We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rhonda Hall a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rhonda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?
The first time I worked with a client who wasn’t a friend, family member, or friend-of-a-friend was an experience I’ll never forget. My mentor, whom I looked up to so much, asked me to service one of her clients while she was out of town. This was a huge deal. Not only was this my first time working with someone completely outside my circle, but it was also someone who trusted her and now, by extension, had to trust me. The stakes felt high.
When the day came, I was prepared—or so I thought. The client came in, and we introduced ourselves. Everything was smooth… until it was time to actually start. That’s when the nerves hit me. My hands started shaking, and not just a little; it was full-on, uncontrollable trembling. I tried to work, but I physically could not. It was like my brain and hands weren’t communicating.
For ten minutes, I couldn’t calm myself. I finally had to take a deep breath and have a self-talk moment: Rhonda, knock it off and stop doubting yourself! You know what you’re doing. Get it together. Slowly but surely, I talked myself down, steadied my hands, and pulled it together.
Once I found my rhythm, it felt natural again, and the session ended on a high note. The client was happy, which was all I could’ve hoped for, but for me, that first dollar wasn’t just about earning money. It was about pushing through my self-doubt and proving to myself that I could do this. That moment became the foundation of my confidence and business journey; and honestly, I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Rhonda, the proud owner of Rooted Electrolysis, based in Emeryville. As a veteran business owner, I’m thrilled to be the first Black Electrologist in the Bay Area. My journey into this field began with a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. I’ve always been drawn to service and precision, and when I discovered electrolysis—the only FDA-approved method for permanent hair removal—I knew it was the perfect fit.
What truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care. From the jump, I show up as 100% me—authentic, relatable, and laid back, but still professional. You won’t get any cold, clinical vibes here. I’m the kind of person who’ll make you feel like you’re chatting with an old friend while I do what I do. I’m not just removing hair; I’m here to transform lives. I recognize that this isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about boosting confidence, empowering individuals, and enabling them to move through life feeling their best. Whether a client seeks to embrace their body, affirm their identity, or simply reduce the stress of shaving, I’m here to help them achieve their goals.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know about Rooted Electrolysis, it’s that this isn’t just a business to me; it’s a way to uplift others. I genuinely care about my clients and want them to feel safe and cared for throughout the entire process. I’ve had clients leave my studio with (happy) tears in their eyes because they finally felt free. That’s the energy I bring to my work every day. I combine skill, patience, and a deep understanding of how important this journey is for each individual. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to help people feel rooted in who they are, inside and out.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Let me tell you about the time I had to pivot my whole life and lean into faith, determination and a lot of coffee.
At the time, I was balancing a full plate: wife, mom, working a full-time 9-to-5, and still trying to figure out how to make a career change to become an electrologist. The program I wanted to attend was located in Monterey, CA, and required me to live away for seven weeks. Seven weeks! I kept thinking, How am I going to pay for this? How will my family manage without me? It felt impossible, but something in me just knew I had to make it work.
So, I took the leap. My husband and mom stepped up and held it down. And let me tell you, it was not a smooth ride. I had to stretch every dollar to cover tuition and hotel expenses, and there were plenty of nights where I sat alone, completely drained, questioning if I had made the right choice. I missed my family, but every time I thought about giving up, I reminded myself why I started: to build something meaningful and to be a positive example for my daughter.
Those seven weeks changed me. They pushed me to my limits, showed me what I’m capable of, and gave me the confidence to build Rooted Electrolysis from the ground up. But the juggling act didn’t stop there—because here’s the thing: I’m still balancing this business with my 9-to-5 job. It’s a lot, but this whole journey has shown me a side of myself I never knew existed. I’ve learned I’m stronger, more resourceful, and more determined than I ever gave myself credit for.
Every step of this journey, from the sacrifices to the wins, has been worth it. It’s proof that even when the odds feel stacked against you, you can do so much more than you think.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Honestly? It’s all about being authentic, consistent, and caring deeply about the people I serve.
From day one, I’ve made it a point to show up as me. I don’t put on airs or try to be something I’m not. What you see is what you get: professional but relatable, laid back but serious about results. I think clients appreciate that. They know they’re stepping into a safe space when they walk into Rooted Electrolysis.
Another significant factor is consistency. Whether it’s the quality of my work, the cleanliness of my studio, or the vibe I create during each session, I bring my A-game every single time. People notice when you’re reliable and truly invested in their experience. That kind of trust builds loyalty.
But the real key? I care—like, really care. I know that for many clients, electrolysis isn’t just about hair removal—it’s about confidence, identity, and freedom. I make sure to take the time to listen to their stories, understand their goals, and tailor my approach to what they need. People remember how you make them feel, and I work hard to ensure that every client leaves my studio feeling empowered and cared for.
Word-of-mouth has also been tremendous. Happy clients share their experiences, and those referrals are pure gold. And, as the first Black Electrologist in the Bay Area, I think being a trailblazer has also helped me stand out. I’m proud to represent something different and bring my unique perspective and authenticity to this industry.
At the end of the day, it’s about showing up, being consistent, and putting my heart into what I do. That’s what’s helped me build my reputation—and that’s what will keep Rooted Electrolysis in the game.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rooted-electrolysis.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/rooted.electrolysis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552659097773&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhondocious?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/yP2ynShCRP
Image Credits
Christopher Evans
Rhonda Hall