Today we’d like to introduce you to Mengi Jacobs.
Mengi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in a small village in Russia (Southern Siberia) called Cherbi. It’s in the Republuc of Tuva (not many people have heard of it). A life-long friend of mine eventually opened a beauty salon in our capital city of Kyzyl, and she became a master at many services. I was inspired by her work and attention to detail. I moved to the US in 2015, married my husband the next year (and brought my teenage daughter shortly after), and I worked many different unsatisfying jobs over the next couple of years. We eventually discussed my interests, and I decided to enroll in North Hills Beauty Academy to pursue my career. I graduated in October 2019 and received my first cosmetology license. I quickly found a job with a very experienced and highly rated (Russian) stylist in Pittsburgh. She encouraged me to focus on my hand skills, so I decided to get additional training for eyelash extension techniques in St. Petersburg, Russia. They are world-renowned for their meticulous techniques, which I apply to my services today. Right when the pandemic hit in early 2020, business at the salon slowed down, but I found that to be an opportunity to branch out on my own and open my first salon studio, New Mood Studio, in the Pittsburgh area. Later in the year, when restrictions began to lift, I had built a steady stream of loyal clients who valued the quality of service I provided above others in the area. That gave me great confidence as all of my reviews were 5 stars.
Before moving to the US, one of my dreams was to live in Florida. Coming from Siberia, where the temperature in the winter is regularly -30 or more below 0, my daughter and I wanted to be somewhere with opposite weather. My husband began to work from home, so we finally had the flexibility to move out of the snowy northeast to relocate to beautiful, sunny central Florida in the fall of 2021. I began working at a local salon, but I still had the ambition to run my own location, so finally, in August 2022, I reopened New Mood Studio in Downtown Kissimmee.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business in 2020 was obviously a major challenge, especially in Pennsylvania. The restrictions were really tight, and it was difficult just to get started. My business survived the summer but started to really pick up in the fall months due to restrictions being lifted. This was my first business venture ever, so there was a lot of learning in real-time, especially getting the business registered, website setup, business costs, taxes, etc. This experience prepared me to be bigger and better than ever with my relaunch in Florida. This time it isn’t just me accepting clients; my new employee Anastasiia will be taking eyelash extension clients, as well as for her specialty in permanent makeup services.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a beauty salon located within Aviles Hair Studio and Spa on the 2nd Floor. We specialize in Eyelash Extensions, Permanent Makeup, Lash Lift, and Tint, Brow Tint and Laminations, and Facial Wax services. Our stylists have over 10 years experience in the beauty industry. We are Florida licensed, internationally trained, and certified, and continue to stay up-to-date with the newest techniques. Top-notch customer service is our number one goal, and we are looking forward to building relationships with new clients.
What do you think about luck?
Meeting my wonderful husband who encourages me and handles many aspects of the business that allow me to focus on my clients. I’m lucky to have a supportive family (husband, daughter, and mother) who have helped me every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: newmoodstudio.com www.newmoodstudio.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/newmoodstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/newmoodstudio
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/newmoodstudio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChcbSZmR4Li8KNiJJsTtd0A
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/XbqZCjwFIsb
- Other: https://goo.gl/maps/9v6YHTbNiM998qSHA
Image Credits
Michael Jacobs
