We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Hodges and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chelsea, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started Haus of High Cotton with the intention of helping people feel beautiful by providing access to underserved and underprivileged communities. I saw first-hand the disparity between the “haves and the have-nots” and set out with the mission of making a difference in the lives of many, not just a few.
My goal is to bridge the gap between financial constraints and self-care. I offer affordable services without compromising quality. This allows individuals from all walks of life to access beauty treatments that can enhance their self-esteem and overall well-being. I wanted to focus on accentuating natural beauty, to empower individuals to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
In our med spa, we not only provide rejuvenating treatments but also offer personalized guidance on skincare and self-care routines that can help clients maximize the results of our services. By sharing my knowledge, I empower individuals to make informed choices about beauty regimens with a budget that works best for them. It was essential to ensure we are not only a business but a platform for positive change, offering affordable and inclusive services that have a meaningful impact on the community’s well-being.
While also being A true safe place for women to love themselves even when the world tells us not to.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
After a decade working in the highly profitable med spa industry in Dallas, I have seen firsthand how many establishments prioritize commission-driven services over the needs of their customers. While such a focus can lead to short-term financial success, it often creates a divide, making these services unattainable for the general public.
It’s been a driving force behind my decision to start a med spa that shifts the paradigm. I’ve witnessed the frustration of individuals who desire beauty and self-care treatments but are deterred by the high-costs associated with commission-driven models. In response, I am committed to creating an experience that prioritizes customer satisfaction, affordability and accessibility. It’ not just about profits; it’s about empowering our community to look and feel their best without barriers of cost.
My Nurse Injector Sidney introduced herself to when she was just 17 after learning about my career . We stayed in contact throughout her senior year in college when she graduated with her bachelor’s in nursing she then plunged herself into the world of aesthetics while simultaneously honing her skills working in the hospital. Ever class I recommended she took, a true student of her craft. After Just over a year and a half injecting her work speaks for itself.
Haus of High Cotton sets itself apart through a dual commitment to beauty enhancement and social impact. What makes us unique is our unwavering dedication to minimizing the wage gap in small towns. We believe that everyone deserves access to beauty and self-confidence, regardless of their financial situation.
By offering affordable, high-quality services, we aim to bridge this gap and ensure that our community members can feel beautiful and empowered without the financial burden.
In addition, during our first year of business we invested 10% of our profits from gross-annual sales back into the local communities whether it be youth sports, charities or other various non-profit organizations.
Our med spa is not just a business; it’s a force for positive change, making beauty and self-care accessible to all.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were to spend the day with my best friend, we would visit Red River Gypsies for the ultimate treat for the senses and an adventure for the soul.
To begin, we would indulge in some retail therapy at Red River Gypsies, where the selection of cute clothes is a shopaholic’s dream. The moment I step inside, we would be drawn to their unique and fashionable items. We would take our time exploring the latest trends and trying on different outfits until I find the perfect ensemble that makes us feel fabulous. With their help, we would complete our shopping spree with a professional blowout that leaves us feeling like runway models.
Afterwards, we would head over to Gayle’s for a sumptuous lunch. Cajun cuisine has always been a favorite of mine, and Gayle’s is renowned for its delicious offerings. We would savor every bite of the rich flavors and authentic Cajun spices, relishing the unique culinary experience.
In the evening, our culinary adventure would continue at Bamboo House, where handcrafted sushi would be on the menu. Th artistry that goes into making each sushi roll us truly remarkable, and we would appreciate the skills and precision that the chefs put into every dish. Sipping on some sake while enjoying sushi creations would make for a memorable dining experience.
To cap off this extraordinary day, we would head to “Under Pressure’s” newest escape room. I have always been intrigued by the thrill of solving puzzles and working as a team to unlock mysteries, and this escape room promises just that. It would be an exhilarating way to challenge my wits and end the day with a sense of accomplishment and fun!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Growing up as the daughter of two dedicated teachers I was surrounded by the importance of education and the value of hard work. My parents instilled in me the belief that knowledge was the key to a bright future. However, in the midst of this enriching environment, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of inadequacy when it came to my own appearance. I never felt beautiful, and this sentiment lingered for years.
Our modest financial upbringing didn’t allow for indulgences in beauty services, and I often watched from the sidelines as others enjoyed the benefits of such treatments. This fueled a desire within me to make beauty and self-confidence accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances.
This desire ultimately led me to the med spa business, where I worked under the exceptional leadership and mentorship of Louise Prioux, owner of Renew Beauty.
Her guidance has been an invaluable source of inspiration and growth, and I couldn’t be more thankful. She not only helped me discover the beauty within myself, but she also showed me how to reflect the beauty in the value I bring to our clients. Her ability to hold the mirror up, both figuratively and literally, has been a powerful lesson in self-awareness and self-worth. Through her encouragement, I have learned that every individual is unique, and it’s our roles as beauty professionals to help them see and embrace their distinct beauty. Her wisdom that, even as a teacher, one remains a student, resonates deeply withing me.
Sidney with a Similar background as me, Father a farmer and mother who works in education. She had parents and family that poured into her but was still always searching for the same as me- true self love and ways to improve her own self image.
Education remains at the core of our approach. We believe educating our clients about options that are available. the science behind our treatments, and how to prolong the benefits of our services is key to empowering them.
Our journeys from feeling inadequate to empowering others to feel their best has been a transformative one. As the daughters of teachers who instilled the value of education in us, We are now applying that same principle to the world of beauty. Every day, We are reminded that beauty isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about confidence and self-love.
Haus of High Cotton is not just a business; it’s a platform for transformation, self-discovery and empowerment.
As women who were on this journey of acceptance of one’s self we want to give that road map to others. Not through just our services but how we pour into our patients.
Website: https://highcottonskin.com
Instagram: @
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/hausofhighcotton
Image Credits
Photographs done by: Amy English Photography All images were taken inside of Haus of High Cotton- With an extra Special Shout-out to Justin Hodges in which the construction and finish out of this beautiful historic building wouldn’t be possible. Additional credit going to Walker and Sons of Bonham for the stunning flooring.