Are You Devaluing Your Services by Offering Sales?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Beauty with a Twist – Episode: "Are You Devaluing Your Services by Offering Sales?"

Host: Dede
Guest: Monique Hadad
Release Date: November 29, 2024

Beauty With A Twist delves deep into the intricacies of the beauty and service industry, exploring topics ranging from entrepreneurship to handling client relationships. In this engaging episode, host Dede welcomes Monique Hadad, a seasoned body waxer specializing in intimate Brazilian waxing, brows, and lash lifts. Together, they navigate Monique's journey, business strategies, and insights into maintaining the value of beauty services amidst promotional offers.

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1. Introduction to Monique Hadad

The episode kicks off with Dede introducing Monique Hadad, who clarifies her business identity and specialties.

• Monique Hadad [00:07]: "I legally go by Monique Hadad and specialize in Brazilian waxing, intimate waxing, brows, and lash lifts."

2. Transition from Personal Training to the Beauty Industry

Monique shares her career trajectory, highlighting her initial path in personal training before pivoting to the beauty sector.

• Monique [02:29]: "After high school, I pursued personal training while in college. However, I realized I wasn't passionate about it and sought a new direction."

3. Starting a Brazilian Waxing Business

Monique discusses her decision to enter the waxing industry, driven by encouragement from a colleague and the appeal of trade school.

• Monique [04:04]: "A lady who owned a lash bar encouraged me to explore the beauty industry, leading me to enroll in esthetician school."

4. Building Clientele: Free Services and Social Media

To establish her client base, Monique initially offered free Brazilian waxing services, leveraging her existing social media presence from personal training.

• Monique [09:48]: "I started by offering free Brazilians to build trust and gather content, eventually transitioning to charging for my services as I gained confidence."

5. Social Media Strategy: Instagram vs. TikTok

Monique emphasizes the importance of educational and relatable content on social media platforms to attract and retain clients.

• Monique [13:47]: "Educational content catapulted me in a different direction, showing my passion and expertise, which helped attract both clients and industry peers."

6. Pricing Strategies and Discounts

The conversation shifts to the controversial topic of offering discounts and promotions without devaluing services.

• Monique [31:08]: "I have a 'Wax Wednesday' where I offer $10 off Brazilians. I believe discounts are a nice gesture to give back to loyal clients without devaluing my services."

7. Booking Systems vs. Direct Messages (DMs)

Monique advocates for using booking systems over DMs to maintain organization and professionalism.

• Monique [40:11]: "Booking systems are more organized, tracking appointments and finances efficiently, unlike the chaotic nature of managing bookings through DMs."

8. Handling Different Client Personalities

Monique highlights the need to adapt to various client personalities to ensure a comfortable and professional service environment.

• Monique [22:05]: "As a business owner, you need to be a chameleon—adapting your interactions based on each client's preferences to provide a quality service."

9. Work-Life Balance and Mental Health

Both Dede and Monique discuss the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially when building a business from the ground up.

• Monique [17:37]: "I used to work six days a week, which was mentally exhausting. Now, I prioritize a balanced schedule to protect my mental health and maintain productivity."

10. Collaborations and Industry Peers

Monique acknowledges the influence of industry leaders like Kimberly and Lady Pang, who inspired her content creation and business strategies.

• Monique [50:02]: "Kimberly inspired me to focus on Brazilian waxing and create content that showcases my expertise and passion for the field."

11. Social Media Influence and Real-Life Interactions

The duo explores the disparity between social media personas and real-life interactions, stressing the importance of authenticity.

• Dede [55:08]: "I met someone who was my idol on social media, and it was heartbreaking to realize they weren't as portrayed online."

12. Tips for Aspiring Estheticians

Monique offers valuable advice for newcomers to the beauty industry, emphasizing the importance of hustle in the beginning and maintaining quality.

• Monique [24:01]: "In the beginning, hustle is essential. Working long hours and taking numerous clients helps build a steady clientele for long-term success."

13. Final Advice and Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Monique shares her philosophy on fitness and self-care as crucial elements for personal and professional growth.

• Monique [62:09]: "Move your body and nourish yourself. Whether it's yoga, dancing, or working out, staying active enhances your mental well-being and overall quality of life."

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Notable Quotes:

• Monique Hadad [02:29]: "I didn't see myself in the fitness space anymore, so I explored the beauty industry as a new direction."

• Dede [17:37]: "Balancing work and personal life is crucial to protect your mental health and maintain productivity."

• Monique Hadad [31:08]: "Offering discounts is a way to appreciate my loyal clients without devaluing my services."

• Monique Hadad [22:05]: "Adapting to each client's personality ensures they feel comfortable and valued during their service."

• Monique Hadad [62:09]: "Move your body and nourish yourself. It adds up to a lot over time and keeps you grounded."

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This episode of Beauty with a Twist offers a comprehensive look into Monique Hadad's professional journey, her strategic approaches to building a successful waxing business, and the balance required to thrive both personally and professionally in the beauty industry. Listeners gain valuable insights into effective marketing, client management, and the importance of maintaining the quality and integrity of beauty services amidst promotional strategies.

Transcript

[A]

Hey guys. Welcome back to another episode of Beauty with a Twist. I'm super excited for this week's episode because we have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself.

[B]

Hey everyone. My name is Monique Hadad. And my business name is also just my regular name, which I also wonder like, how you're going to introduce me because you're like, what is your business name? So I don't really have one, I guess, but legally it's Monique Kad and I'm a body waxer. I specialize specifically in Volvo waxing, intimate waxing. I also offer brows and lash lifts. But I would say my niche is definitely creating educational silly content regarding Brazilian waxing.

[A]

And the best content. What the. That's like.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Literally what caught my eye from your page was your content. And I was showing my manager before you got here, I was like, you need to check out her content to see what, like she puts a judge us on our cameras, y'all.

[B]

No, no, I was actually just telling them earlier, I don't even know about cameras like that. And I literally just bought mine based off of some guy's video I saw on TikTok that was incredible and very cinematic. So I was like, that's the camera I'm going to get. And I was reading the comments and they were like, it's good for video.

[A]

Did you learn how to do it all yourself?

[B]

Yeah, literally, I did like, well, I saw the guy that sold me the camera at Best Buy. I asked him, I was like, do you guys offer classes or anything like that? And he's like, no, but I'm actually a photographer, videographer, so I can come and like teach you. So I was like, cool. So I paid him, like, I think it was like 150. It was very affordable. So he came for like two hours and just taught me the basics. And then from there I just kind of taught myself YouTube videos.

[A]

So you got lucky because the guy that you were just talking.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Like I just happened to ask.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But it definitely is a learning curve for sure. I'm not an expert on it at all. Like, there's so much I need to learn. But everything, like all my editing I do on Cap Cut. So like the captions, the simple editing, transitions, all that stuff is all on Cap Cut.

[A]

That's what I use. And I like the pre made templates. Like shout out to cap cut.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's so easy. Just boom, boom.

[B]

Yeah. Friendly.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it again, it's a learning curve too, but the more you use it, the better you get at it. And it just becomes pretty easy to use. And then if I'm unsure about something, I literally just go on YouTube and there's almost always a tutorial on how to do that.

[A]

Google?

[B]

Yeah, Google literally. Or ChatGPT. Oh, yeah.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

If you don't use Chat GPT, you're truly missing out.

[A]

That saved me from school.

[B]

No, it literally saves lives. Like, actually.

[A]

So tell me how you started. Started. Tell me, like, your whole waxing journey. Did you start making content? Like, tell me everything.

[B]

Okay, so I originally started off okay, backstory, backtrack. So I. After high school, I went to csun, and while I was in season, I wanted to be an elementary teacher, or so I thought. But I was only 17 years old. So how are you going to know what you want to do for the rest of your life at that young? Yeah, but I was like, you know what? Let me just pick something I like K that seems like a good, you know, career to get into. And then second to last year of school, I was like, you know what? I'm not really feeling passionate about this. I don't really want to do this for the rest of my life. And at the time, I was getting really into fitness. So I decided to get my personal training certification. And I started personal training while I was still in college. And then I did that for four years, and I was already so close to being done with school. I had, like a couple semesters left, a couple classes. So I was like, let me just finish, get it out of the way and do personal training in the meantime. So after I finished csun, I did personal training full time for four years. Or like three and a half, Four years. And that's where, like, I got all my clientele. I was like, working as a personal trainer full time. And while I was personal training, I was like, I don't really know if I want to do this the rest of my life. So then again, I kind of went back to the drawing board and I was like, okay, what am I going to do? 5, 10, 15.

[A]

But you were working under somebody.

[B]

No, but myself. Oh, yeah, fully. So I was like, marketing myself on social media, which is how I am now getting my own clients. And then I rented out a space at, like, a small gym. And that's how I, you know, highlight my little business going for myself. So I lost my train of thought.

[A]

Wait, where was I?

[B]

Oh, yeah. So I was like, what am I going to do with life in like, 5, 10, 15 years? I just didn't see myself in the fitness space anymore, pretty much. And then there was a lady who actually owned a Lash bar in that same studio as that private gym, and she would get trained by another trainer at the gym. So she was like, monique, why don't you come lash for me? You can make a lot of money, like, in the beauty industry, and then you could just do personal training part time. And I was like, you know what? I've already been thinking about doing something else. And I definitely did not want to go to university and, you know, spend more money, get into student loan debt and do all that, especially if I wasn't sure with what I was going to do. And at the time, I could afford putting myself in esthetician school and, like, supporting myself through my personal training job.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I was like, you know what? What do I have to lose so I could see myself in the beauty industry? I definitely know I could learn a new skill. And what it's like six months full time. And I was like, it's a perfect opportunity, and I totally think I could just go for it. So it was a very impulsive decision.

[A]

But do I really want to do this? Do. Am I gonna like it? Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

Had no idea.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What the beauty industry was even like. I never even thought about going to a trade school. Never even thought about being in the beauty industry ever. I never even thought about it at all. And then I was like, it just seems like the perfect opportunity. I can afford it. What do I have to lose? It sounds fun. And then at the time, one of my personal training clients, Bri, she was doing lashes, but she also needed to get licensed. And I told her about, like, my little plan, and she was like, oh, my God, I really want to go to school, too. So we decided to enroll together. And it was pretty much because the lady told me, like, if you work for me, you have to get licensed. So I was like, okay, I'll do it, and then I'll try lashing. And then while I was in school, I realized I kind of liked a little bit of everything. I like doing lashes. I liked doing facials. I liked the waxing portion. I wasn't really, like, married to one thing, and when I was close to finishing, I felt like I didn't really want to only do lashes, but that was the only thing that I was kind of good at and what I practiced. So I kind of felt like, okay, let me just stick to the lashes. See how it goes. And I just didn't like it. I just didn't like sitting down for that long. I feel like it takes a lot of patience and I have, like, a lot of respect for lash artists and what they do. But after giving it a good shot for a year, it just wasn't for me. And I was like, you know what? I'm gonna try getting into waxing. So I've never been the type to be opposed to Brazilian waxing. It's never turned me off in any way. It just really didn't bother me whatsoever. So I was like, you know what? I know Brazilian waxing is a really popular service, and I could see myself doing that. So I was interested in getting hired at European Wax center because I didn't get any Brazilian wax training in school. And, you know, getting into it, I was like, I need to get some practice. And at the time, I just didn't really know. I know it sounds so silly, but I didn't really know there was solo Brazilian wax specialists who had Brazilian waxing courses. I just was a baby esthetician without any knowledge about the industry. So I figured going to European Wax center was a good idea. And this was during the pandemic in 2020. So I got hired at European Wax center, but things were still closed. And the person that hired me was like, we don't know when we're going to open yet, but come in and we can train. And then once we open up, like, you could start working again.

[A]

Beautiful. Yeah.

[B]

So I was like, okay, cool. Like, that's perfect. And at the time, I already rented out a studio with my. With Bri, and we were just like, lashing out of there together. So I was like, okay, cool. Like, you have a spa? Yeah, I have a spa. Let me just also, like, get this money funneling in from European Wax center once I start working. Because I also didn't have a study clientele. I literally went from personal training to beauty industry. So I had like zero beauty clients.

[A]

But did you have the same Instagram? Like, you kind of just.

[B]

I just really transitioned it. Yeah, the same Instagram. So if you scroll down my Instagram, it's like, oh, my.

[A]

Stock the fuck out of her. After that, she leaves you, literally.

[B]

And then so I got hired there and I did the two day training and it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. I feel like the training was going to be a little bit more extensive, but it just wasn't what I thought. And whenever, like, the second day of training wrapped up and came to an end, they were pretty much just kind of like ready to just throw you in there. And I was like, I don't know, I don't know. I don't know if it was like a two or three day training, but they. We did have, I think it was a two day training. Correct me if I'm wrong because I honestly kind of forgot. But it just wasn't extensive and I thought I would be able to get a little bit more practice in and I think like the.

[A]

For.

[B]

I don't even know if this is correct, honestly, because I really don't remember. But I think they let you bring in people a couple more times, like your first week or something, then you.

[A]

Practice on the people that you know first.

[B]

I think, yeah, I don't think they just throw you in there. So I don't want to say anything wrong, but I'm pretty sure you could still get practice in. But I just didn't think it was extensive to just like have people come in and just practice with the knowledge that I got. And in my head I was like, okay, well I already have my own space. I don't feel like I really got that much out of this. And if I'm going to practice here on people with this knowledge, why not just do it myself? So I literally just left and told them I didn't want to continue. And that wasn't my plan. I just really like, my plan was to stay there for a couple years, get some really good practice and knowledge and because everyone says if you want to be a really good waxer, you should get hired at European Wax center because you do get a lot of volume. You get a lot of clients. It's great experience. And a lot of people who work there say it is, it was really good experience. Was it the best for them, like emotionally? Probably not, but it is good, like practice. I would say.

[A]

So speeding too.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Because it's like this, right? You have like what, 25 clients a day?

[B]

Yeah. So that definitely wasn't my intention to just leave, but I. It just didn't make sense for me to stay there. And then from then on I just was so adamant about getting as good as possible as quick as possible. So in the beginning again, I went from personal training to the beauty industry. People didn't really trust me. It was probably random for a lot of people who were following me to be like, oh, she's literally a waxing coochie now.

[A]

So she went to lifton, I went to listen to wax making my ass real nice.

[B]

And I'm sure that was confusing to a lot of people because they're like, well, she looks like she's successful in personal training. Like, I wonder why she switched. But anyway, so I was offering free Brazilians at first, cuz who doesn't love a free service?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I wanted to get good really fast. And I knew people would come in if I was offering free Brazilians and it would take that pressure off of me, of, okay, I need to finish quickly. I need to give them a good service because it's free. I'm just practicing. So I would be very upfront with people. Like, hey, I haven't waxed that much before. I'm still practicing. It's going to take probably this much time, so be patient with me. And you know, the, the more people I got in, I would get content out of it. And then eventually I started charging people like $20, $40. So as I got better, more confident, I started charging people and then Now I charge 70 for each Brazilian. And that's pretty much how I started saying, yeah.

[A]

So did you, like, when you were going through that time and you took three people, did they refer other people? Yeah, kind of how you grew your books and stuff.

[B]

Definitely. But also, I think I was always good about content since the beginning because of my personal training career. A lot of people might like, I definitely feel like when you already have some kind of background in business or it could be something completely different, you can definitely transfer all that knowledge and expertise and experience to whatever it is that you're doing new, even if it's completely different. And even though it's two completely different career paths, I was able to transfer everything I learned with my personal training stuff to my beauty stuff. And it was very seamless and easy in that aspect. Just getting new clients was difficult because it's hard for people to see me, me as their trainer and then them to be like, oh, here's my coochie. Like, let me just have you wax me, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And at that point, a lot of people already have their beauty professionals. Maybe they got lasered, maybe they get wax. Like they just don't see me like that. So I kind of had to start from scratch.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And that, to answer your question, it was definitely like just getting people in by free services at first because I was desperate to get clients and I had a space with no clients. Like, I had to pay rent. So I wanted to get good as quickly as possible, get clients as quickly as possible. So in order to do that, I felt like I had to get free clients. And then from there I kind of like work My way up and definitely posted on social media. Like, anything and everything that I could think of to post on social media, I did. Even if it was as simple as stirring my wax pot and being like, something, something. Literally, everything's content.

[A]

Yeah. And did you, like. Because a lot of people go scared to go solo right away, so. Especially because you just went solo right away. You were with Bri, right? Are you still with Brie?

[B]

Yeah, I'm still the Brie, Yeah.

[A]

So you went solo right away when I feel like people are intimidated because they're like, how am I gonna get clients? But I think that's some good advice, right? Go free. Get as much people in. But how do you tell them later on? Like, okay, now it's free, but now you have to pay for the next one. Like, it was it.

[B]

Well, that, to me, I don't even feel like that was really a problem or I didn't really, like, think about it. It just kind. I think people understood because they're like, okay, you're getting busier. Like, you're obviously really good quicker.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I think a lot of. A lot of it, too was like, people would come in for a free service, but once I started charging, maybe they wouldn't come in as often, but they would still refer people. And then they would come, like, down the line. So I don't think it was. I think people know, like, common sense, you know, you're not going to do free work forever. And I know that's, like, not realistic for a lot of people because you still have to pay for your materials and. And all that. So I know, like, financially it may not be an option for most, but it's worth it. Even if it's just like a week of taking free clients and you can get so much content out of that. And I think people forget that, you know, it's not a forever thing. And you kind of have to sacrifice in the beginning to get to where you want to be for your future.

[A]

Yeah. And did you grow your Instagram? Like, because I feel like educational post is, like, so in right now. So does that. Do that help you grow your Instagram or kind of like, you know, because when I first started waxing, I feel like my before and after is always hit. But then when I did educational posts, it was like, boom. Like, that just blew up. Because people want to learn even if they're not in this field. Clients like to know certain things about waxing. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. So I definitely do think the educational stuff catapulted me into a different direction. It obviously gives you more credibility. People obviously see you as not take you more seriously, but they are like, okay, wow. Even though she does wax vulvas for a living. And people may think it's not a real job or it's like funny. And I do make funny educational content because it's relatable and I. It's really fun for me. But I think when people see that you're. You have an educational based social media, it could show people that you're really passionate about your job, that you know what you're talking about and that you're just inspired by what you do. So that definitely helps with attracting people that want to get waxed and also people that are in the industry as well.

[A]

Yeah. And you know what I like about your videos too? Like you add lifestyle videos like you just got a lash lift by my girl.

[B]

Love that ash.

[A]

Yes. And I'm like, I just love how you just put that into your content. You add that with all your other. Because it just shows what you do outside of work too.

[B]

Yeah, I think that's important definitely because I think that people want to kind of see the person behind the brand. I think that's why it's important for me to like show my face on camera and just talk on camera. And I kind of want to be a little better about showing more of the lifestyle, you know, things that I like to do behind work as well. Like my fitness stuff. Because even though I don't personal train anymore, I am heavily still in the gym. I don't work out seven days a week. I only work out and lift like three or four times out of the week. But I do have definitely a more fitness center, like healthy lifestyle, all that stuff. So that's like really important to me. And I think people love to see the person behind the brand.

[A]

They do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because when I show myself and I show my baby, I'm like, dude, how the fuck? And my story is getting this much.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then like when I post something else, like I seen a post, it was so relatable. It was something like I posted something and it got like this many likes. But I posted myself and it got hundreds of likes. And it's just like it really goes back into like people want to relate to the person or. And I get so many much more responses of like myself than something else that I'm posting about work, which is so weird, you know?

[B]

Yeah. But it makes sense because think of it this way, like if you just see it before and after or any of that, it kind of gets boring after a while, you already know what to expect. And don't get me wrong, those are great because people get to see your work. And that's literally how I find. Found my esthetician skintegrity la because of her before and afters. And I felt like she could change my life and she literally did.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

So they are very important, for sure. But at the same time, I do think people are. They like you for you and they're just curious, like, I wonder what this girl's life looks like outside of her esthetician business. Because if you look at someone's Instagram business, Instagram, for face value, it seems like that's their entire life. And I think people truly think that's my entire life, that that's all I do. But there's like a whole other side that people don't see, you know?

[A]

So do you now, like, do you still take on full time clients? Like, how's your clientele now from when it was like. And then from there, like, do you. How do you have time to make your content? First of all, like, I see or post the best content. I'm like, how did. Like, I'm over here struggling, you know, I'm like, I have 10 clients a day and then I go home. The last thing I want to do is post this video.

[B]

Definitely. You know, I do have my routine, but I will say too, like, I don't have any kids. And I think when you do have kids, it's completely different. Yes, but if you're solo and you don't have kids or you aren't a caregiver to anybody, I feel like there's no excuse because your entire life is content, you know what I mean? And you're already working, so it takes two seconds to literally put a camera up. Of course, some things take more time and editing is what takes the most time. It's not really filming the content, filming the content so easy, but it's the editing, I think, that takes the most time. And I think more often than not, we're overthinking the, you know, content that we want to post. And that's where people kind of get stuck because it just gets so overwhelming and you're thinking about everything at once that you just end up not doing it at all.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

So number one, don't overcome complicated. But to answer your question is I started taking time off for it now. So before I used to work six days a week, which is kind of Insane. Because how am I going to have time for myself to just keep my space clean and like. Yeah, deep clean. To do all the behind the scenes to make time for. Yeah. Just myself, my life, my friends, and then also work and make content. So I decided to take more time off for that. So I take a day to film and then usually in the morning I have time because I start my work from like 11am to 6. So I have a couple hours to either edit my content and then like super early in the mornings I like to work out. So I'm a morning person. Like, I wake up pretty early, sleep really early, but I think I'm just productive a lot of the time. Like, I don't really have downtime, to.

[A]

Be honest, because you're like here, you're like there.

[B]

It's such a fast.

[A]

You're just like, it is. I'm busy all day. Like I'm doing this and doing this.

[B]

I actually am though. Yeah, me too.

[A]

I'm like, how the do I do it? I don't know how I do it, but I gotta be here. Gotta be here. I gotta be here. And I'm like, I do it. Yeah.

[B]

And I think it's because you have a certain standard that you set for yourself and I think you have a certain view of what you want your future to look like. And I think when you know, you want something out of life, you know what it is that you have to do every day to get there. And I think that's why we're like that.

[A]

Yeah. And you know, that's, that's such good advice. Because I really feel like a lot of people try to say, well, how did that person get to where they are? It's because I worked that hard to.

[B]

Get to where I'm at.

[A]

I really do. Even though I say I'm. I'm really am busy, I really am busy. Like, I'm striving to be better. I'm striving because I know the type of life that I want, the stable life that I strive for. You know what I mean? So I can completely relate to that because especially now, I'm like, I don't know how, but I do.

[B]

Yeah, you do it. I think you just don't even think about it. You just do. And I think that's how I do it as well. I don't really think about how much I have to do or what fills my day. I just know I have a routine. I wake up, I go to the gym, I do my meditation or I do My self care stuff. Then I'll work a little bit on content, clean up my space before clients come, you know, just do all that. But it's always like back to back stuff.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think in order to be able to do everything at the capacity that I do, it is to just. I don't want to say work non stop, but when you do have a business, it really never stops.

[A]

Just have an agenda for yourself.

[B]

Exactly. And I'm not going to neglect myself either. So it's important for me to give time to myself. But that also requires discipline, you know.

[A]

Yeah. So do you take, how many clients typically do you take a day from that?

[B]

Oh, yeah, I didn't even answer that question. I went off on a tangent. So typically in a day I do, I keep. I have 30 minute appointments for.

[A]

That's what I was gonna ask. Are we speedy wax? Are we a 30 minute, are we a 15 minute?

[B]

I can whack someone in 10 to 20 minutes average. I would say like 15 to 20 minutes. But I can do 10 minute waxes depending on if my clients are regular, if they follow their aftercare. So I can be a speed waxer, but I can also take my time. But regardless, I book out two clients per hour. So each client has 30 minutes. And that's just to give me time to clean, to prep. Sometimes clients run late and I'm already. So go, go, go every second of every day that I like to at least give myself time for clients. Because if that like part of my life is frazzled, it's just a cascading effect of me feeling frazzled the rest of the day. And it's just I feel like being that go, go, go with clients is just not good for my mental nervous system and my mental health. Yeah, it's not good.

[A]

Yeah. You know, I before would take like 20 Brazilians a day. This was like back when I maybe like two years after I started and I was so exhausted mentally, physically, and I know a lot of people that do and shout out to them like they're speedy waxes. And that is such. That's great. And I love that for them. And I remember those times I used to do it and I was just so exhausted. And now I do 30 minutes. So two clients an hour. And I just know that that time I could spend a little bit more time with my client. And not only just that, but it gives me time, maybe like an extra five minutes to just breathe.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

And get ready for the next personality that I'm about to meet. Because every personality is different. And I feel like, no, I don't change my personality, but you kind of have to in a way, like, yeah, this person can be interested in this, and then another person can be interested in the way opposite.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, so you're definitely dealing with different personalities.

[B]

I agree. And I don't.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't know if this is a controversial take, but I think in order to be a successful business owner, you kind of have to be a chameleon, you know, not to say you have to change your personality, but. Or, like, change your viewpoints or your opinions. But you kind of do have to be careful about what you can and can't say with some clients and how to treat certain people.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

You know, there's some clients who are going to want you to treat them like their friend, and there's some clients who are going to want just a point A to point B service. There's some clients who don't even want you to talk to them. So I think you have to adapt to each of your clients, especially if you're a service provider in the beauty industry, you know?

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like there's times where, you know, I had to be a certain way, and it's like in my head, I'm like, I'm not really this way, but it's like, I don't want this person to feel uncomfortable if I might.

[B]

Like, yeah, people, their legs are splayed open. I'm not going to make them feel uncomfortable. That's crazy.

[A]

And I just don't want it. And this could feel so controversial, like, you guys are fake, then you guys are not showing them your real. No, it's because some people just don't.

[B]

And it's business. Like, you're not my family or friend, where, like, I could say whatever and be myself 100 of the time. Like, I'm here to give you a quality service and make you feel comfortable. Because you're paying me. So I think if someone's paying me, I'm gonna make sure I make them feel comfortable. Yeah, that's, like, my number one priority, no matter what my opinion is.

[A]

Exactly. And also to what I really feel like helped me gain the clientele that I have now, especially, like, the amount of regulars that I do have. I feel like what helped me was I can relate to a lot of things, and I know about a lot of things. It's weird. Like, you can talk to me about the most random thing, but I'll know one fact about that. Random.

[B]

Yeah. Of Course, because you meet so many people. Yeah.

[A]

And I'm like, that, that helped me a lot. Even though I'm not into it, I'll know one thing about it. And that one topic we'll talk about throughout the whole service and they'll teach me more and more about it. And it's just, they think, oh my gosh, she's actually really cool. Like, and then that conversation right there just helped me refer someone else.

[B]

Yeah, 100.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

I agree with you. But to go back also to what you were saying about 20 clients a day, I did that in, in the beginning too. And I think a lot of estheticians do that, because in the beginning you want to build your clientele. You have kind of this mentality of like, you're scared that maybe you won't have clientele one day, so you want to take as many people as possible. And you're usually praying for the day where you have that amount of clients. So you just want to work as much as possible, make as much as possible. So in the beginning, I was working sometimes 12 hour days and taking like 20, 25 plus clients, and I was like, mentally exhausted. But I think because I did that in the beginning, I could now, you know, obviously lessen my hours, but still have my books fully filled because I'm just kind of spreading myself, not so thin anymore, you know, and I have a more steady clientele and it's just better for my mental health. But I do think it's important to hustle in the beginning.

[A]

Yeah, sure. And when you were doing those, like, how tired were you? Like, really, like, exhausted, right?

[B]

Exhausted. Yeah, definitely mentally exhausted. I feel your health. Obviously you feel it, you know, in your body, in your skin and your weight, ability to sleep. Yeah. Cravings. Yeah.

[A]

Yes. I would eat every. Like, I would. I wouldn't care because I was like, yeah, let me just shove it down my throat, you know what I mean?

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Two minutes that I have let me eat something, doesn't matter what it is.

[B]

You know, and then I don't know if you could resonate, but I also started resenting myself because I would be getting annoyed that I was kind of doing that to myself and then not giving myself time to maybe go to the gym and maybe not getting some extra TLC that I wanted to give myself. And I was like, why am I doing this to myself? But I feel like I couldn't stop. It was so weird. I had this mentality where I was like, no, I'm going to, like, lose My business, I'm going to.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Not make any more money. Like, I have to grind, grind, grind 24 7. But now I learned that you need to definitely have time for both if you want to be successful for the long term. For longevity.

[A]

Yeah. And, you know, I do see, and like I said, I know there's a lot of waxers that are speedy waxers, and a lot of my friends are speedy waxers, and I see them, but I just, like, going back, like, I just feel like I personally did it, been there, done that, and I'm not there no more. And I feel like now my clientele and, like, the way my books are formed, I have. It's. I feel so much more just, like, content, and I'm chilled, and I'm like, I know that I'm going to work. Like, oh, I don't have to do. I don't have this client and this kind and this client and this client. Like, I just. I'm just chilling. You know what I mean? And that. And then it helps me so much. And then you know what? I didn't have an assistant back then, and I died because I remembered I have to go back, push my wax chips down because the trash was getting overflown and have, like, not even a minute to clean because then I had another one come in, like, five minutes. You know what I mean? So I was just driving myself crazy.

[B]

I think also it's personality, too. I think some people strive off of go, go, go. Getting. Having as many clients, and I think they're really good at that. But I think you just have to take your own personality, your own capacity, your own mental health into consideration to see what works better for you. You know, I didn't even ask you.

[A]

What's your zodiac sign?

[B]

Libra. October 15th.

[A]

Oh, my God. Tell me this is a sign. Oh, my God, Marlo. This is a sign. My son's due date was October 15th, and he's a Libra. He's born October 4th.

[B]

Amazing. There's a lot of October babies in my family and my fiance's family. Yeah. My mom's October 9th. My grandma was October 18th. His mom's October 18th. His dad was October 14th.

[A]

So how busy is your October?

[B]

Pretty busy.

[A]

Yeah. So is your favorite holiday like Halloween?

[B]

I would say it's more Christmas, New Year's, just because I love the Christmas vibe.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I love the month of October in general. I love fall, so.

[A]

And there's so much to do. Huh? I feel like October goes by so fast because I'm like, this week. I can go to Universal this weekend. I have a Halloween party this weekend. I'm doing this and I'm like, where the fuck did October go?

[B]

It's such a nice month.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

I love it.

[A]

And I'm so glad my son was born in October because I've always wanted to throw a Halloween party.

[B]

Amazing. It's perfect.

[A]

And I'm like, now I can fucking do it every year.

[B]

Yes. That's actually really cute. It gives me an excuse.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

What's your sign?

[A]

I'm a Cancer.

[B]

My brother's a Cancer.

[A]

Do you guys.

[B]

I love cancer.

[A]

Tastes good.

[B]

Yes. I feel, I don't know if I'm just generalizing because I'm totally just projecting off my own.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Zodiac sign and personality. But I feel like Libras have a great ability to get along with a lot of people. And not to say that I'm going to be best friends with everybody or be even friends with that person, but we have an ability to just be neutral and not let differing opinions make us have animosity towards that person.

[A]

Like, you know, you, like, you don't look, for example, like, if a person feels a type of way for this person, you're not going to take their word because you don't know that person.

[B]

Yes. But also what I'm trying to say is if you have an opinion that I don't agree with, I'm not going to hate you for it.

[A]

Oh, you know, okay.

[B]

Like, I'm just.

[A]

Okay, cool.

[B]

You know? Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

And I love that. And I hope, I hope my son is like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I've heard a lot of. About Libras.

[B]

I don't. Libras are like that. I'm like that.

[A]

But I've always heard that. Oh, my God, no, your son is a Libra. Like, good luck. And I'm like, dude, what the hell?

[B]

But we're always just projecting our own experiences.

[A]

Yeah. You know, like, that's why everyone hates zodiac signs, too. Because then I'm like, oh, here he goes. Like, Marlo, my manager, hates it. Hates it. Every time we talk about.

[B]

He's like, my fiance doesn't think it exists.

[A]

He's like, me, too. He's like, what the hell? Like, it's all the same. Like, everyone thinks this and everyone thinks that, but if you really look into it, it really does. Okay. It really does matter.

[B]

I, I, I agree.

[A]

Like, to a certain extent.

[B]

Yes. To a certain extent. Yeah. For sure.

[A]

Because I'm like, I, I feel like for me, everyone projects I'm a crybaby. Because cancer is water signs. We're cry babies. Whatever. I'm not a crybaby at all.

[B]

My moon is in cancer. I'm a crybaby.

[A]

Are you really?

[B]

I'm not.

[A]

I'm cusp.

[B]

Gemini.

[A]

Maybe that's why. But I feel like for me, I. I'm more emotional when it comes. Like, I don't cry in front of a person. It takes a lot for me to cry and I feel like any cancer.

[B]

Do you hold your emotions in, like you feel a lot, you just don't express it?

[A]

Yes, it's really hard for me to express. Like, hey, Monique, I feel this way, but I cannot tell you that. But I'm saying this in my head, you know, I just can't express myself.

[B]

And are you conference. Are you non confrontational or do you not yourself? Like, is that too the same?

[A]

I. No, that's not the same. Because if there's a confrontation, like, yeah, yeah.

[B]

You know, but it's more like expressing your own emotions.

[A]

Yeah. Like, to my boyfriend, I'm like, if he does something wrong, I'm like, I.

[B]

Don'T want to tell him, like, he.

[A]

Does something wrong, but he does something wrong because I don't want to start an argument and I don't want to cry to him or cry in the restroom that I'm.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

That makes sense. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But anyways, going back.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

We got distracted with the fucking. Every. Every time I. Every time I know someone's down, I'm just like, hold on, let me. Yeah, I got distracted. But anyways, so tell me about, like, sales, because I feel like this is a big one. Do you give out any, like, specials? Like, do you have a special demand? Do you like ever lower your pricing?

[B]

Yeah, I definitely do. So on Wednesdays, I have Wax Wednesday where I offer 10 off Brazilians. And I know a lot of people, or not a lot of people, but some people in the beauty industry have this opinion that if you have a discipline discount or you offer promotions, that people are going to see you as less than or devalue your service. And I personally don't really agree with that. The reason why I personally offer a discount is because I do have a lot of loyal clients who come to me not only on Wednesdays, but I feel like Wednesdays are always filled up with regulars and I think they really appreciate the $10 off. And I feel like it's just a nice gesture to give back to my clients who give so much to Me?

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

And I know people may think like, well, you're not making as much money or whatever, this, that and the other. But to me, I feel like everything always comes back to me. And my clients tip me really well as well. And I think it's just a nice gesture to give to clients who that $10 might be a lot to them, you know, and maybe be the difference for them to be able to come and get that service that month.

[A]

Why do you think it's. It's such a controversial thing for a person to like?

[B]

If someone offers a discount, I don't devalue their service. So I, I don't really know why people might think that. For example, like, if my esthetician offered a Black Friday discount on her facials or offered a discount or a bundle of get four micro needles and you get this much money off, I wouldn't, I definitely wouldn't devalue their service. I feel like their service is still great quality and they're still that same person. So I don't know. I'm not sure why people.

[A]

I know, I see that all the time, like, oh, don't ever, like, don't ever lower your pricing because it's going to lower the value of yourself and then that. But I agree because I do specials every month. I've been doing it since I started and I feel like my clients wait for it and it's like, even if they wait for it, the tip. And I know that I love my clients, they tip so well. The tip just compares to them paying full price and it's. Yeah, for them it's not an issue. It's just, I know for them they're like, what's special this month? Or what are you going to do this? But they kind of like look forward to it. Exactly.

[B]

And I don't offer the discount because I know people are going to tip me and make up for the difference. Because some people don't tip. And I'm also okay with that as well. I don't ever expect tip. But I think another argument too is that people are always going to look for your discount. But that's not true because if you're good at what you do and you offer a good service, people are going to keep you booked and busy. And I am booked and busy and people still book me on all the other days that I don't do discounts. And I just think it's like you said, something that clients could really look forward to.

[A]

Yeah. Do you just do majority Brazilians or you Kind of do full body.

[B]

I would say majority is definitely Brazilians. But I do a lot of underarm waxing. I do, like, a good amount of brows. I do butt waxes, upper lip waxes. I don't do manzillions. No.

[A]

Did you ever think about demons?

[B]

No.

[A]

Your fiance's over there.

[B]

Like, she better not freaking.

[A]

She better say, hell no.

[B]

No. So I never thought about it. I think I'm not good with confrontation. At the end of the day, if I really needed to confront something, something about, or confront someone about something, I definitely would. But I just never want to be put in a vulnerable situation where I know a man can easily take advantage of me because I'm literally four, eleven and a half.

[A]

She's tiny, you guys. She's, like, the most. I would. I, like, seen her. I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, I just want to cuddle with her.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And love her.

[B]

Realistically, I just don't want to be put in a situation where I feel uncomfortable in that way. And it's usually just me and Bri in our room. There's nobody else, so. And me and Bri don't work together all the time. And I just. I don't know. It's kind of a scary situation. Not to say that there aren't men out there who are amazing, loyal, good paying customers and truly just want to get a service and that's it. But I just don't want to really gamble with that.

[A]

Yeah. You know, and it's so true because I did it for a long time and I still do it to my regulars, but I stopped because I bet.

[B]

You had horror stories.

[A]

It was the worst time of my life, and this happened when I was pregnant. I'm not gonna talk about it again because I already talked about it enough. Yeah. But it was the worst day of my life.

[B]

I wasn't even going to ask you because I know those situations could just be very traumatic that you don't want to think about or replay it in your head.

[A]

And it was just disgusting. And I'm like, you know what? I told my man about it.

[B]

I'm done.

[A]

Yeah. He was like, no, I want you to stop. And I was like, okay, that's that already. I'm going to stop because I'm going to respect my partner. But I can understand where you're really coming from, because I'm not doing it anymore.

[B]

It's just unfortunate because there are a lot of men that do want to service, but unfortunately, there's a select few that will ruin it for a lot of people.

[A]

Yeah. What about discounts? Like, have you ever had a client ask you for a discount?

[B]

Never actually.

[A]

Really?

[B]

I've never had a client ask me for a discount. Yeah. That's kind of surprising right now that I thought about it. Yeah.

[A]

Never know. But.

[B]

Yeah, never. But don't you think it would be kind of weird to ask for a discount for a Brazilian? Maybe that's why. Because it's a more intimate service and I think most people would be like, like, okay, this maybe person just waxed my ass. Like, I'm not gonna ask her for $10 off or whatever. To me, I don't know.

[A]

No, but you know, it's because I've got, I've, I've, I've been in a situation where it was like, yes, like, or what, do you have a discount for wax today? Or like maybe something cash?

[B]

No, never? No, no, never. I think if someone were to ask me, I would just say I don't offer discounts, but I do have my wax Wednesday where I offer $10 off Brazilians, but I haven't had anyone ask me for a discount. No, never.

[A]

Well, I got stuck with that.

[B]

Maybe it's my booking payment option. So I asked for a half to deposit when they book and then half later. And I think that could financially help people out a lot too because it's kind of like after pay where you're paying. Who knows, maybe a month when you booked and then a month later you just pay 35 again. So maybe people feel like, okay, this is more reasonable. I don't know if it's like a.

[A]

Do your regulars do that too? Every time?

[B]

Yeah, every time. Oh well, if people are pre booking with me and I know they've been a regular for a long time, I'll book the appointment for them sometimes and just not have them pay for deposit. Because all my clients respect my time and they always let me know ahead of time if they need to cancel or reschedule. And I know my loyal clients are going to come back. So.

[A]

Yeah, because I'm like, I stopped taking deposits because I just got too many of them. I, I lost count of like who paid what and I didn't know how to.

[B]

But it's through my booking at Vergaro, so it does everything for me. I highly recommend Vergaro. I love it.

[A]

I have booksy. I like Brixie.

[B]

Yeah. I feel like they're all kind of like good, you know?

[A]

Yeah. But I've always wanted to try it because my best friend tries that one, she's always like, yeah, come over to the side. I'm like, maybe I should. But then changing a whole booking system, it's just an true.

[B]

Yeah. And I'm sure you can have someone, like, help you with it. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. This is my third time trying. Like, I went to. I went from Gloss genius to square to now Booksie.

[B]

What do you, like, not like about Booksie? Maybe I can let you know what like, Vergaro has.

[A]

I think, like, from. What I don't like about Booksie is that we don't get our payments right away. If they do card, we get it like five days later. So let's say you pay for a service today. Not gonna get that. Usually Gaussians gives it me the next day. This one gives it to me in five days.

[B]

I see. Okay. Yeah, it's kind of a long time. Which Vergaro? How does Vigaro do it? So you get your. How do we not know this? Why am I blanking out? What the heck?

[A]

Wait. Because we're trying. Hey, sponsor. It's not sponsored by Vergara. Okay? No, not a sponsor.

[B]

When? Definitely doesn't take five days. I think it's a day after.

[A]

Is it a day after?

[B]

I'm pretty sure, yeah. And then, yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the day. I honestly am blanking out. I really don't know how. I don't know this, but I'm pretty sure it's the day after. And then they don't do deposits or whatever on Saturday. Sunday. So you get it Monday? Monday, yeah. They just recently changed it because before it used to be Tuesday. And then I got an email from my account, they're going to start depositing it Monday. So it's pretty, like a quick turnover.

[A]

And how do you feel about, like, having, like, someone barely starting they have a booking system? Like, do you feel like someone just should do DMs, like, message me for or DM me for a appointment or should they go straight into a business website or like.

[B]

Well, I think there's some people who thrive off dms because they like to have more control of their booking system. But I feel like those are the people who have actually never tried a booking system. For me, it was getting way too chaotic going back and forth with clients. It was just a little bit time consuming. Sometimes more mistakes happen that way. So I personally think it's more organized to be on a booking system because it tracks all your reports for you, how much you make, what, like, how many clients you have. You're able to just see things in a more organized way. All your potential prospecting clients can see all the services you have, the time slots you have available. They book themselves. All the deposits are through there. They fill out their forms. So all those things are very super important, I feel like, to run a successful business. So I think it's important for every beauty professional to have a booking system. But in the beginning, when you don't have that many clients, I can totally see why people may like to just book through dm.

[A]

Yeah. And especially because, you know, when you do a booking system and you do.

[B]

Your taxes and stuff, like, it's so much easier.

[A]

Easier because it tracks everything and everything. We're not going to put our cash in there. Right.

[B]

But I actually do.

[A]

Are you serious?

[B]

Yeah, but this is my.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

This is my.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I want to show exactly how much it is that I'm making. So in the future, if I do want to buy a home or invest in something, like, I think that's the way to go. Because I'm thinking more about the future, and I want it to show actually what I'm making, not what I'm. You know.

[A]

So that is. That's such.

[B]

We.

[A]

I've never talked about this on my podcast, but I think that's such a good way, because when I bought my home, and I bought my home this year, they look at your everything, not your gross. And what your net is, is how much you're bringing home, not necessarily how much you're making. So, for example, if I made, I don't know, 300,000 that month or that year, and I didn't take home that 300,000. I took home 120,000. That 120,000 is gonna tell me if I can afford this home or this home.

[B]

Yeah. And cash could be a huge thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So that's just my rationale way of thinking. Yeah.

[A]

And I do agree with that. If a person is trying to buy, invest, or whatever the thing is, but.

[B]

Eventually down the line, you know.

[A]

Yeah. But then you also have to think about how much does it go back to Uncle Stanza. How would they call it? Uncle Sam?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean? So how much do you have to pay for the taxes? You get me?

[B]

Yes, definitely. Well, I definitely could be better about that whole thing. I wish I could be a Lady Peng, but I'm just not.

[A]

Oh, I love her.

[B]

I love her. She is a badass. Honestly. She really is.

[A]

You know what? I. When's the last time I spoke to her? I Spoke to her, what, like a month ago. But I love her because I honestly. And she can chic knows. I didn't even know who she was. And Lady Pang hits me up and says, hey, I'm gonna be on your podcast. That's it. And I was kind of like, okay. And from there we became friends and she flew out here from Oregon.

[B]

Amazing.

[A]

And we became such good friends until this day. Like, she teaches me a lot, and I teach her about podcasting and stuff like that, but she teaches me so much about this type of stuff.

[B]

Yes. And that's the. That's really important. And I think she's just very inspirational. And I like that she is just so matter of fact with things super educational. I feel like when I saw one of her videos, I was like, sold. Because I haven't seen any esthetician run their Instagram page the way she does and have all that educational knowledge about finances and investing and all that. So it definitely inspired me. But I definitely have always had an accountant from the beginning. So he is kind of like. Like, I would say a bookkeeper, financial advisor, accountant. And one I got really lucky because it was one of my personal training clients, husbands. And so she referred me to him. And I'm just lucky that he does everything for me. But do I know? Am I knowledgeable about all that stuff? No, I just organize everything for him and, like, give him my stuff. You take care of all this? Yeah, because I'm not gonna do that myself. But I do think it's important for me to have education on that so soon to come.

[A]

You're working. You're about to see on her Instagram with her mic, and I just love how she sits in front of her mic and she's just talking. I love it. You know what one of my favorite videos was? And I just. It's like, come with me or. No, it was like, how fast can I do this wax? And then you put the timer in front of the camera, and then it was like literally like 10 minutes and seven seconds. Right. And I think that's. I don't know. I'm about to copy that.

[B]

You should.

[A]

Sorry.

[B]

It's fun.

[A]

I'm about to recreate that.

[B]

I don't know how I'm gonna do.

[A]

It, but I'm gonna do it.

[B]

Like, just put your camera up. Literally, again, don't overcomplicate it. You just put the camera up and you sometimes literally just you and your clients talking. It could be like a snippet of you guys talking, like a funny conversation. Anything.

[A]

And you know what? Every time I recreate someone's video, I always, like, give a shout out. Yeah. Say. Because you have. And I think this is so important that anytime someone recreates or does something inspiration by you or inspired by you, you always have to give that person, like, a, hey, this is who I was inspired by.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I feel like it's good to give that person their credit.

[B]

I agree. But also, I think there's a lot of people who think that people are copying them, but they're not. Like, if you're in Brazilian waxing, it's such a niche, you know, specialty that we're gonna have the same ideas.

[A]

Oh, my God, that's so freaking true.

[B]

Like, we're gonna have the same ideas. Like, there's estheticians I follow or have followed that. I. They literally made a video that I was thinking about. Like, for example, Lavish Wax. You know, Lavish.

[A]

Yes. Yes.

[B]

I don't even know her name. I just know her by her Instagram.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But she's really sweet. I love her. She's actually hilarious. And she made a video, a couple, I don't know, like, a couple months ago, about, like, when your client arrives and you just had your coffee and you have to take, like, a massive. It was like, something like that. And I have it in my drafts, and I was like, damn it, I can't create. I can share. But, like, that.

[A]

That's a.

[B]

Like, that's pretty creative, you know, and there's other people who are thinking as creatively. Creatively as you. And sometimes it's more generic, like Brazilian waxing posts. But just because someone has the same content doesn't mean they're copying you, you know?

[A]

I mean, but. And also, too, like, you can make it your own way. It doesn't necessarily have to be, like, identically the way the person had it.

[B]

Like, you not saying it doesn't happen. Yeah, sure, people do copy. But like, yeah, yes. Give credit when it's due. But also, like, not everyone's copying you. It's fine, guys.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like that's so true that I wanted to post this video. And I literally, see. I went on my Instagram and I was like. I showed it to my assistant. I said, dude, no, look, no. And I was like, I want it. And it has 500 likes. I'm like, no.

[B]

Like, I was doing this.

[A]

Yes. Or, you know, and it's. And you're right, because it's not necessarily copying, because in a way, it's like, how many reels do you see the same sound doing the same thing?

[B]

Of course, yeah.

[A]

Over and over and over again. So it's like they have that sound for a reason for people to recreate. Right.

[B]

And we also subconsciously pick up on like, a lot of people's like, reels and also come up with stuff too. You know, we all get inspiration from each other, do it in our own way.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Are you on Tick Tock?

[B]

I am, yeah. But I'm not as. Okay. So everything I post on my Instagram, I post on Tick Tock. But recently I'm trying to post more organic, random, silly content on there still regarding my aesthetic stuff. But I do think I could be a little better about it because I know TikTok is also where it's at, but. But it's difficult to do both. And sometimes I just post the same thing on both accounts.

[A]

But it's hard. Like, yeah, you're gonna post this and then you're posting this one. Like, I had to. Like, a person that's going to post on Instagram has to post a whole different video for Tick Tock. I get it.

[B]

But it can't be hypocritical because, like, like I said, you have to just post whatever. And I've been doing that on Tick Tock. Sometimes I just post like silly videos and post my Instagram educational ones. And on TikTok, the demographic is a little different and the types of content that do better, that do better is a little different than Instagram too. And a lot of the, you know, just talking on the camera, super chill, organic, taking me through my day, or some relatable esthetician kind of related content does better on TikTok versus the more curated, educational. Talking on the mic with high quality camera does really good on Instagram. Yeah.

[A]

So let's get to the tea, though.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Are you getting paid for these videos? So just because, you know, you can get paid for like Instagram videos and, you know, like, can I feel like a person that puts in their whole. I don't know. For example, I would pay you if I was advising you on Instagram. I'd be like, this girl, right, Marlo? You'd be like, yeah, I heard. Yeah, content's getting.

[B]

So any video that I get paid for always has like a paid promotion on there. So I'm very transparent about that. And I think you have to legally do that, right?

[A]

I don't know.

[B]

I'm pretty sure. I'm pretty sure if a brand is doing. You're supposed to. Yeah, you have to. I always do, because I thought you have to. But when I work with fur or Bush Bomb and it's a video that I'm promoting, they always ask to put the paid promotion on. And we just always do that because it is a paid promotion. But any other video I do like the waxness ones, wax reviews, random. Other videos you see me post is just organic content, like, for fun.

[A]

Yeah. I'm like, wait, do we do that? He handles it all. Yeah.

[B]

Can I even disclose that? Like, that I have to put pay promotion on? Yeah. Right? Yeah. It's everywhere. Right, Merle?

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

We're doing the right thing.

[A]

Yeah. We're not trying to get sued. Okay. Yes.

[B]

We're doing the right thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

No, everything is really transparent. I do have my discount code for waxness, which I always post about, but I genuinely use waxes Russian pearl all the time. And any wax that I like to use, I'm gonna promote the heck out of it because I love their products.

[A]

So that's why I have it as waxness. Oh, my.

[B]

Amazing. I love that product.

[A]

I use Russian pearl, too.

[B]

Yeah, it's really good.

[A]

And what's the one? It's a blue one. It's royal crystal.

[B]

Royal crystal is good, too. My favorite is Russian pearl number one. Oh.

[A]

I have someone on deck all the time. £20.

[B]

The best. The best. And then they recently came out with Tahitian coral, which is really good as well.

[A]

Girl, look at my wax paw. Right?

[B]

The same.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

See, I'm not playing. And then the third is white chocolate, which I used to love using a lot because it takes. This takes up the smallest hairs, but it's really thick and creamy.

[A]

I don't.

[B]

And you waste a lot of wax, and that's why. Yeah.

[A]

And that's why I stopped using it. But I really did. I really tried, and I. I do like it. I feel like a lot of waxness waxes are good. They are.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I have my favorites. But if you look at my wax ball right now, it's literally what you just said.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm trying Bush bomb right now.

[B]

Let's talk about Bush bomb. Wax is also really good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Even though they did pay me to make, I think, two videos for them for the wax, I actually genuinely do like it. And I think they did a really good job for their first formulation. And I'm not just saying that because they paid me. I actually think so.

[A]

We had Kimberly on here, too. Yeah. Do you know who she is?

[B]

Yeah. I love Kimberly.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. She's the Best. Best. We actually did, like a Q A, a live Q A a couple years ago. But she's also in the Valley. Yeah, yeah, she's the best.

[A]

How far is she from you?

[B]

Like, 20 minutes? Super close. Yeah, like 15, 20 minutes. But she's actually the one that inspired me to get into Brazilian waxing because I have another friend in the industry. Her name is Evelyn and her Instagram is Lumina. And she was getting waxed by Kimberly. And I was following Lumina because she was doing extensions. And that's when I was kind of getting into extensions and I was like, like, oh, cool. A girl who in the Valley who does Brazilian waxing. And I just love the way she, like, created her content. I feel like she inspired me to have that. Like, why not make Brazilian waxing your niche, you know?

[A]

Yeah. But, yeah, I love her.

[B]

Yeah, she's the best.

[A]

She was here and she was just a vibe.

[B]

She is.

[A]

I love.

[B]

She's a vibe.

[A]

She actually. I don't know if it was her.

[B]

It wasn't her.

[A]

Yeah, it was her. That got me into, like, the vajacial stickers. Yes, the vagazzles.

[B]

Yeah, the Dazzles. Ari Whack Wax. Oh, my God.

[A]

Ari Waxing Lounge.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Is also who I feel like was really inspirational to me as well. And she also got me on the Pajazzles too. I just love her personality. Her. Oh, she's everything. Yeah, she's so sweet.

[A]

She likes all these. Yes. You know what? Yes. The industry could be brutal, but if you know the ones, you know. Yeah, there's some that are really cool.

[B]

What makes you say that? It's brutal.

[A]

You know what? Because Shout out to Casey is. It's. It's just. I said this on the last one. It was more like they're very. How do I say this without being fucked up? You know? Right. Like, fucking. Just say it. But I'm about to get fucking canceled. They're just really stuck up. You know, this industry is really like.

[B]

That comes from insecurity. Yeah.

[A]

You know, And I feel like you.

[B]

Can'T take it personally, you know?

[A]

And you know what? I just feel like it's. They're very like, oh, I have this amount of followers. Like, I. I have this amount of followers at this amount of bookings. So I can act this way because I'm, like, fully booked and like, I'm.

[B]

Like, do people act that way? Because I've never seen a real life example of that and I don't know anyone in private to see that, so. I'm still kind of a baby esthetician. I've only been in the industry for four years.

[A]

I didn't even ask you that.

[B]

Yeah, for four years, which I don't think is a long time at all. And I haven't ever seen an example of someone who's really good at what they do, who has a lot of followers but is stuck up in person. Because I haven't really met people in person. I. I'm not going to judge someone based off of what I see off their social media. So I personally haven't had an experience like that. And I do also think there could be people that are really successful on social media but also still be really good at their job. And I think people sometimes see a following and they think that someone may be stuck up.

[A]

You know what they say? That's so true. Because I. Okay, I have a, I have a very. Because you haven't been in the industry for a long time and me there, I think. How long have I been in this year? 1924. What are we, 24? Almost seven years.

[B]

I think. Long time is like 10 plus years.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like from when I started, Yes, I haven't been in this industry for a long time, but from when I really started, I did it because I loved and I still love what I do. But I feel like now it's just so much goes into what you do. Like for example, if I'm just gonna, if I just do facials. Right. Like in the beginning I did it because I loved it and I didn't put a camera in front of me, I just did. And it was just that one on one with the client and I loved that. Now I feel like I have to put on a whole show and I have to set up a camera, I have to record everything, I have to post it. And I feel like now that a lot of people are doing that, now Casey mentioned it. Are you doing it because you want to be famous or are you doing it because you love it? And I feel like a lot of people are doing it because they want to get this, this, be this content creator because do it because they just want to get famous. Right. So it gets to their head. And I have seen a lot of people, them grow their social media and then start slacking at what they're putting, what their client they're loving. Yeah. You know, so this industry, because I.

[B]

Want other estheticians maybe seeing this or listening to this to kind of think about it. Like, are you saying that about estheticians you've never met in person or what you're perceiving. Like, I feel like you could only say that if you know that person in real life. You know what I mean? Like, you can't just assume just because. For example, for me, like, I love posting, like, good quality videos, educational videos. But it's. I feel like it's kind of apparent that I do love my job and it's not because I'm trying to be famous. Like, I have a lot of love for my clients, but I. I don't think someone could just go to my page and judge me and be like, oh, she just wants to be an investor.

[A]

Like, you don't even know content creator. Yeah.

[B]

Like, you don't know me or my.

[A]

Clients, you know, think from personal experiences. And I think because I went because I know the people that I've, you know, seen and I've interacted.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And also because I've met the person with the highest following. Right. And I met them and then I would think that they were this person that they claim to be on social media.

[B]

And I sure am.

[A]

And I'm like, no.

[B]

Yeah. Oh, my God.

[A]

What the was that?

[B]

You know, I'm like, oh, like totally.

[A]

Person is like, not how they perceived how they were on social media. They perceive that they're this kind, loving, you know, I don't know, type of person. And then I meet that. I'm just like, wow, Even with famous people.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, I met, like, I. Okay. Oh my gosh. Can you point this fucking out? Marlo and I. She was my idol. Loved her. I cried at her, I cried out. I went to two concerts of her and I met her and I cried.

[B]

That's the worst. That's like heartbreaking.

[A]

And I walked away and I was so heartbroken. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, it's like you're not this person that you perceive to be. Yeah. And I completely unfollowed her. And I. Fudgeing hate this bitch.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. And I'm like, oh, like, I didn't. I loved her so much, you know, but you're right.

[B]

I think I've never had that experience firsthand with anyone in the beauty industry, per se.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Truly everyone that I've ever met in person or talk through. Talk to. Through dm, I feel like has been super genuine and truly how they have perceived themselves on social media.

[A]

Or how about. Yeah, how about a person that's like, I don't know if you've ever in this student, but like, where they're like, they don't treat you the same because you don't have the amount of followers that they do.

[B]

No, I've never had that. No, no, no, I've never had that. I truly haven't met that many people in the industry in person before, and I don't know if they're nice to me because they feel like I'm like that or because I have a following, so they want to just be nice to me, you know? But everyone I've met in the beauty industry has been super genuine. Like, I don't have beef with anyone in the industry. I don't even know how that, like.

[A]

Yeah, I don't know. I don't know how that happens.

[B]

I love all of you guys because you guys are, like, in my field, so, like, why wouldn't I want other people to also do better?

[A]

You know what? I've never had beef in the industry. I don't know what I feel like. You would live in your own world, and I live in my own.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Like, you shouldn't have time if you're, like, focused on yourself.

[A]

But you know what? Yeah, I have come. I've never been in the industry, but I'm talking about, like, this industry, as in, like, when I go to trade shows, and I've said this so many times, I could go to the beauty. I go to the esthetician side, and it's bland. I go to the cosmetology side. Have you been to a trade show before?

[B]

I have, yeah. Long Beach.

[A]

And it's so fun and so fun.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Colorful and just. Ow. And I go to the esthetician side, and it's just, like, sad and relaxing, which I guess that's the difference, but.

[B]

I'm just, like, not the bleaching people. Oh, I love Bright. Yeah, they were right.

[A]

I love them.

[B]

Yeah, that was fun.

[A]

I love, love, love, love going to their.

[B]

Yeah. Just because I like the way they market themselves.

[A]

The men shirtless. Come on.

[B]

That's hilarious.

[A]

But again, like, you know, I just feel like the interactions that I've gotten there. But yeah, in the faces. I remember. Oh, my God. I went to Vegas. I go to every trade show. So we recorded in Vegas, and I went this year, and I wanted to record this person so bad, I'm not going to say who it was. And I wanted to interview this person. So bad news on my list of going through people, and I went up to this person, and it was. I was really sad because I was like.

[B]

Like, it wasn't what you expected.

[A]

No.

[B]

So you know how earlier you were saying when someone has a big following, it, like, gets to their head? And I said, it's insecurity.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Do you think that's what that is?

[A]

Maybe.

[B]

Because, I don't know, like, if you know, you have it like that or whatever and you feel like you have a lot of followers and you're really good at what you do because your work obviously showcases that people love your content. They eat it up and stuff. Why would you act that way?

[A]

True.

[B]

Why would you not be a good person? I don't know. Right. Like, why would you act stuck up? I feel like that usually shows that you're trying to, like, hide some kind of insecurity that you feel. Yeah, right. Like, what is the reason I want to know, like, you know, genuine best content.

[A]

And she's the sweetest person ever. So I don't know why you acting.

[B]

You guys like that.

[A]

But everyone, I'm telling you before we even filmed, everyone I've had so far have I met on this podcast has been so good. I've had no complaints.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Literally, they've been.

[B]

I'm just happy I'm here. Oh, Literally, like, this is awesome. I made opportunity.

[A]

I messaged her. When did I message you?

[B]

I think it was like, a couple weeks ago. A couple weeks ago?

[A]

And she was like, yes. And I was like, this is the time where we chore.

[B]

She's like, okay, I'll be there. Yeah, I'm on my way right now, literally.

[A]

And I was like.

[B]

I was like, okay.

[A]

And then I was calling my manager. I was like, we have someone coming. And she was like, okay. And he's like, how far? I was like, I don't know where this place is at. Because when you were like. I asked you when you were gonna be in, like, in this area. I actually live here. And I was like, well, I thought.

[B]

You, like, actually meant, like, la, but I feel like this is a little further.

[A]

It is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

People don't know that live far because we've had people that fly out for us.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And they don't know this city.

[B]

Rancho Cucamonga.

[A]

Yeah. And I'm like, yeah, we're not. But we're close.

[B]

We're very close. Yeah. It's not that far from LA at all, but from the San Fernando Valley, it's like, yeah, that is a little farther. It is, but traffic is what made it a mission. But it's not that bad. This is a great experience, and I'm happy to just be talking to you. Oh, yeah.

[A]

Well, I'm sorry, but we're gonna wrap this up, and she gonna be here next season, you guys. I promise.

[B]

Next season.

[A]

I want you back because I want to know what are your goals? Like, what's something we expect from you before we leave?

[B]

Peace and happiness, clarity, calm.

[A]

I love that you're such, like, a. Like, I could just tell that I could. Did you do sage?

[B]

Yes. I like Palo Santo better, though.

[A]

Oh, I love power songs. Do you have insets at your house?

[B]

No, because I'm not a fan of super artificial fragrance, which is why I freshen up my room. And also just sage with Palo Santo or with sage, because I feel like artificial fragrance makes me a little sensitive. Like, I get watery eyed. I might have, like, some slight allergy to it.

[A]

You should when you leave. Right now, I'm about to show you how much Palo Santo I have here.

[B]

Amazing. Because it really does mask every smell. Yeah, it really. And it's not bad for your health.

[A]

I love it. And I just love. Just like. Do you Reiki's done?

[B]

Yeah, I haven't had any Reiki's done, no. But I do like getting acupuncture done. I do Yin Yoga on YouTube for free. I highly recommend. Just literally put in Yin Yoga on YouTube. It'll change your life. Yeah, it's really relaxing. It's a meditative form of yoga where you hold the poses for like two to five minutes, sometimes longer. And you're just, you know, focusing on your breathing. So it's like a meditation movement, and it's amazing, and it's free. So that really grounds me. I also love working out as well. I like to sleep early, wake up early. I like to eat healthy. So I do definitely like all that stuff. Because if I don't do it, I'm not.

[A]

Well, she's just not.

[B]

I'm just not all there.

[A]

Literally. Because everything you said, if you know who I am, literally, if you know me, I love all that stuff.

[B]

Me too.

[A]

And I just love to have an agenda for myself, and I'd love to make sure that I'm waking up. I wake up at a good time to do so much stuff during the day and to get a lot of stuff done, because if I don't, I'm just gonna drive myself nuts. And I. I. I don't know. I'm weird.

[B]

No, you have to.

[A]

I have to have.

[B]

Yeah, you have to have a routine. It's really important. Doesn't matter what it is. Just have a routine. Yeah.

[A]

Well, thank you so much for being on My podcast.

[B]

Thank you for having me. It was great.

[A]

Well, we always end this podcast with a quote, so go ahead and tell us something that you stand by.

[B]

I don't know if it's a quote.

[A]

Anything.

[B]

Go work out. It's gonna change. It's gonna change your life. And I'm not saying this in a vain way or because you need to lose weight or anything. It's nothing that has to do with that. But if you can just be disciplined enough to give something back to yourself and lift weights, it's going to change your life. You don't even have to lift weights. You can go dancing. You can take a twerking class. You can do yoga. You could do pole dancing, Pilates, whatever it is. But move your body and you're going to feel so much better mentally. It's about here.

[A]

I love that. Simple, clean. I need to practice working out. I had a baby. Okay.

[B]

That's okay. Take time to recover.

[A]

It's been like two weeks. Literally.

[B]

Yes. You don't have to be in the gym. Another thing. You don't have to work out seven days a week. Starve yourself. Like, you have to nourish yourself. Eat healthy, be kind to yourself first and foremost, and just do what you can every week.

[A]

Because they say.

[B]

Because it adds up to a lot over time.

[A]

When you feel good and you look good, you are good.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like. You know what I mean?

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

I stand by that, too. You may. You inspired me to go work now.

[B]

In, like, two more weeks when you're healed.

[A]

Well, thank you so much for being on my podcast.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

And we'll see you in the next season.

[B]

See you next time.

[A]

Bye.