Never underestimate the power of a strong woman!

It's funny how many people tell me I'm perfect for my job. You have to wonder what makes a person perfect for ripping hair out of men's and women's gentalia. Being comfortable with nudity is a must. Having a sense of humor doesn't hurt. Believing in the service is key. Perfecting your craft is imperative. And having a strong stomach isn't a bad idea either.

I had a bride thank me yesterday for my blog a few days ago about selfless love. I told the story about how Mark has exposed himself to 9 MRI's with me just to make me feel safe, even though he is putting himself at risk. And it made me think of something else that is really important in successful relationships that I thought I would share. There have been times in our marriage that I have been afraid to be completely honest with my husband, because I was afraid he would judge me or like or love me less.  And every time I mustered the courage to be completely truthful with him, it has always gone way better than I imagined. He has always accepted me, warts and all. I always feel like such an asshole for not trusting in his love, but I get scared that I'll disappoint him or make him angry. If you believe in your man, trust him with complete honesty. It's a great aphrodisiac.

It bums me out that there are so many people in our community who are so unhappy with what they do for a living.  Every day, clients are ecstatic that the day is over or it's finally the weekend. I know that it is tough in this economy to find that perfect job that you've always dreamed of. I also understand that college can be expensive. But I do wish more people would take a chance on finding a career path that brought them more joy. Work shouldn't be such a chore. And if you see it as a means to an end, then what's the end? When you croak?  I'm sad to see my work day end.  I don't run out of the salon at the end of the day in a desperate rush to get the hell out of there. The only reason I'm happy going home is to be with my family and rest my body parts which are usually pretty tired. I'm not sure what the answer is. I guess if you have no other employment choice, maybe you should try to find more happiness where you're currently at?
~quest for eternal happiness~

Let's talk about this naked thing. One of the most beautiful and miraculous events is when a baby is born. We marvel at their perfection and confirm whether they are a boy or girl as soon as they come out. No one freaks out because the child has no clothes on. In fact, a man and woman need to be naked at least in their private areas when they make that beautiful baby. So why do we, as a society, get all freaked out about being naked if it's in a clinical, non-sexual setting? To a technician or a nurse or a doctor, your midsection is just another part of your body. In my case, I could be waxing your brows, your bush or your back. It's just skin and hair and that's it. Please don't ever let the naked thing make you feel weird. As I've said in the past and I'll say again, it's just like an elbow to me.

When Mark was in the process of buying the salon from his parents, I decided to quit teaching and go to beauty school.  Although I never wanted to do hair, I wanted to be there to support my husband.  I always hoped that I would find something to do at the salon to be helpful to him. When I took the wax class in school, I couldn't believe how fun it was.  I couldn't really imagine doing it for a living, because waxing something like an eyebrow seemed like such a potentially scary service.  What if I waxed someone's eyebrow off?  Or what if I dripped hot wax in their eye? Or what if I ripped the skin off their face?   I was really nervous about facial waxing, but once I started doing it, I realized that women feel so much prettier when their eyebrows are done so I was determined to get good at it. For a couple years, I focussed on nails and brows until that one fated day when I decided to venture South. I feel like all of the services that I've performed at Mark & M.E. were about making women feel prettier and better about themselves. So this morning I want to thank you all for entrusting all of your parts, North and South, to me over the past 25 years!

I have talked about this in both of my books, but sometimes I think certain things need repeating. I absolutely love my contribution to making thousands of women feel sexier and more confident. Believe it or not, Brazilians are more empowering than you could ever imagine. I think all women are beautiful. I could give a rat's ass if you're big, small, black, white or purple. My goal is to make you feel as sexy as possible after you get a Brazilian. Women need to stop obsessing about their imperfections and focus on the things that make them feel beautiful and special.

Today I worked from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.  It's funny when seven hours feels like a half day. I am sitting on our back deck thinking about my day. It was a neat day. I saw a client that I hadn't seen for over two years, because she moved to the Middle East and now has moved back to Rochester. I was so psyched to see her! I had clients drive in from Buffalo, Pen Yam and even some ladies from Danville. All of those places are a decent distance away. I'm humbled by the clients who travel so far to see me. Then I remembered the girl who came in with her friend, asked for something to bite on (so I gave her a bath towel) and repeatedly told her girlfriend that what I was doing to her was death. In case you were wondering, I was giving her a Brazilian.  And no, she didn't die.  She did, in fact, say that "this is death" more times than I can count. Her friend and I kept laughing and her friend video taped the entire appointment, so I wouldn't be surprised if you see her adventure with me through the Brazilian Rain Forest on Youtube. Happy Saturday everyone!

Sadly, it's not common for couples to stay married for a long time. Mark & I have been married 28 years and I wanted to share one of the many things that has made our union successful. In the past decade, I've had 9 MRI's on various parts. Since I am unreasonably claustrophobic, Mark has offered to be in the room with me for each and every scan.  He holds my hand and makes me feel safe enough to go in the tunnel from hell. He has subjected himself to whatever magnetic rays are in the air just to make me feel better and give me the strength to go through with the procedure.  This week, as he was holding my foot and my hand for an entire hour, I realized that true love is selfless.  He puts himself at risk because he loves me. I wouldn't have been able to do it without him, because I become irrational and, although I try to be a big girl, when they lock your head in the cage, I lose my shit. So for those of you who wonder why our marriage has been successful, selfless love is one of the many reasons. And no worries, I'm healthy.

Another great look by Mark @marknmesalon!

For those of you who didn't read The Happy Hen House, you are missing some hysterical illustrations. This is one of my favorites! Here I am, slaying your porcupine! For the whole story, go to Amazon and download a copy. It's a fun read!

As I'm wrapping up my third book in my "Happy Trail-ogy" I realized that the thought of this being my last book makes me really sad. Writing is so relaxing and cathartic for me and I want to find new things to write about.  So how do you all feel about romance novels, because I started one this weekend and I think it could be a lot of fun?

As I was driving with my son to college in North Carolina, I remembered when my mom drove with me to college in Virginia. I had planned to get an International Business degree there. Well, that didn't happen. I finished college in Rochester without a clue what I was going to do for a living. Even though I only used my actual college degree for a short time, I think the experience made me feel more confident to pursue a career that could make me happy. I hope my kids can use their college degrees to figure the same thing out. The world is a big place with a ton of opportunities and you just never know where you'll end up. I can't imagine any of my kids will end up ripping hair out of women's vaginas for a living, but you never know.

The other night I went to a concert and saw dozens of my

clients there. Some people got excited to see me. Others got embarrassed. Believe me, when I see a client in public, I don't think about your vagina. I think about you. I could care less about your parts. Get over the weirdness and move on....

Things I heard yesterday from my first client of the day. Holy cheese and crackers. I like pain but not this kind of pain. Are my balls on the table? God, I have way too much fun waxing men sometimes. It was great starting my day with this guy!

A friend just sent me an article about things you need to know before getting a bikini wax that I have to share! It gets easier the more you do it. (It really does!) Start waxing before you get pregnant. If there isn't a room designated to waxing and it's just a sketchy space behind a curtain, then waxing is not a priority at the salon and you should run for the hills. You should be comfortable that the place is clean, the technician wears gloves and does not use the same stick twice between your legs. It's okay to wax when you have your period. (it just might be a bit more sensitive and, oh yea, please wear a tampon!)  Staying on a schedule makes it so much easier. The type of wax does make it better.  Honey waxes are crap. (that was my add on...) Working out before or after can irritate the skin. And, most importantly, your hair will become finer and thinner the more you do it. Yep, I'm a believer!

I had a new client say that she found me online and read all about me before coming in for a wax. It is pretty obvious if you do your homework that, not only have I been in the business a long time, I've pretty much live and breathe Brazilian waxing. I wouldn't have enough material to write two books if I didn't have a lot of experience. When she came in for her wax, she told me that although she did a ton of research online about me, she had one thing she wanted to ask before we started. Did I have any experience?

Every job has it's occupational hazards.  Foraging through the thick, dense bush has triggered some severe tendonitis in my wrists.  Last month, it got so bad that I could barely use my fingers or my hands. The pain was incredible and I was scared that I'd have to stop working. The good news is that I went back to the acupuncturist I used to see a few years ago.  After three sessions, I can use my hands without any pain and all the swelling  in my wrists has subsided. I'm not sure if there is any correlation between my love for waxing Asian women and my gratitude for Chinese medicine and even my love for Japanese and Thai food, but I'm a pretty happy Brazilian waxer this morning.

Did you know that Mark's mom Celia started the salon in the 1950's? She opened up Style-O-Rama in the Mt. Hope shopping plaza. She purchased the building that we are in now in the 1970's. During that time, Mark's dad drove cab and decided to go to cosmetology school so he could work with his wife. In 1993, I decided to give up teaching, go to cosmetology school and join Mark in the business as well. Mark & M.E. is truly a second generation family salon.

Don't let any bird's fly out of your nest. Summer isn't over yet. Schedule your next bikini wax before things get out of control.
{One of the amusing illustrations from The Happy Hen House}

I was just talking to a woman who got her Master's in Education (just like I did),  has been substitute teaching for over two years (which I did), and cannot secure a job (yep, been there...). I feel her frustration about spending the time and money to get an education but not being able to find a job in her field. It seems like a common story that I hear on a regular basis.  But, for me, it was a blessing in disguise.  I decided to stop waiting for someone else to make my career decision for me and take control of my professional destiny. I guess it's true what they say...all things happen for a reason. Choose to be happy!

Grown women are still asking me to leave initials in their pubic hair. Yesterday, a lady wanted both of her man's initials left on her bikini area, but she had fine, blonde hair. There was no way I could have made two distinct initials out of her wispy pubes. As we got chatting about other creative alternatives to honoring her man's name on her lady parts, I came up with a brilliant idea. Magic shell. Yes, magic shell. It's the chocolate sauce you put on ice cream that hardens after about a minute. Not only could he be honored by his lady adorning his initials, he could snack on them as well.

This morning, I was feeling kind of yucky so I did what I always do to feel better, I went to the gym.  Endorphins are definitely a good friend of mine. When I walked into Midtown, the older gentleman named Earl who works at the front desk approached me and gave me the biggest, most sincere hug. It actually made me cry. I must have looked like I needed it and he picked up on how I was feeling. It really made me feel so much better.  So today's message is quite simple. Never underestimate the power of a hug.
~Brazilian words of wisdom~

If you don't want your man to know you're not a natural blonde or a natural brunette, then just wax it all! Grey hair down south can make you feel older and affect your confidence. Believe me, it'll be our little secret. 

-helpful tips from your Brazilian guru-

That friendship day had me reflecting...When I was growing up, I wasn't very good at the girlfriend thing. I'd be lying if I didn't admit I am a little jealous of people who can boast they've had friends since kindergarten.  In middle school, I left behind my very best friend from the neighborhood and went to a male dominated private school. In high school, I focussed on my boyfriend. I do have a wonderful friendship with a very special woman I met my freshman year of college. I met Mark my sophomore year and he became it for me. It's funny how I gravitated towards a profession that has me interacting with women all day long. Looking back, I think it's something I really missed. On one hand, it makes me sad that I didn't foster more female friendships growing up. On the other hand, I'm feeling pretty lucky that I've been able to establish such an intimate rapport with so many women during my twenty year stint at Mark & M.E.

Let me introduce a new addition to the #marknme team.  Her name is Tegan.  She is a NYS Licensed Esthetician.  In this photo, she is taking advantage of a masque that is part of the Mark & M.E. Skincare line.  To welcome Tegan to our team,  this week only, we are offering 50% all facials! Give a call and take advantage of this incredible special!

It makes me sad how embarrassed women are of their bodies. You should never feel awkward undressing in front of me.  If you are new or I sense any unease, I will keep my back turned away from you while you undress. Many of you would like me to cover your midsection with a towel or sheet, but then I wouldn't be able to see the area I'm working on. I think all women are beautiful. I will never judge you. Think of me as a doctor who has seen so many lady parts that all I notice is a patch of skin with some unwanted hair on it that needs removing. Brazilians are liberating and empowering, so please embrace your sexy. I know that I do.