Article by: Ivanna Martinez published in the Wake Forest University, WFU Style Blog May 3, 2017
Shannon Hodges – Owner, Shannon Hodges Skincare
I never had issues with my skin growing up. Being more on the oily-prone side, I was constantly complimented on my dewy, healthy looking “glow”. I put “glow” under quotation marks because there’s a fine line between what is glowing skin, and what is oily skin. Come first year of college, I was clearly crossing it. With hormone levels out of whack, poor diet and an inconsistent sleeping schedule, the all nighters were slowly but surely taking a toll on my face. I knew getting extractions every month was my way of combating this, so every time I’d go back home, I’d immediately set up an appointment with my facialist. But it wasn’t giving me the consistent results I wanted. I needed someone in Winston who could help. That’s when I met Shannon.
It’s been two months since a friend recommended Shannon (@hodgesskincare) to me and I could not be happier with the results. I’ve been going to Shannon every two weeks, getting microdermabrasion (tiny crystal exfoliation) facial and the necessary extractions. At first, my skin was pretty beat up, so I was going on a weekly basis. But after tackling the first few layers of dead skin, it was operation “get high school skin back,” and Shannon and I were front and center, dedicated to do this before graduation.
Ivanna Martinez-Gonzalez in Kiehls Tumeric and Cranberry Seed Mask and Rodarte Sweater
This is what I love about Shannon. She’s not only a great facialist, but works with you on the best plan to healthier, more perfect skin. She tells you what she can do, but like any kind of regimen a lot of it is on you. During one of our express facials (45$ for an entire facial, can’t beat that!) we chatted on her path to perfect skin, and learned more on the best ways to keep your skin youthful and healthy on the reg.
photo credit @skincare Instagram
IM: So Shannon, where are you from? Tell me a bit about yourself.
SH: I was raised by my amazing grandparents in a little town called Rock Hill, SC. Yes, Rock Hill… my grandfather taught math at Winthrop University and my grandmother worked at an engineering firm in Charlotte after being in the Navy and working at the pentagon! In my twenties I moved 20 minutes North to Charlotte, NC where I managed Aveda Salons and bartended to make ends meet before going to the Aveda Institute to get certified in my field.
IM: Why did you get into skincare?
SH: I had terrible skin in high school… I remember staying home instead of going to parties because it not only looked terrible but was painful! I was so lucky to have a grandmother that worshipped Estée Lauder and all things Skincare and girly. She spent a small fortune trying to find the right Skincare for me…
IM: What’s your biggest no- no in skincare?
SH: Sleeping in your makeup! Ew! You don’t need a 50 step nightly routine BUT nighttime is when your body heals and your skin works on fixing itself… It needs to be clean! Also picking… between these two I can’t decide which is more important.
IM: What is the one thing you think girls in college have an issue with in terms of skin? How can they improve/ make it better?
SH: Breakouts for sure! This can come from diet, hormones, lack of sleep and water. My biggest recommendation for anyone trying to improve their skin is: Drinking a ton of water, trying to get a good night of rest a few nights a week, and coming back to this, washing your face every single night! For severe cases you may require a Medicare wash or antibiotic from your dermatologist.. but I always recommend a good facial once a month! Those dead skin cells aren’t going to leave on their own. What’s the point of doing all this if your skin isn’t getting any of the product?
photo credit @skincare Instagram
Quick Q’s!
IM: Coffee or Tea? (also which one is better for your skin!?)
Honey I can’t do the things or fix the skins without my coffee… but I do try to get at least one cup of green tea or golden tea in my system once a day. The anti inflammatory properties are amazing and help your body do it’s job properly.
IM: Favorite restaurant in Winston?
SH: It’s a toss up, I love food! Mary’s Cafe, Slappy’s Chicken, and Roosters are my go-to depending on what I’m in the mood for. Do yourself a favor.. biscuits and gravy at Mary’s, and shrimp and grits and roosters… game changer… also a pants size changer but totally worth it!
Favorite place to lounge in Winston?
SH: My backyard! I have huge, old oak trees and full size day beds with pillows for napping and an actual hammock room with 4 hammocks, it’s amazing! But, if I want to be out and about, Single Brothers or Tate’s.
Favorite place to lounge in Winston?
SH: My backyard! I have huge, old oak trees and full size day beds with pillows for napping and an actual hammock room with 4 hammocks, it’s amazing! But, if I want to be out and about, Single Brothers or Tate’s.
IM: Favorite Skincare products?
SH: I literally have different products depending on my skin that day but my hands down all time favorite is “It cosmetics” CC cream. It’s sunscreen, pigment correction, and skincare all in one. So if you happen to fall asleep in it, it’s not the end of the world.
IM: Current song you’re listening to?
SH: It’s actually Coldplay, “Alive Again” I think is the name. I listen to it every single morning because it makes me dance and that makes me smile.
IM: Favorite activity to do in the summer?
SH: Tubing! I love a good river tube! Golf, traveling anywhere with blue water but mostly spending time with my handsome dreamboat of a boyfriend and my pups!
IM: One last question, what’s your one piece of advice to girls in college on their skin?
SH: You don’t have to spend a ton on skincare or especially a cleanser. I have access to all kinds of things in my field and I actually use Oil of Olay cleansing towels. They are dry towels that foam up with a little water in the shower and make my skin glow! I would advise a good serum, the molecules in serum are smaller and penetrate to deeper levels of your skin so worth the money. Lastly, find a moisturizer for your skin type. It doesn’t have to be expensive, like I said, spend your money on a serum made for you, then go middle of the road with moisturizer.
photo credit @skincare Instagram
I could not have more love for this miracle worker! Make sure you check out her Instagram as well as her website for pricing and promotions. A mini express facial will give you microderm, extractions and a super soothing hydrating mask all for just $45, a steal of a deal. Support local female entrepreneurs in Winston-Salem and schedule an appointment with Shannon today!
CONTACT
Shannon Hodges – Hodges Skincare Location
615 St. George Square Ct. #250, Suite 15
Winston-Salem NC 27103
Tel: 336-671-1884
Instagram: @hodgesskincare
Facebook: Shannon Hodges Skincare
THANK YOU
Salons by JC would like to thank Ivanna Martinez and the staff at WFU Style from Wake Forest University for taking the time to interview one of our superstar specialists at Salons by JC Winston Salem. Follow them on their blog and on social media for the latest in fashion, art, entertainment, travel and more direct from Wake Forest University.
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