Meet Monique Rennier | Licensed Esthetician, Founder and Owner of Melanin Skin Studio and LUMAR skincare

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

Hi Monique, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
The day I no longer have a passion to help others feel good about themselves will be the day I retire my Esthetician license(LOL). This is a tough question because it really depends on the person and what they’re dealing with. For me starting my own business was a promise to myself. I believe it was my gift from above and I feel that it’s my duty to share my gift with the world. I want this so bad that giving up hasn’t really crossed my mind. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments where I second-guessed my choices, I sometimes wonder if I moved too quickly without fully planning and knowing the whole risk. But I put everything into my business and so giving up is not an option for me. If I have to delay or step back in order to regroup and rebuild then I mostly definitely will. But I can’t and won’t give up. To answer the question for someone on the outside, I would tell them to go back and think about their why. Why did you start this business? Why is it so important to you? why are you doing it? Do you still have a passion for it? I think if you can answer those questions you’ll know your answer. I think that if it’s not financially, physically, and mentally harming you, you should definitely keep going if it’s something you strongly believe in. Especially if you still have a passion for it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Melanin Skin Studio was launched in 2020. We are coming up on two years! Yay. I have been blessed to start my own skincare line LUMAR. Both of my businesses focus on corrective skin care. So anyone who is looking to focus on hyperpigmentation and acne, I’m your girl. One thing that sets me apart from others is that I am oncology aware/trained. I took an Oncology course last year so I could assist clients undergoing cancer treatments with gentle facial services available to them in my spa suite. I wanted to help my community in some way and this course was placed on my heart a while back. I am excited about it.

Another thing that I’m most excited about is my skincare line. I didn’t think it would happen honestly. The pandemic has thrown a wrench in a lot of our plans as you know. My clients seem to really love the products, Especially my Hydrating Overnight mask and vitamin C. With us having to wear masks all the time I created these products to help with the issues that I’m seeing a lot more of now in my treatment room.

I am where I am today because I have learned to take it day by day. I have learned to listen to my body and make sure that I am getting enough rest. I am learning to balance work and personal life and I am also continuing to learn and educate myself. Some of the challenges that I have faced? I would say it’s still the pandemic. I am continuing to adjust my business around COVID-19. I am continuously working on keeping my business personable yet safe during this time. Facials and spas are very intimate settings and so running a relaxing yet healthy environment in the midst of Covid it’s something I’m learning every day.

A few lessons I’ve learned being almost 2 years in business is 1. Consistency is key. 2. Don’t compare your journey and growth to others. 3. Protect yourself. 4. make sure you’re planning for anything and everything. and 4. It’s not a race, you’ll get to where you need to be when you’re suppose to.

What do I want the world to know about me, my brand and my story? It’s very intentional, it’s personal and I love what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I’m not from Texas. It’s funny because I’ve been here almost 10 years and I still haven’t really explored much. I don’t want to offend the DFW area but if I was to plan a whole itinerary for my friends, We would check out the Austin and San Antonio area. I’m sorry! (LOL) I love the culture and the food is great. We would start off at the Riverwalk in San Antonio. I recommend the river boat tour. If you go in the summer, pack a water bottle and sunscreen! It gets hot. Our next stop would be to tour the Capital in Austin and watch the bats fly over at dawn. Houston is a must! Go check out Crave Cupcakes. I think they are the best cupcakes in the world!! (LOL) We’d make our way to the gulf and walk the boardwalk in Galveston. And end our trip in South Padre. It’s one of my favorite destinations. I love the beach. Go checkout the local restaurants because the seafood is so fresh. There’s a ceviche shop called Ceviche Ceviche on the island. It’s so good! Definitely check it out. Some of my favorite stops in the DFW area is Lolos chicken and waffles in Grapevine, Hard eights in Roanoke. They have really good barbecue! I think a Texas trip wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Dallas stadium. I’m a huge Dallas Cowboys fan!! I’m hoping to be their Esthetician someday. (cross my fingers)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely dedicate this shoutout to my family. All the time spent away from them. Building a brand isn’t easy and it takes a lot of time and energy. My family has been very patient and supportive of me. I also want to thank all my friends and clients whom support me and my business during the whole process. I have a few loyal people behind me and without them Melanin Skin Studio wouldn’t be here. I am extremely grateful for all the beauty experts out there who use their plate form to educate others. Especially Miss Arie. I took a beauty business course with Arielle Beamon (Looks by Arie) just as the pandemic hit and I believe that alone has helped me so much. Starting and running a business in a pandemic is scary. Shoutout to God above for keeping me safe and healthy during these past two years.

Website: www.melaninskinstudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaninskinstudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaninskinstudio

Other: https://linktr.ee/melaninskinstudio

Image Credits
All photos by Thomas Rennier and myself.