Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree Aviles.
Hi Desiree, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I used to get waxed regularly at a salon and I was really inspired on how amazing waxing was, how my skin felt after a wax and how confident I felt afterwards. During that time, I was working for a Dermatology office, and while working there I met the Medical Esthetician. I explained to her my interest in her work, and we would talk about the types of services she could offer with her license which included waxing.
I’ve always had a passion for helping others in any way I could and since I already knew the great benefits to waxing and how amazing it felt, I knew this was something I could do for others.
In 2014 I enrolled in the facial specialist program at a local beauty school. I did all this while working two jobs (the other one in a retail store called TUMI). I completed my hours and became licensed. In 2015 I landed a job as a waxing specialist and I quickly realized that in order to truly succeed in this industry, I would need to make some serious sacrifices which included quitting both jobs (Derm and Tumi), moving back in with my mom and getting a pay cut. After three years working at the salon, my goals outgrew the owner’s vision for that salon, so I decided to branch out on my own.
In May 2018, I opened WaxMe Studio. In early 2020 (pre-pandemic) I hired an employee; Amy and shortly after I offered her the waxing specialist position, we were forced into lockdown. For a while, I didn’t know if I had made the right decision since everything was so uncertain. But I stuck to my goals to expand WaxMe and once the lockdown was lifted, I trained Amy in waxing, and she was seeing clients soon after. I invested into her education, and she now offers lash lifting services as well. Hiring an employee was one of the biggest reasons WaxMe is so successful today. Today, I am in the process of hiring a second employee and moving to a bigger location offering more services.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always been very independent and giving up the independence and moving back in with my mom for a few years was really tough.
Being a new business owner, then being forced to close down for an indefinite amount of time. I was unsure how I would handle getting back into servicing clients since my work is very intimate and close.
Hiring my first ever employee in the middle of the pandemic and being worried I wouldn’t be able to hold up my end of the bargain.
I made the financial sacrifice to invest in my business and myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a waxing studio located in Downtown Orlando specializing in female Brazilian waxing. We use hard wax, which is the least painful way to remove hair.
Now we offer Keratin Lash lift and tint for the eyelashes. It works to “lift” your natural lashes from the base to the tip. The tint is to give the appearance of mascara. The keratin is applied to help strengthen and make them smoother while also giving you longer-lasting results. Results last from 6- 8 weeks.
What sets us apart from others is we truly care about each and every one of our customers and our priority is building relationships and making each person feel comfortable. We have great relationships with all of them and know their spouses, kids and everything going on in their lives. Coming to us is more than just a wax, it’s a therapy session. Our studio is clean, and the rooms are well lit. We use the best wax in the industry, which works well with sensitive skin types. We are constantly investing in ourselves technique wise and personal development.
I am proud to have over 300 5-star reviews on Google with only being open for three years. I am also proud of Amy’s success despite so many obstacles that were in our way in the beginning of her career. I am happy I have been able to provide her with this opportunity.
What’s next?
I plan to hire a new employee by the end of this month and expansion. Bigger studio with more rooms and more beauty services. My goal is to have a 7-figure beauty business in four years and provide opportunities to other estheticians.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@waxmestudio.com
- Website: waxmestudio.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/waxmestudio
- Facebook: facebook.com/waxmestudio
Image Credits:
Gil Colon
