A WARM WELCOME TO OUR LITTLE SIS
WRITTEN BY JULIA DEMMA
“Be authentic, find your own niche, and run with it,” said Hannah Ottesen, Founder and Owner of Moda Beauty Bar. “Once you find your true message and purpose and see it through, that’s what’s going to get you the furthest in life.”
Ottesen did just that when she opened Moda Beauty Bar in Winfield back in May of 2018. Starting off with just two employees, Ottesen herself and Carly Fisher, the two couldn’t have dreamed how far the small business would soon go.
Since its opening in 2018, Moda Winfield has expanded its original location in 2019 after just one year of business and added about 30 more employees to its roster.
“Everyone already thought I was crazy when I first thought about opening Moda in Winfield, but when a close relative mentioned the idea of expanding to another location, I first thought she was crazy.”
As the small business began to build its clientele and word of mouth about its one of a kind and quality services continued to spread, Ottesen welcomed the idea of a new location more and more.
“Ever since she [Ottesen’s relative] had mentioned the idea of expanding, the thought wouldn’t leave my head,” she said. “I felt like a bunny chasing carrots. I definitely began to welcome the challenge.”
With the Winfield location being almost completely booked solid each day, Ottesen also knew the expansion had to be done in order to accommodate the beauty bar’s long list of clients.
“We had built such a good brand with quality services, and I wanted to be able to offer that to more potential clients in a different area.”
And that new area was Schererville. Ottesen said it was the first location that came to mind due to its proximity to Chicago.
“Schererville had always stuck out to me. I wanted to shorten the commute for our clients who were already driving in from Chicago to visit us,” she said.
So the planning began. Ottesen began searching for the perfect storefront in April, and closed on the space in March… and then, COVID - 19 hit.
“There were so many nights that I couldn’t even sleep and just felt sick to my stomach with nerves, but I had this gut feeling that it would work out,” she said. “One thing about me is that I never listen to other people, and I love to prove people wrong. Taking a risk and believing in yourself is huge.”
Turns out Ottesen’s gut feeling was right. As quarantine restrictions began to lift in July, construction on the new location began for an opening target of September.
“My dreams were transformed into reality when opening this location. It was so crazy to see my exact vision come to life,” Ottesen said.
Another dream turned reality was being able to offer HydraFacial services.
“That was something that was number one on my list to offer when I had first started my business. I’ve worked really hard to be able to bring this service in, and it means a lot to me to be able to offer it at Moda Schererville.”
Moda Skin + Body in Schererville has been open for about two weeks and Ottesen and her new Lake County team have been the best kind of busy.
“I’m excited to build new relationships with clientele in Lake County and bring a piece of Moda Winfield to Tri-town,” Ottesen said. “I want to be that place that gives you that warm, fuzzy feel on top of being able to provide the best of the best services.”
Ottesen, huge on the value of teamwork, gave credit to her dedicated staff of new and veteran estheticians, cosmetologists, and receptionists.
“I’ve been really lucky with the staff that I’ve brought on. Everyone is so talented and fun, and best of all, they all have the same vision as I do for Moda,” Ottesen said. “I wouldn’t have been able to be so successful without these girl bosses by my side.
As for Moda’s new clients in Schererville, the location’s tagline perfectly reflects Ottesen’s message.
“One thing that I don’t do enough of, even with running two salons, is making time for self care. A quote that I like to live by is, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first’. I love this saying because I feel like everyone should always make sure they’re making time for themselves,” Ottesen said. “Make that lash appointment you’ve been wanting, schedule that relaxing facial… life is just too short. We all need mental breaks; it’s just so important.”
For more information about Moda Beauty Bar, visit their website at www.modabeautybar.com. To book an appointment, click here.