Meet Jessica Hudgins | Esthetician & Owner of Meraki Skin Studio LLC (Marion, NC)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Hudgins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Honestly, my clients. They are what made my business survive these 5 years. They have went with me thru the literally hardest 3 years of my life and stood by me through it all. Throughout COVID and the shut down they reached out and we kept the business going thru at-home facial kits. They continue to share my business on all of their social media, word-of-mouth and with their friends and family daily. They listen to my advice and actually follow-through which gives them the results they are searching. Without my clients, I would not be a business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own Meraki Skin Studio LLC here in gorgeous, Marion, NC. I have been open 5 years come this April and I am very excited about the future of this industry in this area of North Carolina. Getting where I am today has definitely been a ginormous struggle to say the least. Being a business owner means constantly second-guessing every single decision that you make. Learning as you go and making mistakes along the way. Also, with the business journey I went thru a divorce and all of the “amazingness” that comes along with that. Knowing that my kids and their future, the bills and life solely depends on me alone is a huge weight but honestly I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am an Esthetician and business-owner so that I can make my own schedule and be there for my kids anytime they need me. I love helping people regain their confidence. I love having someone full of stress getting to come in an hour a month and letting it all melt away for a while. I love just making someone’e life better, in whatever way that I can. I have learned to take each day as it comes. To think of the future and work toward your goals but when you need, PIVOTTTTT! ( I pray you said this like Ross.)

The world needs to know that Estheticians are here to help you. We are skincare professionals, but we are so much more than that. My clients have all become such very dear friends to me. Some appointments you are a therapist, some a cheerleader, some a life coach, some a listener. But always just a body, and that’s honestly alot of people need. Just to know that you are there with them and they aren’t alone. That is powerful. So yes, I can fix your skin… but it’s so much more than that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Marion is such an amazing place. I am so lucky to have born and raised in this area. After traveling to other places, you realize how special this little town is. I would have to split up and do a different theme each day so see and experience it all! On Monday we would relax and go to Cross Mill Wellness Plaza where my office is located. Together we can stop at Glabrescent Waxing Studio for body wraps and then head across the hall to Blooming Nails where Jazmin and Mayra work their nail magic. For lunch we would go to Resee’s on Main Street for the BEST (and healthiest) lunch Marion has to offer! That evening we would go and enjoy a nice walk at one of our trails like the Peavine or the Fonta Flora Trail.

Tuesday we would tackle the parkway and enjoy the views with a stop at the Bookstore and Little Switzerland Cafe.

Wednesday would be a day for the kiddos. We would wake up and go straight to Artesana for their amazing coffee and pasteries (and homemade ice cream). Then we can take a short walk down to the Miller Complex in town and let them jump off all of that energy at Jumpin’ Around, Marions only indoor inflatable fun park. After a nap we would go to Lake James and enjoy a swim on the gorgeous beach area with snow cones.

Thursday is dedicated to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. We can get there early and take a nice pontoon tour across Lake Lure hearing all about the history of the area. Leaving there and heading into Chimney Rock village we can stop at the Flowering Bridge and enjoy their GORGEOUS flora and the scavenger hunt together. After walking around all of the adorable tourist shops there and gem mining, we will go up to the Chimney Rock and take in the view of the sunset before coming back home.

Friday and Saturday will be enjoying a night at Tamarca Hollow, A Nature Retreat. Tamara and her husband there make the most delicious breakfast treats such as muffins and scones. It is tucked down in a hollow of almost 10 acres of hardwood trees and two creeks…..completely secluded! We will enjoy a creeekside picnic WITH A TREE SWING and hammocks right near the water. Smores before bed just enjoying nature with eachother and making memories.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely my longtime friend, Beth Lytle. I first met Beth January of 2008 when I was in my 2nd semester of Esthetics schooling, and she was just starting her first. Fast forward to 2017, I had to go back and finish Esthetics school and she was the teaching assistant! We kept in touch all of those years and still today as a business owner I reach out to her at least monthly just to bounce ideas off of, keep me on the right track and be my Jiminy Cricket. She has been the voice of reason over the years in a few different situations and someone I turn to both personally and professionally.

Website: https://merakiskinstudiollc.glossgenius.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themerakiskinstudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theMerakiSkinStudio

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@merakiskinstudio