Monika Dragaj has always loved making her friends feel beautiful – whether it was doing their hair, makeup, or nails. That passion and skill ultimately led her into the skincare industry. What started as a love for beauty evolved into a mission to help women restore their glow and feel confident enough to go makeup-free. Today, Monika is known for transforming faces affected by acne, pigmentation, fine lines, and other skin concerns, empowering women to embrace their natural beauty.
Tell us your inspiring story? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started my career journey as a school teacher, then moved into corporate real estate and hopped around different jobs, including creative side gigs like photography, jewelry making, and sewing, but never pursued them professionally. That changed when I found skincare. It blended my love for hands-on skills, creativity, beauty, science, and transformation, and it quickly became my true calling. I was always a jack of all trades but could never master treating my own skin. The options were so harsh and so limited. From apricot scrub, Noxzema, Proactiv, and harsh prescriptions. Skin was one thing I could never figure out until recently in life.
We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I worked at a few different spas over a short period of time, just looking for the right fit and someplace that had space for me full-time. During the pandemic, all spas shut down, but I ended up getting a job at a dermatology practice where I worked for about 3 years. While I gained valuable experience, I didn’t feel the role was creatively or professionally aligned with my strengths or vision.
What made you decide to go into business for yourself?
It honestly was never a plan I had. I actually loved being an employee with a stable income, and at the end of the day, you go home without work responsibilities. Clock in, clock out. However, it was very difficult for me to find a place with values and strategies aligned with mine. My brain was bursting with ideas, wanting to implement new skincare & treatments, and I never had that ability. Starting my own business allowed me to have more creative control and power to make decisions.
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
I stood outside and handed out flyers with my information and first-time client discounts. I offered raffles where I’d collect potential client emails and offered so many free treatments. I offered free treatment raffles at local events, which gave me more exposure and brought clients in, even though the treatments were free. I just wanted to spread the word. Instagram, however, was the most powerful tool for me. Especially after a few reels went viral.
What is a typical day like for you?
When I started this business, I worked 7 days a week. I never declined any clients, no matter the day or time. I said yes to everyone. Now my schedule is more compact and organized. I take clients from 9 am – 4/5 pm and catch up on emails/admin afterwards. Lately, I have been able to go home at a decent time and spend more time with my husband and two dogs. I finally have a schedule that is more balanced.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
- Relentless Consistency – Showing up every day, for every client and every detail. Perfecting my space, my techniques, my knowledge. Consistency builds trust, which is important for long-term client loyalty
- Obsessive attention to detail – From the way the studio looks to how products are applied, nothing is accidental. This is a saturated industry, and it is so important to stand out. I love getting spa treatments, and I analyze the experience and what I would do better. Even a small detail like having scrunchies and a bottle of water for each client is so important.
- Client-Centered Thinking – Your client is spending their precious time and money to see you. How will you make the experience worth it? Customer service is slacking in so many industries. I’d rather go to the coffee shop with friendly service than one that doesn’t make eye contact or is rude, even if their coffee is better. Great treatments aren’t mainly about your skills, but more importantly, it’s about how you make them feel. Kindness goes a long way. Many businesses look at their clients as $$$ signs. I see them as an extended family and long-term relationships. I love my clients so much, and it’s because I founded our relationship on love, passion for results, and not sales.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Invest, invest, invest in your education, don’t rush, master your skills, especially your techniques. There are a ton of classes in-person and online. Your hands are your most important tool and your biggest asset. You need to practice a ton. Whether it’s with your friends or partner. A lot of free facials at the start, you can use them for content. I even used to practice the technique on my dog Maya when my husband wasn’t home! Work on your social media early. Be your own guinea pig and master your own skincare and glow. Good skin shows you know what you’re doing. Would you hire a contractor if you saw his own home was a disaster? A hairstylist who looks disheveled?
I am extremely generous to every client who requests a gift card for any event. Whether it is local school fundraising, recent natural disasters, animal shelters, or more. It’s so important to give back to the community, especially one that has accepted me and supported my growth.
Every entrepreneur has a goal or a problem they’re trying to solve. What was the inspiration that started your journey?
My largest focus has always been on results-driven treatments. It’s the most important aspect of my business, and I noticed it is very difficult to find places that offer that, so I found my niche. You can get a relaxing facial anywhere, but why spend on that when you can have results in the same amount of time instead? Also, you get the guidance of highly trained facialists who know how to help you achieve those results for any and every skin condition and know how to craft a results-driven routine. The number of clients who see us after their dermatologist couldn’t help them is very high. Unfortunately, most derms pop in and out, throw a bunch of prescriptions at you without proper instructions, and don’t even touch your face. They have their place, but skincare is certainly not their strength. Our focus is to improve how your skin looks and feels.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your business?
I am extremely consistent with my skincare routine day and night. There’s a lot of pressure to have good skin as a Facialist, so I make sure I stay on top of that. Massaging your face in the evening with a luscious milky cleanser and doing your skincare routine is a great ritual to end the day. I try to get treatments from our facialists, Alina and Joana, at the studio, but their schedules also get so busy that it’s hard to find the time. Once a month, however, I always do a chemical peel on myself at the studio before going home.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
My biggest accomplishment is having a fully booked schedule and a waitlist of over 70 people now. Although I am not accepting new clients at this time, I am so flattered that so many want to see me for my skill and results. I still use the same software as when I first opened it, and sometimes I’ll scroll back to my schedule in 2022 when I had only one or two people on my schedule per week. It makes my heart so happy that I have so many people who trust me.
Another big accomplishment is that I have an incredible team. Not only are they highly skilled, but they have a beautiful energy, which is important in my studio as this is my second home. I also have the loveliest assistant on my team who has been such a valuable asset in taking on many of my responsibilities, allowing me to focus on other projects I never had time to work on before.
We all face challenges. Looking back, what have been some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you’ve had to navigate?
I didn’t really pay myself for the first two years at the studio. Every dollar I made would go back into the business. I was also alone and juggled every single responsibility from the front desk, orders, laundry, messages, cleaning, deliveries, etc. It was really, really hard. I was also losing walk-in customers and missing deliveries because the studio was closed whenever I had a client in the treatment room. It was so much to juggle, but eventually I was able to hire an assistant part-time.
Can you share some of the most important lessons you’ve learned from your successes and failures in business?
The biggest struggle I had was establishing my policies. If someone canceled at the last minute, I wouldn’t charge them my cancellation fee because I would be afraid they would leave me a bad review or never come back. If someone was late, I’d still give them the full treatment and just skip lunch. I’m no longer bending my rules because, at the end of the day, this is a business, and I only want clients who respect me and my time. Especially now that I have a team of 3 other practitioners, it is not fair to them. Imagine making the effort to come to work and not getting paid. It’s impossible to fill an empty space on short notice. Last-minute cancellations not only affect their income but it takes away an opportunity for someone else who wanted to come for a service.
What initiatives or actions do you believe are crucial for fostering a more supportive and inclusive business environment for women?
Unfortunately, I have had horrible female bosses in the past, who were so nasty, wouldn’t give time for lunch, just money hungry/focused, unethical, or would put me at the front desk and take my clients so they can make the profit instead of paying me. When I opened this business, I knew that I would never be that way. We are a team of 5 women. If they request time off, they get it. No questions asked, no restrictions. Two of my employees are currently pregnant, and they can have as much time for maternity leave as they like, with, of course, open communication so that I can be prepared to have someone to cover for them. My husband and I are planning to have a family, so I want for them what I want for myself – making my own decision of when I’m ready to come back to work after a baby. The space is open for my facialists to bring ideas, treatment, or product suggestions. It’s fun to have a team with the same passion to bounce ideas off each other. Non-toxic, just like our skincare.
What social media platform is the best for business growth and why?
Instagram has really been powerful in growing my business. It is basically your resume for potential clients. You can see my space, my technique, and my before & afters. It’s a great place to share tips and educate your clients/audience. It also gives clients a way to reach me personally to ask questions via DM.
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
I always loved and looked up to Martha Stewart. Jack of all trades. A cook, gardener, seamstress, baker, content creator, entertainer, product creator, business leader, branding genius, lover of animals, etc. She’s hard-working and resilient. We have a lot in common with many shared hobbies above and also including being children of Polish immigrants.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
With skin – Look for progress, not perfection. Consistency = Results
For business – I didn’t wait for success, I created it
For the soul – Protect your peace
Want more inspiring interviews?
We love spotlighting amazing women! Check out these interviews (plus so many more) on She Owns It.
Meet Catalina Popescu of Catalina Jazz Club, and Carrie Colbert of Curate Capital. Get to know Color Me Mine Franchisee Andrea Leighton and United Franchise Group Executive Assistant Jennifer Hamilton.
All of these and more are part of our interview series spotlighting successful women in business.