Meet Janice Andrea Hodson

Meet Janice Andrea Hodson, the proud owner of Andrea’s Refined Esthetics (@janice.andrea_) in Santa Rosa, CA. With 6 years of experience, Janice is a passionate business owner and esthetician specializing in facials and Brazilian waxing. 

Janice’s authenticity and kindness create a sense of trust and confidence among her clients. That same energy shines online, where she’s grown a loyal following of 1.5M on TikTok and 301K on Instagram by sharing her bubbly personality, humorous moments and pro education.

What inspired you to become an esthetician?

My own insecurities and skin concerns are what initially inspired me to become an esthetician. I know firsthand how much our skin can impact the way we feel about ourselves, and I wanted to better understand how to care for it and build confidence along the way. Through my own journey, I developed a genuine passion for skincare and helping others navigate their concerns. This naturally carried into waxing, where skin health is such an important part of the experience. Being able to use what I’ve learned to help clients feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful in their own skin is what makes this career so meaningful to me.

Why did you decide to start your own business? What's the biggest challenge you've encountered so far?

I decided to start Andrea’s Refined Esthetics as an opportunity to build something of my own, something that reflected the hard work, dedication, and care I’ve poured into my craft and the clients I’ve had the privilege of serving. I wanted to create a space where I could build meaningful relationships with my clients while creating something lasting that I could truly be proud of. Building a business comes with its own challenges, but each one has pushed me to grow, stay committed to my vision, and continue creating an experience my clients can trust.

What business goals have you set for yourself this year, and how do you plan to achieve them?

One of my main business goals this year is to invest in more training and online demonstrations to continue expanding my knowledge and skills. I plan to make this happen by restructuring and downsizing my work schedule, allowing me to dedicate more time to education and professional growth. Continuing to learn and improve will allow me to bring new techniques and an even better experience to my clients.

What is your favorite service to perform and why?

My favorite service to perform is Brazilian waxing because of the level of trust my clients place in me. I love being able to create a safe, comfortable, and judgment-free space where clients can feel completely at ease. Building that trust and helping clients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their waxing experience is something I truly value.

What do you wish every client knew before their first appointment?

I wish every client knew that it’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first appointment. I get nervous meeting new clients too, so I completely understand that feeling. My goal is always to create a safe, comfortable, and judgment-free space where you can relax and be yourself. We’re in this together, and I promise we’ve got this!

How and when did you discover Bushbalm? Why did you choose to carry us?

Bushbalm PRO actually reached out to me, and after using the products during my first wax service, I immediately fell in love. The brand’s values and the community they’ve built really align with how I run my own business and care for my clients. Over the years, Bushbalm PRO has become such a natural part of my services and the experience I provide my clients. I’m truly so thankful for the relationship we’ve built. The products speak for themselves, they’re high quality, deliver real results, and are products I genuinely trust and love using.

Which Bushbalm product is most popular at your salon? Why do you think that is?

The Radiant Reset Exfoliating Toner Pads are definitely the most popular. They’re top tier when it comes to helping prevent ingrown hairs and keeping the skin feeling smooth and cared for after waxing. My clients see the results and trust the products so much that they actually request Bushbalm during their appointments!

What do you enjoy most about the Bushbalm PRO community?

The overwhelming amount of love and support within the Bushbalm PRO community is what I enjoy most. It’s so special to be surrounded by estheticians who genuinely encourage, celebrate, and learn from one another. It truly feels like a community where everyone wants to see each other grow and succeed.

What advice would you give to new estheticians entering the field?