As an adolescent I had no confidence and dealt with severe depression. Over time I learned to have a positive mindset, make healthy choices and love myself.
Pricing:
- First time Brazilian Wax – $75
- Brazilian Monthly Maintenance- $65
- Beautiful Brow Wax – $27
- Underarm Wax – $29
- Men’s Face Grooming – $45 (Ears, Nose, Eyebrows)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ShineStudioBaltimore.com
