Meet Monika Norman

We had the good fortune of connecting with Monika Norman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Monika, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born in Lorain Ohio…the oldest of 4, had always played around with hair until I went to beauty school, My great aunt had a salon in her home. I was living with her when I went to beauty school, so I guess I came by it honestly. My great aunt taught me a lot about “caring” for other people and started to mold me for the industry to come. Out of beauty school I started taking as many classes as I could find to advance my education. Enjoying it so very much…On the edge of all that it is today. We were involved in the beginning of everything. Such a happy time. Married and moved to Columbus Ohio and purchased my first salon at 25. I think you have to follow your passion…almost 50 years later, I still love what I do

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I started in the beauty industry there were no blow dryers, curling irons and stylish hair. It was the start of everything new and it was all exciting. I purchased a hair salon in Columbus OH from a friend of mine and was off on a very exciting path. Through the years the industry grew and evolved as did I. Colour Artist, ..Platform Artist…Teacher…then the laws changed and we were allowed to add skin and nail services. Educate, Educate, Educate… Fast forward to now. Developing and growing Spa Esoteric, has been a compilation of all the former years. With having any business there are struggles, doubts, ups and downs, sweat and tears as well as joys. Spa Esoteric is the “I did it my way”. Having had a couple of other salon/spa’s through the years this is it. We have won McKinney’s Best Spa for the 5th year in a row this month. It is such an honor. I think one of our main services that sets us apart is our oncology program. We are the only full service oncology day spa in the state of TX. I teach Oncology Aesthetics to other aestheticians and help them develop a program for their clients. Blending this program with our traditional spa services and outstanding customer service makes us exceptional.

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?
When ever I have clients ask about what to do for their guests. I will always mention to them that if they come to McKinney over the second Saturday of the month, it will be an exciting time. I love to have the time to take friends or family down town McKinney…There is always more art, more music, more fun. We love eating at all of the restaurants down town. Shopping at some of the art gallery’s, antique shops and always looking for more shoes! Checking out the farmers market on Saturday… eating our way through it. After finishing with down town McKinney..we would head over to Legacy West…walking, eating shopping… My friends and I always enjoy book stores, coffee shops great food and mercantile markets to spend hours milling around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think we are all a compilation of the people that have come and gone through our life. Some leave a bigger foot print than others. My father taught me the difference between a problem and an inconvenience…which has saved me a lot of stress and anguish in my life. My great aunt gave me the gift of caring…which I try to honor every day. Through out the years in the beauty industry, I have had many, many teachers both here and abroad. I have had the great opportunity to work with some of the most talented colleagues in the industry in the world. Enjoying it all so very much. One of my favorite books that I read in my 20’s was “The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman, It was a book that truly changed my life and I had the great fortune to meet him in TX here. I try to remember the teachings and pass them on. I have just the best husband in the world. John has always believed in me and the work I do. I could not do what I do every day with out the love and support he has always had for me. We are such a strong, crazy team!

Website: www.spaesoteric.com
Facebook: spaesoteric@spaesoterictexas
Other: email: reception@spaesoteric.com