Just call on Jennifer Orendi, founder of Wish Mobile Beauty, to be your beauty fairy godmother. That’s what I did last weekend before my Politics of Pretty launch party. Blow dryer in one hand and a brush in the other, it was a blowout come true and the best part? I didn’t even have to step foot outside my house.
Lucky for me, while she worked wonders on my hair, Jennifer let me pick her brain about her awesome business, why she quit practicing law and her obsession with hairspray.
PofP: Tell us about WISH Mobile Beauty.
JO: WISH Mobile Beauty is an on-location, concierge salon. We provide hair and makeup services for women within the comfort and privacy of their own homes and offices. Our services are very personalized because our clients receive the utmost one-on-one attention at a time that is most convenient for them. For example, clients who work from home can get pampered without having to break their stride during the day; working moms can put the kids to bed and get pampered, without having to feel guilty about spending half of a Saturday at a salon away from their family. And of course, the hassle of getting to and from the salon, parking, and finding a babysitter are all issues that are instantly remedied when WISH makes a house call. We also provide services for the entire family, as well as for bridal parties, and friends who want to spend time getting together to learn about new hairstyling and makeup techniques for the new season or an event. I’ve had some clients who have hostessed brunch parties, and have invited Wish to provide blowouts and makeup. I’ve also had an increasing interest from new clients who have invoked our help with creating more sexy and buxom looks for boudoir-style photo shoots. WISH allows for the convenience and comfort to explore new beauty ideas without feeling exposed or silly.
PofP: You quit practicing law to pursue a career in hair and makeup. What changed your mind?
JO: My progression from attorney of 10 years to hair and makeup stylist has been a long journey, and one that is not particularly linear. During a visit from my parents while I was in law school in Chicago, my dad watched me consult with a customer at the Chanel counter at Marshall Fields, showing her lipsticks while the clerk was busy. He asked me “why aren’t you doing this?” and that always resonated with me. Why wasn’t I doing something in the beauty industry? Because I was smart, I worked too hard to be the first person in my family to go to college, let alone law school, and how dare I quit anything to sell makeup? I did a lot of research since then, and learned that I could combine all of my background and professionalism to contribute in a unique way to the beauty industry and to women. Four years ago, I decided to make the leap. I quit my job, attended beauty school full-time, got licensed in DC, Virginia and Maryland, and have been working full steam ahead ever since. I absolutely love what I do. While I wish I had had the courage to make the leap several years ago, I feel that my history of rich experiences in other disciplines contributes directly to my ability to relate to my clients.
PofP: What products are you loving right now?
JO: I am a product junkie. I love the EVOLVh Luxury Organic Haircare line, and use it regularly with my clients and on my own hair. I also love California Smooth, a revolutionary all natural, formaldehyde-free keratin smoothing product. I love both Goldwell and All-Nutrient haircolor lines. I am a hairspray aficionado, and am partial to Sebastian Re-Shaper and Shaper Plus, the latter especially for up-do’s and styles that rely upon roller set foundations. For short hair and men, I love the weightless hold and texture that Bumble & bumble Sumotech provides. For makeup, I use primarily Bobbi Brown products with my clients – her foundations, correctors and concealers are the best, and the rest of the makeup is easy for clients to use on their own. For my own personal use and for photo shoots, I am partial to Chanel and Nars, for their depth of color, as well as the Make Up For Ever line for edgier looks. Make Up For Ever also makes great products for photo shoots and other on-camera work, including an HD primer and powder.
To book an appointment, email Jen@wishmobilebeauty.com; Follow Wish Mobile Beauty on Twitter @JenOrendi
