We recently connected with Cienna Rose and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cienna, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
I think my approach to skincare differs from the industry standard because it’s not focused on “fixing” or “anti” anything. I’m pro healthy skin and pro aging gracefully. I don’t think my guests need fixing but I do believe they can change the relationship that they have with their skin. I think the way that we think about ourselves and treat ourselves, can drastically shift the way we see ourselves. I know this because I struggle with body image and skin challenges too. I practice what’s called, “Intuitive Skincare.” I love this approach because I’m able to honor the current skin condition and emotional state my guests are in with a fully customizable treatment.
I also believe that the Ode to Wonder brand differs from many wax studios, in that it focuses on creating a fabulous guest experience. Wax specialists, like myself, are often trained to work fast, sell more, and rush clients out the door. I wanted my guests to have an enhanced wax experience with thoughtful inclusions and natural post wax and intimate care products (Fur and Honey Pot Co.) Guests can request a complimentary cbd beverage from our curated menu, a warm neck wrap and crystal healing with their wax. I also schedule longer appointment times to make room for them to fill me in on their dating life or the new job, house or baby. I see these women every month and look forward to the time we get to vibe.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
I’m Cienna Rose, the owner of Ode to Wonder. I’m 30, Biracial and originally from Northern Virginia. I grew up in the beauty industry. My mom is a nationally awarded hairdresser and a salon owner. I got my start at her salon as a receptionist and lash artist. Despite not knowing anyone in Atlanta, I always felt pulled to move here. 7 years ago I moved to this city and almost 4 years ago, I opened Ode to Wonder.
I specialize in Brazilian Waxing, Brow Rehabilitation and Intuitive Skincare. I’m certified in and also offer Gua Sha Facial Massages, Vaginal Steaming, Dermaplaning, Microdermabrasion, Enzyme Peels, Crystal Reiki and Lash & Brow Tinting.
My business is an outlet for my self expression. The space houses hanging swings, disco balls and colorful dried floral arrangements. I play soul, chill hip hop beats & sometimes Billie Holiday (depending on my mood.) I steam vaginas inside of teepees and infuse healing crystals into every facial service. I work with natural products and sell WOC & LGBTQ owned brands that promote skin health and support causes I believe in. Ode to Wonder is most definitely a reflection of who I am and the things I love.
Ode is a 2,400 sq foot loft space with 30 foot ceilings and beautiful sky windows. The versatility of the space is limitless. When I’m not open for spa clients, my space can be reserved for photo and media shoots. Ode has also been reserved for intimate events and pop up’s. We’ve housed vision board parties, sound healing, aura photos and intuitive readers. I would love to have a part time, Independent Natural Nail Artist and Lash Artist join me in the space.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I was one of those kids that had dance classes 5 days a week. I commuted 1.5hr. to and from the city to study Acting at DC’s Arts High School. I had a mentorship with Motown’s Kerry Gordy at 17, attended a conservatory for Musical Theater in NYC at 18 and was a singing waitress after dropping out of college at 19. My life had always revolved around the arts. When I was 21 I came really close to being a contestant on Fox’s Show, The X Factor. After having an amazing live audition in front of the celebrity judges, I was flown out to LA with 200 other contestants where I was cut. Rejection is something artists are used to but I was banking on my audition being shown on live tv. I was so excited about the exposure I was going to receive and had the music and EPK ready and packaged for any opportunities that I believed might’ve come from being seen. Unfortunately my audition never aired. At this point I had lost my apartment in nyc and was now jobless in my hometown. I decided to enroll in Esthetics school, only as a means to finance my artistic dreams and my move to ATL. If anyone would’ve told me back then that waxing vaginas would be my main source of income, I would’ve looked at them like they were crazy!
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes! ~ I have a very “KonMari method” way of thinking. I try to associate myself and my brand with things that genuinely spark joy within me.
~ Affirmation videos. Claiming things as if I already have them!
~ Pinterest has been my virtual vision board. (Before moving to ATL I had “pinned” the first job I wanted here, along with a loft space and the treatments, products, and decor I’d one day house once I was able to work for myself. I’m grateful these aren’t just pins anymore.)
~ My stellar beauty business coach, Donna Roggio, is my go-to when I hit a wall. She helps me find solutions and she’s completely shifted the way I view and manage money.
~ There’s no one more impactful than my mama. She’s always there to remind me that my business does well when I treat my own mind, body and spirit well. When I’m good… business is good. When I’m going through it, those numbers start to go down.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.odetowonderatl.com
- Instagram: @odetowonder.atl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odetowonder.atl/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ode-to-wonder-atlanta
- Other: Direct link for booking spa services: https://www.vagaro.com/odetowonderatl/book-now Direct link for reserving the space for photo and media shoots: https://www.peerspace.com/pages/listings/62fbd4d8467965000e61cd17
Image Credits
Arina Garcia of model Cienna Rose @___ericamay of Ode to Wonder Spa @dopeshotsbyprecious of model @samanthadenae @smileeyesmedia of model @ajchoreoflava @theauraweaver