Today we’d like to introduce you to Rana Hodges.
Hi Rana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Yes, of course. My name is Rana, and I’m 25 years old; I am a Navy veteran who proudly served for six years. Coming from Virginia Beach, VA, my journey into entrepreneurship has been an unexpected yet rewarding one. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by all things about beauty and fashion industry, from skincare to brows to hair. What began as a mere side hustle doing brows on a ship has blossomed into a legitimate business.
As a woman in the military, I’ve always cherished maintaining my beauty standards despite the challenges of military regulations and frequent moves from city to city. This constant transition meant constantly seeking out new beauty providers, which unfortunately led to some mishaps with brow services that left my brows thinning. It was this frustration that sparked my quest to find the perfect brow specialist who could enhance beauty and boost confidence.
During my third year of active duty, my interest in brows grew. I immersed myself in classes and training under top professionals in Los Angeles and San Diego. Despite the demands of my 9 to 5 military duties and ensuring my family was cared for, I dedicated my evenings to pursuing my passion by enrolling in a credited beauty academy. After six months of rigorous night school, I proudly graduated as a licensed esthetician in September 2023.
Armed with my new skills, I began practicing on my shipmate friends and anyone willing to be my canvas. Soon, my talent caught the attention of influencers and models in the San Diego area. What started as a side hustle quickly evolved into something much more significant.
My journey to success has been fueled by unwavering ambition and a drive to provide for my children. Surrounded with positive and supportive network of friends and shipmates have been instrumental in my growth. I am incredibly grateful for their support and for allowing me to perfect my craft on them. My entrepreneurial journey may have had humble beginnings, but with dedication and hard work, I’ve turned my passion for beauty into a thriving business.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, my entrepreneurship journey hasn’t been a smooth road. Since moving to Houston, I’ve realized that entrepreneurship is a constant learning curve with unexpected twists and turns. God has orchestrated many pieces for me, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. Anxiety, finding balance, and self-criticism are significant struggles for me. One of my biggest challenges is managing anxiety while striving for perfection. I tend to overthink everything I do, constantly looking back and second-guessing myself. However, I’m actively working on strategies to combat this tendency. I’ve learned the importance of preparing a solid plan, writing it out, and then executing it without letting doubt creep in.
Finding balance is crucial, both personally and professionally. There’s always something demanding my attention, whether it’s a business task or a family commitment. I’ve found that centering myself with my loved ones helps me stay grounded and focused on the road ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My business, Champagne Brows, is a luxurious eyebrow-shaping salon that caters to the unique desires and facial features of each individual. With a focus on detail and precision, we offer a range of services, including Brow lamination, brow tint, and brow shaping, along with natural brow fill-ins or the option of brow gel. I specialize in brow rehab, which involves remedying brows that have been compromised by previous bad appointments, whether from threading or over-waxing. At Champagne Brows, we prioritize a gentle touch to ensure our clients wake up with brows that look better than ever.
What sets me apart as the top brow specialist in the beauty industry is my unwavering commitment to professionalism, consistency, and quality. I take pride in providing a prompt and friendly service that exceeds expectations. To truly understand the experience, one must visit us at least once.
My dedication extends beyond the service itself. I prioritize empathy, ensuring that each client feels heard and understood. I am always available to provide the knowledge and information needed to achieve their beauty goals.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that I’m eager to share with everyone of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds who are contemplating or embarking on their own entrepreneurship journey or pursuing a passion or dream. Instead of exclusively seeking out mentors, I encourage you to focus on finding inspirations—individuals whom you aspire to emulate. Then, commit yourself to putting in the work necessary to reach a level where others seek your guidance.
Always maintain a helpful attitude and avoid solely chasing after financial gain in your pursuits. Unfortunately, like many business owners, I’ve encountered instances where people were driven by greed, and their interests or end goals weren’t necessarily about opening doors or creating networking opportunities to help me grow in my new career and passion. This makes it challenging to discern who is genuinely supportive of me as a new business owner and entrepreneur. When this has happened, I take it as a lesson learned and just keep moving forward. Live, learn, and continue to love the light in others.
Networking will be vital in your journey, far more than seeking out a single mentor.
Since relocating to Houston, connecting with others in my industry has opened doors to incredible opportunities, introduced me to supportive colleagues, and provided access to larger platforms for growth.
Networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about nurturing relationships and fostering a supportive community that propels everyone forward.
Pricing:
- Signature Brow Wax – $32
- Teen Brow Sculpt – $25
- Brow Wax + Tint – $55.00
- Brow Wax + Lamination- $95.00
- House Calls – $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ranatemia.com/
- Instagram: @thechampagnebrows
Image Credits
@kahlilbmartin
@shotbykuest
