Today we’d like to introduce you to Phody Garcia.
Hi Phody, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Sometimes you just have to take the leap of faith in order to make a life change, ignore your fears to realize your dreams, discover your strength and capabilities, build your wings to discover who you truly are, and learn to make yourself feel “whole” again. In 2015, I decided to create a new start and move from Lowell, Massachusetts to Florida, lived in MA since I was 8 years old. I had more than 20+ years invested in my corporate world in the tax business, two adult children (Sonny and Thalia) forging their own paths, and I was inspired to pack up, leave my friends and families behind and start the next stage of my life in a new environment not knowing a single person.
I found a job in my field and worked there for little over five years, having no idea that my comfortable life was about to be uprooted again. In November 2020, my company complimented my expertise and implemented a plan to transition me to a more added value position. First, I was asked to train a new employee, based overseas, on all my current job duties. But when the time came I asked about the transition, in March of 2021, I was informed by my manager that my position was no longer needed due to a “downside”, as the overseas employee I had trained just became my replacement.
Finding dead ends in a job search further complicated by Covid-19, and starting salary offers well below my experience level, value, worth and budget, I had to confront a big decision: Do I stay in Florida and try to make it work, or move back up north to Massachusetts?
I can easily move back and obtain the 6 figures to tailor my lifestyle but to me that’s steps backward, we can only go further if we step forward so I decided to make it work.
I shared my dilemma with my friend, Monik Dismute. I remember the first thing I said to her was “Well, I just got laid off, what are we doing?” and she responded, “What do you mean what WE doing, I got a job lol”
Monik is a licensed esthetician with 8+ years working as a lash artist and brought up the idea of entering a business. I’ve worn eyelash extensions for years, and love how they make me feel and look, and I was excited about the opportunity to possibly help other women feel the same way. Energized by the idea, Monik and I decided to go into business together and P&M Lash Studio LLC (P = Phody & M = Monik) was established.
Instead of just obtaining a certification, I wanted to invest in myself and my new career and enrolled in school to become a licensed specialist with the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Board of Cosmetology. Having that license would ensure I was learning proper technique and health standards as well as give my future clienteles the confidence in knowing I was a licensed professional.
After an intensive 10-week course, 12 hours a night, I became a Licensed Facial Specialist in June, just after the official opening of P & M Lash Studio on May 15, 2021, located in the Historic District in Longwood, FL.
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?
It’s definitely not a smooth road! After I moved down here, the biggest challenge was that I was not a “talker”, the fear of being out in a strange state alone was frightening. Walking into an apartment that I rented online with one luggage and living in an empty space for 2 weeks because the mover was late due to snowstorm! During my first 6 months, I remembered FaceTiming my dearest best friend (my Big Buddy) with tears wanting to go back “home”. She responded “We don’t want you stay where you at” lol
I had to learn and adapt to getting out of my comfort zone to meet, network, make new friends and acquaintances – business or personal. Now I love to “talk” lol, network and meeting people everywhere I go.
The challenge I’m facing now is having to slowly service clients and gaining their trust and managing the studio solo, as my business partner Monik travels back and forth from our studio in Longwood and her studio in Texas. Since I’m new to the esthetician world, I sometimes feel overwhelmed, learning and adapting to new techniques, running the business, remembering my training and sometimes have to learn via video chat with Monik, and reminding myself to have faith in my work! Because I strive to give each client the best experience, I limit the number of clients I see in a day to ensure I can give each client the time and attention they deserve.
Also, my personal catchphrase is “From Taxes to Lashes” as my previous career is completely different from my current career, I was a Senior Tax Analyst. In the high-paced and stressful multi-tasking within the tax field, it’s strange to slow down physically and mentally with my current duties, concentrating on one tiny lash at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
P & M Lash Studio is a local business specializing in vegan-friendly synthetic mink/fiber lash extensions. We use synthetic mink/fiber because it is more natural, easy to care for, and cruelty-free, as opposed to the costly real mink/fiber. We adhere the lash extensions to the client’s natural lash and offer three different sets based on the client’s comfort and individual eye shape.
Our most popular, and recommended for first-time wearers, is the Classic set, but we also offer more dramatic Hybrid, Volume and Mega Volume sets for clients looking to level up. Much of our work involves educating our clients on how the extensions are safe to wear and with proper care will not harm their natural lashes, as there are many myths and misconceptions about lash extensions. With proper care, lash extensions can last 4-6 weeks, but we recommend booking a refill appointment every 2-4 weeks to maintain the fullness.
We strive in keeping our clients satisfied and happy with our product and services before they walk out the door, so unlike most other big chain studios, we cut out the pricey membership fees, we charge a flat fee with no hidden extras regardless of how many physical lashes are needed. Most other salons can charge up to $1 per individual lash over their standard set quantity. Without those extraneous fees, more women can enjoy lash extensions! Our goal is to expand our business into a larger studio space and more client bookings as well as offering facial services in the near future, as Monik will move to Florida full time.
Along with Lash Extensions we also offer services in LED Teeth Whitening, Lash and Brows Tinting, Henna Brows, Brows and Lip Waxing, Hand Paraffin Treatment, Full face waxing, and Hyalips (No Needle Lip Fillers) and many more to come.
What matters most to you? Why?
At P & M Lash Studio, we strive to provide a luxury experience for all women, our business motto is “Beauty Made Easy, J’Adore Simplicity“ (For those that may not know, J’Adore means I Love). Self-esteem is key, and women spend a lot of time translating that into treatments and makeup, cultivating the face they show to the world. Lash extensions are effortless and a quick pick-me-up – sometimes I forgo makeup for the day but still feel beautiful and natural with my lashes, and I love helping women let their natural beauty shine through, giving them confidence for the day ahead.
I believe my personal life calling is to inspire women positively. I’m currently 46 years old, and my life has changed in so many ways, and I want to be a positive influence and role model for women, especially my own daughter. You never know what someone is going through in their life, and what struggles they may be facing, rather it’s work, personal relationship. So when someone reaches out to me rather it’s on social media, directly, or enters my studio, I aspire to share brightness and support. You never know the effect your words of encouragement might inspire in someone else.
“We as Women are strong, we just need the courage and encouragement to discover our strength.” ~ phodygarcia
Contact Info:
- Email: pmlashstudio@gmail.com
- Website: www.pmlashstudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pmlashstudio407
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pmlashstudio407
