We’re looking forward to introducing you to florence pham. Check out our conversation below.
florence, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
It’s not about curling somebody’s lashes or shaping their eyebrows. My work has helped boosted confidence Improves, skin and lash health and enhances natural beauty. For the everyday person, or the person struggling with their outward self-expression, regardless of gender, I make sure to deliver results that brings joy to lives. People don’t realize it but the most confident and happy people have already found ways to self-express their personalities through the art form to their physical appearance. From Facial waxing, Facial Treatments, Lash and Brow treatments, Permanent Makeup or Tattoos, Seeing the expressions of my clients when they look in the mirror brings me so much joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Florence, aka, The Makeup Monk and I’ve been a practicing Licensed Esthetician for over 7 years. I started off as a freelance graphic designer to comic storyboard assistant for small projects right out of school, but the one thing I always felt satisfied with was when I applied an eyeliner wing or strip lash perfectly on my or another person’s face. It was then I realized it would be fun to become a makeup artist, but I also felt like understanding our body’s largest and protective organ, the skin, was important to having the best results. It was then I took a training program and discovered new passions: The Theory & Science of Skin and ways of care. I realized many skin conditions are able to be treated through skin and body treatments, leading me to decide to focus more on skincare.
Moving From OC to New York and free-lancing makeup, skincare, and art was a huge struggle made easier thanks to public transportation. I had my ups and downs during that time until the pandemic hit, leading me to move back to Orange County and just holding tight through the pandemic. I was able to start my own small business as a practitioner of Skin and Beauty treatments due to the sponsorship or someone who was willing to help me out. It was then I decided to expand my abilities and knowledge and newly specialized in the newest techniques of Permanent Makeup, Anti-Aging Skin Treatments, And Korean Lash lift (glue-less lash lift).
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The people who taught me about my work were my own past clients and friends. I didn’t start out delivering amazing results from the get-go. I learned to listen, observe, and pay closer attention to the needs of clients. It wasn’t because of lack of confidence but the desire to deliver good results and bring smiles to people’s faces that I respected and paid attention to any feedback I received from these people. I would listen, research, and improve for those same people. My earlier clients and friends were those who helped guide me and made me open to constant self-improvement.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
We all start from nothing, whatever is given is not part of our success as people or career-wise. I experienced many shades of people, different intentions towards me, different minds. Some tried to tear me down because I looked like I had more, some tried to take advantage of me and did succeeded. Some did receive help from me and in turned they helped me back. I keep looking forward because people come and go, and I just focus on becoming better, in turn achieving small successes little by little.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Huge lies, so many lies that are marketed towards beauty practitioners and clients. Good results!? How to become successful in a short amount of time? What ingredients are good or bad? Microneedling: going deeper is better?! Permanent makeup: what inks are good and what are bad? “Natural is good” Those are big, HUGE lies. As many Estheticians and Cosmetologists in the industry, there are well-informed ones, and there are those who just stick to theatrics. Marketing does play a huge part in it as well. It is up to the good Practitioners to inform and educate clients and new Practitioners on real results, proper care, and having a solid foundation on the sciences and techniques of our work. Sticking to our own scope of practices, having the proper licensing and permits is not enough, if we want a good reputation as a collective, we much be well-informed and educating ourselves as much as we can for the safety and benefits of clients.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I know my limits, I learned where my abilities end, and it’s because of that, there are times, I tell a client, exactly what the results will be before starting a procedure. If clients will be satisfied with it, we move forward. If it is completely out of my abilities, I let them go.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themakeupmonk.carrd.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_makeup_monk/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florence-pham-09690b170
- Twitter: https://x.com/the_makeup_monk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florence.pham.37
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-makeup-monk-costa-mesa
- Other: https://tattoocloud.com/themakeupmonk
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Image Credits
Clients:
Max
Olivia Van Sky
Sanya
Terra
Dean
Some are not mentioned because they allow the pictures but no not wish to be identified.
