Today we’d like to introduce you to Aris Howard.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career as a Makeup artist at Ulta in early 2003. While servicing clients, I saw a trend of women of all ages who wanted to cover up their skin imperfections with makeup instead of targeting the problem. Sometimes when you try to cover up certain skin conditions, it becomes more noticeable. I was eager to encourage healthy skin habits, so I began sending my clients home with skincare at the end of their makeover appointment. In December 2005, I enrolled at Von Lee International School of Aesthetics. In 2006, i became a licensed esthetician and I have been practicing ever since.
I spent a few years working in various areas within the beauty industry from being aesthetician in spa, and then being promoted to salon manager of a team of 20 employees. From there, I returned to my alma mater, Von Lee as an Instructor. I taught a full-time aesthetics and makeup artist program. I had the pleasure of leading 12 graduating classes. I never imagined myself being an instructor of any sort, because I wasn’t always the best student. After my four-year tenure as an instructor, I decided to focus more on makeup artistry and brides. I went on to work at Nordstrom. While I was there, was able to work with various high-end brands. One brand in particular was Anastasia Beverly Hills. I’d never known that they had existed.
My department manager suggested that I apply for the counter manager position at ABH.At that time, I was the only licensed esthetician in the department.
Part of the interview required that I perform a brow shaping service. I had the skills and I got the job. I was able to offer brow shaping services using Anastasia’s signature brow mapping technique. I built the business from 10 clients per week to 50 clients. I was very successful in my role, not to mention it was easy. I never thought of leaving that position until my Account Executive suggested that I apply for an elevated position with ABH a regional Education Executive.
I applied, interviewed, and landed my dream job. I became the Regional Education Executive for ABH. My territory was huge, it included the NE from Virginia to Boston and Northern Canada. This role also required me to relocate to NYC. I was in this position for about two years before the role had gotten dissolved.
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?
When I lost my dream job, I was devastated. I was extremely successful in my role as REM. I was confused & blindsided by the layoff. It was hard returning home to Baltimore. I was a single mom with no plan. Since had a great experience at Nordstrom I decided to return.
It felt odd working an elevated position and then returning to work in a mid-level position. I knew that this was temporary until I figured out my next role. Throughout the years, I have always freelanced for my Aris Monyette Beauty brand. My experience returning to a department store wasn’t the same as before. I wasn’t happy, I was kind of bored.
In 2017, I decided to focus on my brand full-tine and become my own boss.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Aris Monyette Beauty LLC?
I currently work alongside my sister Jessica, a cosmetologist in our boutique salon where we offer hair and beauty services to our diverse clientele.
My signature service is “Lux Brow Shaping”. This service is unique because your brows are mapped so they are symmetrical and I shape them to compliment your face shape. To further accentuate the brows, we can tint them for definition and fullness.
We offer body waxing services, facials, and non-invasive post-op services such as Body Contouring. We also offer make up artistry for all occasions, SIIT Pro treatment and a few other advanced treatments. My experience as an educator, has given me the skills needed to teach independently. I also host masterclasses for small groups such as a private ladies’ night or large organizations.
I have always been passionate about being a business owner. I enjoy working in leadership roles. I have the ability to be creative and also create opportunities for others. I was able to apply the knowledge that I learned at a corporate level to my own business. Needless to say, my business has been flourishing since I opened.
What’s next?
I have plans on seeing my business evolve where the focus will be more on education and my plant-based skincare brand: A. Monyette Botanicals; which is currently trademarked. My cosmetics line has approximately 12 different products that can target every skin type.
I would love to hire additional staff to service clients so that I am able to focus on primarily on expanding my skincare business to the next level which includes selling online and getting them into stores worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Website: arismonyettebeauty.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/browzing_with_aris?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/browzingwitharis/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aris-howard-9a563127?trk=contact-info
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VXqj6EOk2w
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/aris-monyette-beauty-pikesville
- Other: arismonyettebeauty.square.site
