Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Fogelsong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I hold two master’s degrees — one in publishing and one in accounting — but skincare has always been my true passion. After moving from Los Angeles to Austin, I chose to follow that calling and became a licensed esthetician. In 2013, I opened MODO Spa so I could work independently and uphold the highest ethical standards in client care.
Historically, much of the spa industry was developed with a narrow range of skin types in mind. Today, about half of my clientele has multicultural skin, which led me to pursue advanced education focused on treating all skin tones safely and effectively. I sought out specialized training from leaders in the field, including the esthetician who cared for the First Lady during the Obama administration, studying her methods and completing her coursework. This education allows me to confidently and safely treat skin ranging from the fairest Irish complexions to richly pigmented Indian and African American skin, always with individualized care and respect.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges in building a small business is visibility and advertising. When I first opened, I relied heavily on Groupon for about three years to bring people through the door. Later, when I actually sat down and ran the numbers, I realized that I had essentially worked almost a full year for free in order to build the loyal client base I have today.
That period also taught me a lot about boundaries and professionalism. One memorable moment was when a client arrived clearly intoxicated and wearing a police ankle monitor. I refused the service, as I always prioritize safety, ethics, and respect for my space and other clients. Shortly after she left, I heard police sirens outside. It was an extreme example, but it reinforced an important lesson: success isn’t just about getting clients in the door — it’s about knowing when to say no and standing firmly by your values.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart is my background and the way I was educated in aesthetics. I trained internationally — taking advanced classes in Moscow, Paris, and Los Angeles, including education from Korean skincare professionals. That global experience shaped my philosophy of blending Eastern and Western approaches, creating what I often describe as “East meets West.”
In my work, I use the best ingredients and technologies developed in the West, while incorporating time-tested Eastern practices. This includes gua sha, lymphatic drainage techniques, and sculptural facial massage methods I learned in Moscow to address wrinkles, muscle tension, and skin laxity.
Facial massage is a cornerstone of my treatments. In the U.S., facial massage during a treatment typically lasts around seven minutes. In my practice, massage lasts at least 25 minutes. I treat the face the way a trainer treats the body — working deeply with facial muscles while the client lies down and relaxes. It’s essentially a workout for the face, without any effort required from the client, and it delivers both immediate and long-term results.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
What has brought me the most success is how personally I treat every client and every appointment. The name Modo comes from Latin and can be translated as “only” or “just,” and that idea guides everything I do. My philosophy is simple: one client, one appointment, one space — complete focus, without rushing.
If a client’s skin needs an extra 15 minutes of cleansing, I take that time. My facials are typically about 90 minutes, and they often go longer if needed, without any additional charge. I believe real results come from patience, not speed. I take the time during the treatment so my clients don’t have to spend extra time fixing their skin at home in the morning.
Pricing:
- Facials: $120 and up
- Chemical exfoliation $120
- ThermoClear treatment $100
- Dermaplaning $100
- Microneedling $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.modospa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modo_spa/?hl=en
