#1 Sugaring Expert in Maryland!
From the Owner
Greetings! My name is Elle. I currently work as a proud Black licensed esthetician, a certified yoga instructor, and the hands and heart behind Sugar & Henna.
Becoming a yoga teacher shifted everything about how I work. I started approaching beauty differently—more present, more grounded, and more intentional. I realized that true beauty isn't just about how you look; it’s about how you feel. Every service I offer now is designed to feel like a sacred pause. I have intentionally curated a chance to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with yourself.
My journey into this work wasn’t a straight line, but it was full of clarity. In 2012, I was working as a production assistant on a skincare commercial in New York City. I remember being completely drawn to the spa energy while on set. I was already skincare-obsessed and in love with eyebrows, and something just clicked. As much as I loved New York, after 16 years, I moved back to the DC area to go to esthetics school, where I first discovered sugaring. Even though I didn’t pursue it right away, it stayed with me. After getting licensed in Virginia and Maryland, I worked in spa management, then shifted into perfecting brows and Brazilian waxing at local spas in the DMV area.
With just a few regular clients and a lot of faith, I opened my own space in 2019. One late night before a flight, I realized I had no wax on hand—only my old sugaring kit. I used it for the first time in years, and the moment I finished, I felt something awaken. That experience led me back to the technique I had always admired from a distance. I took a refresher course, and everything finally aligned. In March 2020, I officially launched Sugar & Henna in Bowie, MD. Little did I know, it was 2 weeks before the world stopped and the COVID quarantine was issued with no end in sight. For some reason, I didn't panic; I relaxed into the ease of doing absolutely nothing.
When we reopened after 4 months in lockdown, I noticed a shift all around me. People weren’t just looking for services—they were looking for care. That’s when I knew I was in the right place.
Now it's summer 2025. I have recently expanded my offerings to include lash lifts and brow laminations, which quickly became a full-circle moment of my original love for natural, effortless beauty. These services are subtle, enhancing, and perfect for anyone who wants to feel both radiant and nurtured.
Sugar N Henna isn’t just a studio. It has become a sanctuary that I created for like-minded souls to softly land. A place where you can feel seen, honored, and cared for. Whether you come in for a brow wax, a Brazilian, or a quiet moment with our customized Goddess Facial, my intention has stayed the same—to have you leave feeling softer, lighter, and even more like you.