There's exciting news about Monina's Natural Images. Last October, she moved her business to a new location. Five professionals share the office of World of Health, located just around the corner from Santana Row. Together they offer a complete health package, with chiropractor, nutritional cleansing coach, massage therapist, and two estheticians. Monina is both a licensed clinical esthetician and a makeup artist. In her cozy, high-tech studio her clients feel welcomed and pampered. Monina offers two medical-grade plant products, one of which is organic. Being knowledgeable about problematic skin, she can treat the skin before applying makeup if her customers arrive early enough. Last year she invested in a computerized machine that reveals underlying skin problems.

"I want to look gorgeous, but I want to look like myself." That's what Monina hears from most of her brides. Certainly you remember a wedding where the bride hardly looked like herself. Monina's approach is the opposite. You can browse through her portfolio of pictures of brides both with and without makeup so that you can easily see how her makeup enhances her client's natural look. She was recommended to me by a wonderful florist. Her many thank-you letters from customers show how pleased they were with her work.

Monina's great talent and her sweet nature are recognized by event professionals and brides alike. What impressed me most was how thoroughly she does her job. She likes to meet her customers as early as possible. Sometimes she suggests using a nourishing cream for a few weeks to turn dry and flaky skin into the most beautiful complexion. She encourages the bride to bring her veil for a complimentary trial run so that she can experience the makeup and, if necessary, adjustments can be made. Monina also teaches at a modeling school so knows exactly what it takes to look good on film. With her digital camera she can show her brides how they will look on camera.

Monina also offers makeup lessons to the public. She is a certified permanent makeup technician and participates continuously in seminars to learn the latest in skin care and makeup techniques.

Her custom-made gift baskets with skin care, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and professional make-up brushes, are available for purchase. A touchup kit is complimentary.

Over the years Monina has assembled an excellent group of makeup artists who will help her with larger wedding parties and will arrive at the wedding well ahead of time. "I love weddings," she says. "Everybody is so happy."