Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Anderson.
Hi Monica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in poverty in my native Philippines. As a teenager, I discovered singing and dreamed of using my voice to create a different life—one marked by stability, dignity, and possibility. At nineteen, I was offered what appeared to be a life-changing opportunity with an entertainment company that sent me to Korea. What I believed was the beginning of a dream quickly became a nightmare when I realized I had been trafficked.
In the midst of that experience, I encountered someone who would change the course of my life—my now-husband. Just two days after I arrived, he noticed that I was in distress and asked if I needed help. I asked him if he was a Christian. When he said yes, I trusted him with my story. Together, we worked to recover my passport and return me safely home to the Philippines. We stayed in touch, and six months later, we were married.
For the next thirteen years, I devoted myself fully to raising our children as a stay-at-home mother. When they reached an age where they were more independent, my husband encouraged me to pursue something that was mine—something that would allow me to serve others while building a sense of purpose and identity. That encouragement led me to the world of esthetics.
I became a Licensed Full Specialist and joined Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa, where I quickly found that skincare was not just technical work—it was relational, restorative, and deeply personal. Within a year, I stepped into the role of Lead Esthetician at a struggling location and led a complete turnaround of the esthetics department through intentional leadership, elevated standards, and client-centered care.
That experience ultimately inspired my creation of MARIKIT Facial Spa & Lash Bar. MARIKIT was born from my belief that true beauty begins with feeling safe, seen, and cared for. It is a space rooted in restoration—where results-driven skincare meets intentional presence. Every detail reflects my journey and values: excellence without intimidation, luxury without excess, and care that honors the whole person. At MARIKIT, skincare is not about perfection—it’s about confidence, renewal, and creating room for people to exhale and reconnect with themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has been a meaningful one. I’ve always been deeply committed to growth—both personal and professional—and early on I learned that corporate environments can sometimes limit that growth.
Despite these limitations, my experience with Hand & Stone was formative. My time there helped me clarify what I wanted to build. MARIKIT was created in response to that reality: a studio grounded in integrity, excellence, and care for both clients and practitioners. Our goal is to cultivate a culture where quality is never rushed, people are valued, and service is approached with intention rather than pressure. Every challenge along the way reinforced the importance of creating something rooted in purpose, not just performance.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MARIKIT is an elevated skin and lash studio built on intention, education, and genuine care. We offer customized facial treatments, premium lash extension services, and professional education—including lash artist certifications and continued education for licensed estheticians and full specialists. Everything we do is curated with purpose, from the services we offer to the way we engage with each individual who walks through our doors.
What sets MARIKIT apart is our commitment to relationship-based care. We see MARIKIT as our ministry where we take the time to understand our clients as people—their skin history, lifestyle, concerns, and goals—so that every treatment feels personal rather than routine. Our approach prioritizes long-term results, skin integrity, and realistic beauty goals, guided by education and consistency rather than trends.
I often say that if I can get someone through the door, they’ll choose to stay—not because of a trend or a promise, but because they feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. That trust, paired with our signature treatments, is what makes MARIKIT different.
Equally important is our investment in the professionals we serve. Our educational programs are designed to elevate skill, confidence, and ethical practice, empowering artists to build sustainable careers rooted in quality and integrity. When practitioners are supported and well-trained, the entire industry benefits.
What I am most proud of is the culture MARIKIT has created. It is a space where people feel respected and supported—whether they are receiving a service or learning a craft. MARIKIT exists to approach beauty with intention, honesty, and heart, helping people feel confident in the skin they live in.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is my faith in Jesus, my family, and the opportunity to love and serve others. My faith grounds me and gives meaning to every part of my life. My family keeps me anchored and reminds me why the work I do matters. And serving others—whether through my work, relationships, or daily interactions—brings a deep sense of fulfillment. When I am able to care for people in meaningful ways, everything feels aligned.
Pricing:
- Signature Facials start at $100
- Lash Extensions start at $125
- Upgrades start at $30
- Members save on select services and received priority booking
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marikitjax.com
