Check Out Anna Soneson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Soneson. 

Hi Anna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Looking back at my life, I should have been an esthetician all along; I have been interested in skincare from the time I was a child. I remember asking my Nonnie (my Italian grandmother) her secrets to looking beautiful as she aged. She had porcelain skin until the day she passed. Wanna know her secret? Plain ol’ Oil of Olay cleanser and grape seed oil. Now I love a nourishing oil, but I can’t say as much about the cleanser. 

After high school, instead of saving tens of thousands of dollars in student debt and going straight to esthetics school, I went the traditional route and went to college. I changed my major about a dozen times and ended up graduating with a Liberal Studies degree. I wouldn’t be who I am without those 5 years at university (no judgments- this girl partied a bit too hard), so no regrets there. 

I had a few grown-up jobs after college, but none of them felt quite right. 

So, when I was about 30, I started really digging deep into myself- Why am I here, and what is my purpose? How can I choose a career that makes it feel like I’ll never have to work a day in my life? I took lots of self-assessments and looked into the paths of my ’type’. I envisioned what life would be like in each of these roles. 

One thing I read stuck with me “You have to do something that scares you, just a little. If it doesn’t make you feel a bit terrified, it probably isn’t the right move.” So, I enrolled in beauty school. Cue the stigma chills. 

I’d always been interested in becoming an esthetician, but to be honest, I didn’t know if it was a career path that was respected or one where I could actually make money. Well, it turns out both answers are a big fat YES! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Esthetics school was a challenge, to say the least. Not so much the educational part (that was the best part, by far). A few of the most difficult parts were the educator turnover, spontaneous shut-downs, and overall lack of organization. My classmates and I could all benefit from some therapy after that experience. Yikes! 

While I was in school, I had an internship at a beautiful skincare studio. We did mostly lashes and a few facials here and there. I am forever grateful for the things I learned there, and it’s a big reason I was able to push through some of the rougher days of esthetics school. So, if you’re able to intern in your field while you’re in school, I highly recommend it. 

Not long after I graduated from esthetics school, I had a couple of wonderful baby boys. I took a little bit of time off after each of them, but I was, fortunately, able to find jobs where I could work one or two days a week, just to stay relevant in my field. 

A few years in, I decided I had what it took to start my own practice, and that’s how Fond was born. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in meeting people where they are and making them feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin. I understand that not everyone has the time for a five-step process every morning and night, and that’s ok! The best skincare routine is the one you’ll actually do, so it’s important to me that I can meet clients in the middle, not to overwhelm them with spendy products and unattainable goals. 

Having your own business is great in so many ways, but I mostly love that I get to offer the things I love doing most and nothing else! I mean, there are exceptions here and there, but you won’t find leg waxes on my menu (everyone in the industry knows those are the worst!). 

Being able to offer natural products means a lot to me. I can pronounce almost every ingredient in every product I carry. It’s a beautiful balance of science and nature, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Probably 65% of the services I do are facials. I offer a botanical facial and a dermaplaning facial; I try not to overcomplicate things. My facials include a combination of the following- gua sha, LED light therapy, rose quartz massage, extractions, and high frequency. 

I also offer organic sugar hair removal for face and body, henna brow tint, and keratin lash infusion. During these services, I provide clients warm stones, LED therapy, and/or a relaxing eye mask. One of my slogans is ‘expect a little more from us’, and I hope guests feel that. 

My goal is to create the ultimate loving experience. I think that’s because I’ve spent so much time in the customer service industry. I’m personally someone who expects more, so I figure why not give that to my clients as well. 

People often come to me vulnerable and unsure if they belong, and I need them to know that they absolutely do belong, we all do. I try to encourage people to be their true selves. Wear the crop top, ditch the makeup, get the Botox and fillers, let your leg hair grow- whatever makes you feel whole and free. 

Something worth mentioning is I’m very pro-body hair. Wait, a waxer who’s pro-hair? Totally! Let it grow where you want it and remove it in the places you don’t want it. The hairs under my arms are longer than the ones on my head right now, and that’s ok! I’m loved and whole and maybe a little unconventional, but very ok with all of it. 

The one thing I’m most proud of is a program I launched while founding Fond called Third Thursday. On every third Thursday of the month, clients can experience any service and they name the price, no questions asked. My husband and advisors thought I’d lost my mind when I shared this idea, but I stood my ground and it honestly brings me more joy than I can ever express. Through this program, I get to meet a lot of educators and students, and so many others. One of my very favorite Third Thursday clients was a trans woman. She had never had a facial before, and the way she looked at herself in the mirror after the service- it’s literally why I do what I do. 

I believe skincare and self-care aren’t just for those who can afford it. When I give my services to someone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to pay the full amount, I know that makes them shine. And when they shine, they help others shine, too. It spreads love ten-fold, and I think that’s what this life is all about. 

In addition to the services I provide, I’ve also worked with some of my favorite makers and shakers in KC to curate a collection of goods available for purchase. Everything I have for sale in my mini-shop I also have at my home. No seriously, I only sell things I am truly fond of. See what I did there? 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The thing I love most about KC is the people and communities. KC, hands-down, is full of the best humans. We’re kind, we care about each other, and we’re accepting. the people here are good to the core. No agendas, no ill-intent, we’re just wholesome and kindhearted. 

The one thing I loathe about KC is the extreme weather. All spring, I’m sneezing. All summer, I’m sweating. All winter, my bones freeze. The only season that I am able to fully embrace is fall. All two weeks (if we’re lucky) of autumn are pure bliss. I know that’s about as controversial as which BBQ spot is our favorite, but I said what I said, dagnabbit! 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: FondAesthetics.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/fondaesthetics
• Facebook: facebook.com/fondaesthetics
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/fond-aesthetics-kansas-city

Image Credits:
Austin Mosier Photography
Björn Soneson