Being FIRED at European, LOSING My First Location & Tips for Waxers in Training

Summary

Podcast Summary: Beauty with a Twist – Episode: Being FIRED at European, LOSING My First Location & Tips for Waxers in Training

Host: Dede
Guest: Ariana, Owner of Ari's Waxing Lounge, Santa Fe Springs, California
Release Date: February 16, 2024

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of Beauty with a Twist, host Dede welcomes Ariana, the dynamic owner of Ari's Waxing Lounge based in Santa Fe Springs, California. Ariana shares her tumultuous journey in the beauty industry, detailing her experiences from being fired at European Wax Center to successfully establishing her own thriving business. The episode delves into entrepreneurial challenges, effective training for waxers, and invaluable tips for those entering the waxing profession.

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Ariana's Journey: From European Wax Center to Ari's Waxing Lounge

Ariana begins by recounting her initial years in the beauty industry. She worked at European Wax Center for nearly five years, where she honed her skills in speed waxing, aftercare, and business management. Despite her positive experiences and gratitude towards European Wax Center for equipping her with essential skills, Ariana was fired for operating her own waxing business concurrently.

Ariana [00:26]: “I actually got fired at European Wax Center.”

Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to rent various salon spaces, navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and licensing issues. After several relocations, Ariana finally settled into her current location in Santa Fe Springs, where she has been flourishing for nearly two years.

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Lessons Learned: Licensing, Permits, and Business Setup

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the critical importance of proper licensing and permits in the beauty industry. Ariana shares her hard lessons regarding zoning laws and business licenses, particularly her experience in La Mirada where she faced fines for operating in an industrial zone without the appropriate permits.

Ariana [07:09]: “They took pictures of my shop and gave me a ticket for $100, which doubled daily since I didn't have zoning permits for a beauty business.”

To avert such issues, Ariana emphasizes the necessity of understanding and adhering to local business regulations. She highlights the value of education, citing a class by The Lashpreneur that provided her with essential knowledge about business operations, payroll taxes, and reseller's permits.

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Building and Managing a Team: Hiring Employees

Transitioning from a solo operator, Ariana discusses her approach to hiring her first employee, a former coworker from European Wax Center. She underscores the importance of selecting individuals who are genuine, professional, and aligned with her business values. Ariana employs part-time staff to maintain flexibility and balance workloads effectively.

Ariana [10:14]: “What I'm really looking for is someone that's genuine, someone that's real, someone that's humble... because these clients are literally everything to me.”

She outlines her compensation structure, which includes hourly wages, commissions on retail sales, and bonuses for additional contributions such as teaching wax classes. This approach not only incentivizes her team but also fosters a collaborative and motivated work environment.

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Marketing and Clientele Growth

Ariana shares her comprehensive marketing strategies that have been instrumental in building her clientele. Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, she emphasizes the power of consistent, authentic content. Ariana explains her unique method of embedding keywords directly into her videos to enhance visibility without overtly using hashtags.

Ariana [21:45]: “You write words on the video and then move it out of frame so that when people search things, your video pops up.”

Her viral moments on TikTok, though not directly related to waxing, significantly boosted her client base. Additionally, Ariana employs targeted outreach by connecting with local beauty professionals and participating in community events, further expanding her reach.

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Challenges Faced: Recession and Post-COVID Market Shifts

The episode also addresses the economic fluctuations affecting Ariana’s business. Post-pandemic, she experienced a dip in bookings and a more saturated market, requiring her to adapt her strategies. Despite these challenges, Ariana has managed to double her revenue by increasing service prices and expanding her team.

Ariana [37:05]: “I've doubled my revenue from last year that I was solo to now having two employees.”

She discusses the impact of the recession on consumer behavior, noting a shift toward more selective spending on beauty services. Ariana remains optimistic, believing that consistent effort and unique service offerings will continue to attract new clients.

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Waxing Education and Training: Conducting Classes

Ariana is passionate about training the next generation of waxers. She offers both one-on-one and group classes, emphasizing hands-on practice and ongoing mentorship. Her training programs include comprehensive kits and refresher courses to ensure students are well-prepared and confident.

Ariana [32:13]: “All my classes come with one free refresher class where they get to pick one service that we did in that day and they get to come back anytime.”

She underscores the importance of responsible training, advocating for affordable, practical classes that provide students with the necessary tools and knowledge without overwhelming financial burdens.

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Handling Difficult Client Situations

Ariana candidly shares her experiences managing challenging client interactions. She recounts instances where clients behaved inappropriately during waxing sessions, emphasizing the need for professionalism and clear boundaries.

Ariana [46:09]: “She was like, oh, don't worry. These are different underwear from earlier. I was like, what does that mean?”

Her approach involves addressing issues directly and respectfully, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for both clients and staff. Ariana believes that maintaining professionalism even in uncomfortable situations is crucial for sustaining client trust and business integrity.

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Future Goals and Growth

Looking ahead, Ariana has ambitious plans for expanding her business. She envisions launching virtual training programs, developing her own line of beauty products, and ultimately retiring from hands-on waxing to focus on business management and family life by the age of 30.

Ariana [43:49]: “I want to have virtual trainings... create my own sugar scrub, my own ingrown serum, my own body wash... I want to retire from waxing at 30.”

Ariana’s dedication to growth and improvement demonstrates her commitment to both her personal aspirations and the broader beauty community, aiming to create a lasting impact through her entrepreneurial ventures.

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Conclusion and Final Quotes

As the episode wraps up, Ariana shares a heartfelt quote reflecting her faith and gratitude:

Ariana [53:39]: “I couldn’t do this without God. So I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me because He's guided me this far, and I know He's going to continue to open up doors for me.”

This sentiment underscores the foundation of Ariana's perseverance and success, inspiring listeners to remain resilient and faithful in their own entrepreneurial journeys.

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Notable Quotes:

• Ariana [01:19]: “I am so grateful for European Wax Center. I had a great experience... learned how to run a waxing business.”
• Ariana [09:24]: “I have two team members now, so we all kind of do part time and we're all sharing one room.”
• Ariana [16:47]: “Be available, be generous to them, give them discounts... treat all my clients like my friends.”
• Ariana [22:34]: “Write words on the video and then move it out of frame so that when people search things, your video pops up.”
• Ariana [53:39]: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me because He's guided me this far.”

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This episode of Beauty with a Twist offers an insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of running a beauty business. Ariana's story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring waxers and entrepreneurs alike, providing practical advice and heartfelt encouragement.

Transcript

[Host]

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.

[Ariana]

Hello, my name is Ariana, and I am the owner of Ari's Waxing Lounge in Santa Fe Springs, California.

[Host]

Oh, I'm so excited to have you. I know that we met once.

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

And I was like, I just needed to have you on my podcast. I was like, ari, I need you.

[Ariana]

Thank you for having me. I'm so excited to be here.

[Host]

Yes. So tell me a little about yourself, and we'll go from there.

[Ariana]

Okay. So I've been in business for almost five years. I started out at European Wax center, and then from there, I started my own business secretly actually on the side. I actually got fired at European Wax Center.

[Host]

Everyone gets fucking fired from European Wax Center.

[Ariana]

Thank God they didn't sue me. So I'm very grateful for that. But from there, I rented my hairdresser's solo salon for, I would say, like, six months to a year. Then the pandemic hit. I went and rented a room in Bellflower from a friend. Then I finally rented a room in Cyber Cyprus. I was there for, like, a year and a half, and then I abruptly moved to a shop in La Mirada, and that's where I learned my lesson about permits and licensing and stuff like that. And then I was only there for, like, three months, and then I finally got a shop to where we are now in Santa Fe Springs, and I've been there for almost two years.

[Host]

Tell me a little bit about European.

[Ariana]

Okay.

[Host]

Did you. Do you.

[Ariana]

Do you think you learned?

[Host]

Because I feel like I have, like, oh, my God, yes, I learned. And then I have people that are like, it was good, but it wasn't, like, the best. And. Or. And I have other people are like, fuck that place. You know what I mean?

[Ariana]

Yeah, for sure. I know a lot of people have really negative vibes towards them. Yes. But I actually have the opposite. I am so grateful for European Wax Center. I had a great experience. I had great coworkers. I learned how to speed wax. I learned about aftercare. I even learned how to run a waxing business from working there. Yeah, that's actually a lot of things that I implement in my current business is from what I learned there. So I'm so grateful for them and shout out to them for not suing me for starting my own business.

[Host]

Did you. Did they fire you because you were starting up to take? Because you're not allowed to take clients on the side, right?

[Ariana]

Correct. So you're actually. They have the rights to your waxing, so you're actually not allowed to wax outside of their business. And so they sat me down one day and they showed me a screenshot of my Instagram and they said, you know, we. We are all aware that you have another business and today is going to be your last day. And so that's how it happened. It wasn't necessarily that I was stealing clients. Yeah. It was just that I was waxing.

[Host]

That's it.

[Ariana]

Yeah, pretty much.

[Host]

So you weren't even taking their clients?

[Ariana]

Well, girl, I was. I was telling some clients, you know.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

I also was gaining new clientele, so it was actually funny. One day, I was waxing one of the girls. I wasn't, like, super familiar with her, but I just let her know, like, hey, I'm going to start waxing up the street. If you ever want to get wax for cheaper. Yeah, hit me up. And she's like, I'm a nail tech. Like, let me give you a shout out. She gave me a shout out. And those are my first three clients. And from there, it just, like, kept on going. Once a week, I continued to rent her solo salon. And I was fully booked, girl. I was there from 8 to 8. Like, I was at her solar salon. At her solar salon. And I would come and I would pack, Like, I would set up shop. Like, I had a little retail shelf. I would decorate for the holidays, like, and then at the end of the night, I'd pack up everything and I'd put my wax table into my back seat and into my trunk. And I was a hustler, girl. And I wouldn't even book myself a lunch because I wasn't taking deposits. I was like, oh, people will know. Show. But it got to a point where I was literally booked out and I was making what I made in two weeks at European Wise center in one day. Yeah, I was wide.

[Host]

So we. Were they paying you? Because I don't really know too much about European. But you get paid hourly, correct?

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

Do your tips go 100% to you, too?

[Ariana]

They do, yeah, of course. But you are making minimum wage. So I was bringing in about maybe $1,000 every two weeks. And then working solo. I was making that in a day.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So when I got fired, I told my best friend, I was like, I don't know what I'm going to do. Like, I'm going to have to go get another job. And she was like, girl, you make what you make in one day for yourself that you do in two weeks, that you're like, just keep on doing this. And shout out to Sage.

[Host]

Yeah, because shout out to you.

[Ariana]

Yeah, I'm doing it. And here we are now.

[Host]

So you. When you were at. Okay, so what year was this back in?

[Ariana]

That was 2019. It was five years ago. Yeah, so it was right before COVID So right when I got fired from European Wax Center, I continued to work for, like, one or two months. And from one day to the next, the solo salon closed. And I had nowhere to go, nothing to do. And so I reached out to one of my other friends who had a salon, and I asked her, you know, can I rent your salon? And she said yes. But at the soul salon, I was paying $40 a day, and this friend offered me $100 a day. So I had to bust my butt, girl. I had to work again from 8 to 8. And it was scary times. Like, it was in Lakewood, and there was, like, the National Guard up the street. It was mid pandemic. Like, there was riots, there was curfews. Like, yeah, it was crazy. But I was booked out because everyone was closed.

[Host]

And how. How were your pricing?

[Ariana]

So I was charging $35 Brazilians when I very first started.

[Host]

Dang.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

So this was out of the European Wax center, though, right?

[Ariana]

Out of European Wax Center. $35 Brazilians.

[Host]

Dang.

[Ariana]

And where, you know, 70 she.

[Host]

So then after that, after you left your friends?

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

How long were you there?

[Ariana]

I was at my friends for about six months, and then I was able to get a room for rent in Cyprus, and I was there for about a year and a half. It was a really small room, but I made it work. And I continue to build my clientele, and, girl, I was fully booked. I would book out in 30 minutes. After opening up my availability, I was fully booked for years.

[Host]

So all these clients, were they coming from, like, word by mouth, or was it, like, from, like, you constantly posted on social media? Like, where was it? Where were all these people coming from?

[Ariana]

Yeah, so when I very first started in 2019, there was no tick tocks, There was no reels. Like, Instagram was so different. Yeah, I, like, followed a few estheticians, but they were, like, in Texas, like, things were just different. It was more big chains. And so when TikTok very first came out, I actually went viral a couple times and actually not for anything waxing related. I went viral for, like, a weight loss video and then for a money saving challenge. And it got me a lot of Clients, actually. And it got me a. A decent following on Instagram.

[Host]

Dang. See? And that's like, oh, it's always the random videos that get you viral.

[Ariana]

Yeah. Thank God for it. Yes.

[Host]

And then those ones that you really try on, they don't get you.

[Ariana]

Like, I know. I'm like, this one's going to go.

[Host]

Viral, and it doesn't happen like that. So then now, after that, then you went. After you rented that, you were there for six months, and then you went to storefront.

[Ariana]

So I've actually never had a storefront, but I went to La Mirada. It was a big, beautiful business building. It was all glass, and inside had an elevator. It was beautiful. And so I rented there. And at this point, I was like, okay, I'm going to be serious about my business. Because actually, prior, I never saw aesthetics as a career. I actually wanted to be a nurse. So I was in school for nursing for a long time, just doing my prereqs. And so when I got to La Mirada, when I got to that part in my life, I was like, you know, I'm actually going to take my business serious. I make what I would make as a nurse, honestly. And so I'm just going to make this, like, my career. I'm going to have employees. My goal is to have a storefront. And so I was like, okay, I'm going to get everything legit. I'm going to get all my licensing. I'm going to get a business license, an establishment license, a reseller's license. And so I moved in. I put in wood floors, I painted, I decorated. I was there for like a month. And then I applied for a business license. And like a week later, somebody came by and they took pictures of my shop. And they told me, we're going to come back tomorrow. We're going to give you a ticket for $100, and every day that you're still here, it's going to double. So 200, 400, and so on.

[Host]

But why?

[Ariana]

Because they didn't have zoning permits for a beauty business. So it was technically in an industrial area. Even though it was a business building, it wasn't meant for beauty services. So each city has a zoning map, and it shows what's industrial, what's residential, what's commercial, and you can only have a space in a commercial area. And so that's when I learned that that very valuable license. So I had to move abruptly. And it was really scary because I just paid apartment rent, shop rent, just invested all that. And I wasn't getting any of that.

[Host]

Money back, so you had to, like, break your lease. And the thing is, a lot of the times, like, your property owner or whoever owns the property should tell you that.

[Ariana]

Absolutely. Yeah. And there was other beauty professionals there, but I guess they just never got business licenses. And it was my first time really, truly learning what a business license was and how essential it was. And, yes, I never even knew. No one ever taught me this in esthetician school. Like, this is stuff you really learn on your own. So.

[Host]

So then you. How long were you over there first?

[Ariana]

Less than three months.

[Host]

Oh, my God.

[Ariana]

Very quick. And so I posted it on social media and dire stress. Like, I wanted to crawl under a rock and die. Like, girl, I was like, this is the end of the world. This is the Great Depression.

[Host]

Yes.

[Ariana]

But I posted on social media and someone was like, you can come rent my shop. Several people said, you can come to my shop for free or for really cheap. Like, these girls on Instagram are such a blessing.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And so one of the girls, I took her up on the offer. I think she charged me 400 for the month. And the hustle continued. Eight to eight every single day. I was going to make as much money as possible. And I saw at least 30 locations before I picked my location. I was so dedicated, girl. I was on Facebook, market, on just all these different sites, trying to find a new space. And that's when I found our current space.

[Host]

Yeah. And then the current space that you're at right now, it's like, I seen it. It's like, in, like, a office space.

[Ariana]

Yeah. It's kind of like an older building, but she's cute. She's four.

[Host]

She's cute.

[Ariana]

Yeah. She's 420 square feet. It's two rooms in a lobby. So we rent out one of our rooms. One of our rooms is currently available for rent. And then our other room, I have two team members now, so we all wax in there, and then we have a cute little lobby.

[Host]

Yeah. So what made you, like, decide, like, when did you start realizing, like, oh, my gosh, like, I need to take a break because this is too much for me and I need to start hiring. Where were you, like, at that point in your life when you were like, I just need a break?

[Ariana]

Yeah. It never got to a point where I was like, I'm burnt out. My body hurts. Like, I was still pretty young. I'm still young. But, yeah, I was still at a point where I was like, you know, I can still do this, but I Wanted to be making money when I wasn't at work. And so that was my idea is like, you know, yeah, I'm working five days, but I'm only working one shift. There's still a AM shift or a PM shift or days that I'm not here, that someone else can be in here. And so I just saw kind of like a money opportunity to fill in that space.

[Host]

Yeah. And how did you decide, like, who to hire? Like, how. How did you even like come up? Did you post on Instagram that you were like, hiring or.

[Ariana]

Okay, so when I was at that lamorata shop, I was waxing one of my old co workers, Julia, from European Wax center, and she was currently pregnant. And I was telling her, like, I want you to be my first employee because she's so sweet, she's professional, she's no drama. I worked with her for years. I know her, like integrity and her personality. And so she was pregnant, so she was like, yeah, like after I have the baby maybe, you know, and then all that fiasco happened where I had to move and what have you.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So once I moved, you know, I had the space for it. And so I asked her again. She continued to come and get asked by me. And I asked her again, you know, do you want to be my employee? And she was like, yeah, I think I'll do it part time. And so my old co worker is my first employee.

[Host]

So now she was part time. Is she full time now?

[Ariana]

She's still part time because she wants to spend time with her baby.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And then I have a second girl and she's also part time. So we all kind of do part time and we're all sharing one room.

[Host]

Okay, so like how does that work? Like, do you guys do like Google's who what days?

[Ariana]

So I only currently work about 19 hours a week and I work four days a week. So I work like a PM shift. I work 5:30 to 9:00pm at night and then they work more of like a nine to five. So one of them works about four days and the other one works three days. Oh yeah. So we're there nine to nine Monday through Saturday and we're closed on Sunday.

[Host]

Oh my. Dude, this is so crazy. Like you have. I just see we got the most.

[Ariana]

Out of that room, girl.

[Host]

Like, I constantly see you poster like availability and like stuff like that. But it's just so crazy that you're able to have them fully booked too. Right.

[Ariana]

For the most part. I mean, we definitely have our slow seasons. Like today Michelle was Fully booked. So that's beautiful. She had like 16 Brazilians.

[Host]

That's so cool.

[Ariana]

Thank you. To our clients.

[Host]

Yes.

[Ariana]

But every day is not like that for sure. So something that I've definitely learned from hiring people is it does take about six months to gain a clientele. And about one year I start to see that you're about 70% booked. So we're still not even 100% booked with the girls, but we do have days that they are fully booked.

[Host]

And are you doing. We're gonna get into that. Are you doing like, are they paying hourly? Are you doing like.

[Ariana]

I pay them hourly and then I also give them commission on retail and then they have opportunity for bonuses. So if they want to help me in a wax class and come teach, browse or just different activities, I'll pay them extra. And so.

[Host]

Yeah. And do you. And they get their tips and 100% tips, right?

[Ariana]

Of course.

[Host]

And do you feel that, like when you're slow. The slow season.

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

Are you losing money because they're there the full shift?

[Ariana]

I'm actually not, no. So for instance, a Brazilian is $70. So what you do is you look at how many hours your employee is going to be working and what you pay them, and then that equals a dollar amount. And then we have to make at least that dollar amount to break even. Obviously there's like supplies and overhead costs that go into effect too. But as long as we have like two or three clients on our books, we break even. And then anything above that is profit. And for the most part, we always are very profitable. So thankfully we don't have that issue. But there's times where I have to cut shifts, you know, if nobody booked for that day, which they do understand, you know, they're building their clientele.

[Host]

Yeah, yeah. So how long have they both worked for you?

[Ariana]

So Michelle just hit six months and Julia just hit one year.

[Host]

Dang.

[Ariana]

Yeah, that's good. Thank you, girls. I appreciate that.

[Host]

Once they're like over like that six month mark, that's it. Like they're. And it's. I feel that too, like a lot of people because my assistant shout out to her almost five years.

[Ariana]

She seems so cool.

[Host]

Yeah, I'm like, shout out to her. But she's been working for me for so long. She's been working for me since my house days. And I feel like a lot of people always ask, like, how do you find them? Or how to like know that that's your person. And I feel like I've dealt with people I've dealt with like, old assistants that, you know, were really bad, but it was hard. It was hard to like, actually, like, find one that would, like, stick with you, you know.

[Ariana]

So when I hired Michelle, I. She was a stranger to me. I hired her like the traditional way. Like, I did phone interviews and I did an in person interview. And at the in person interview, I make them do like, what is it called? Like a practical where she performed a wax. And I interviewed. I was. I had like, I would say 20 phone interviews and about like five in person interviews.

[Host]

Shout out to you, you're a boss.

[Ariana]

Shout out to the girls who want to work for me. But when I did the in person interviews, honestly, nothing felt right. Until I met Michelle. I'm. What I'm really looking for is someone that's genuine, someone that's real, someone that's humble, something that's going to be good to people. Because these clients are literally everything to me. And I know that if they come to me, they're looking for the same experience from whoever I hire. So being genuine is so huge to me. And so there was something about her that was just so real, the way that she, like, spoke to the client, you know, like, are you doing okay, babe? How you feeling? I just, I really liked her, so it just felt right.

[Host]

Yeah. And also too, like when I was looking for somebody, too, I was looking for somebody. And it sounds so wrong to say this, but I was looking for someone that didn't want to do what I do.

[Ariana]

Yeah. So that was a big deterrent is when I did the phone interviews, if they said that they already had a business or they're looking to start a business, that's a big deterrent for me because I really do need you to be here at least a year to grow your clientele and for us to both be profitable. And so, yeah, I can't have someone that wants to have their own business at the same time.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

Unfortunately, it is a conflict of interest.

[Host]

It is a conflict of interest, especially because it's happened to me already where I had an assistant that they said, oh, I want to do what you do. And it.

[Ariana]

They still.

[Host]

They got to the point they were stealing my. And I didn't know because I trusted my whole. Everything to this my assistant. You know what I mean? So I didn't like, really. I just trusted her enough to. We're like, oh, she won't do that to me. And it ended up backfiring.

[Ariana]

I've heard horror stories for sure, and that is scary.

[Host]

One thing that I'M always like, if you are looking for any employer or employee, I just never try to be like them.

[Ariana]

Yeah. You know, patient is key. I always tell my employees that there's a bigger picture at hand. Like, I want to offer you more money, more opportunities. I want to see you grow, and I support you if you want to start your own business. But just be open and honest with me, you know?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

Just tell me, and I will gladly guide you into the right direction, but just let me know so I can hire someone else before you leave. Like, you know, so.

[Host]

So was it hard for. For you to gain the clientele for your employees now?

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

Everyone wants to go with you, right?

[Ariana]

Yeah, for sure. So the fact that I only work PM does help because they work in the AM So for the girls that like to come in on their days off or before work or, you know, after they drop off their kids or whatever, it works out that they get to go to those girls. Also, I don't offer brow waxing, and my girls do, so that kind of gives them opportunity for clients. But, yeah, it took some time to grow their clientele. We're still working on it.

[Host]

Yeah. Yeah. Because I always see you, like, posting them. Like, I see you posting them more than posting yourself.

[Ariana]

Yeah. So I'm always trying to promote them.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

That's just kind of an added job that I've, you know, now that having employees, that's something that you have.

[Host]

Yeah. What's some advice that you can give to, like, a beginner waxer that's starting to be in this industry and starting, like, wants to build their clientele?

[Ariana]

Okay, so let me think. So about your Instagram. First off, I think you definitely need your location and your bio. That's huge. Sometimes I look into booking things and the location's, like, nowhere to be found. It's not tagged on the photos, it's not in the bio. So that's number one that needs to be in it. I think you should also have highlights. With your pricing and your availability, it should be accessible. If people have to message you, they're gonna move on to the next person. And you look less professional as well. Before and afters are huge. I wouldn't go to somebody that they have a bunch of pictures from Pinterest on their Instagram.

[Host]

Like, oh, my God, you know, Flag.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

Red Flag.

[Ariana]

Fake spa pictures. No. Like, I need to see your before and after.

[Host]

Yes.

[Ariana]

And then I also want to see. See who's behind the phone. Like, I want to know who you are, and I want to come and support you. I don't know if you're some creepy fake man or something, you know, So I definitely show who you are and be real, be genuine, and people that are like you, you're going to attract as your clients. And then you have to be active on social media. Every single day. You have to show up and remind people that they need to come get a wax or whatever service you offer. Yeah. So being active on social media and let me think what else. Consistency is key. Post on all platforms. Be on Google. Be on Tick Tock.

[Host]

Yeah, I think Google reviews hit.

[Ariana]

Yeah, girl. A lot of our bookings, it says the little G Google. I'm like, thank you, Google.

[Host]

Yes.

[Ariana]

Keep on Yelping.

[Host]

Scary. But I feel like Yelp taught me too. I know it. Yelp is scary, but it helped me.

[Ariana]

I'm honestly not active on Yelp. We have like an account. I don't think we have any reviews, but I listened from one of your podcasts that, like, if they write a review in the shop, like, it doesn't post or something. So yes, it needs to be, I.

[Host]

Don'T know, anytime you do like a Yelp review, it can be like, I think I don't remember how many square feet. It has to be like, they have to be far.

[Ariana]

They know.

[Host]

Yeah, yeah, they know how far.

[Ariana]

Isn't that crazy? And I'm like, yelp is the police.

[Host]

And sometimes I'm like, I'm trying to give you $5 off on your wax. But what if I know you don't post that Yelp review? You know what I mean? So it is a hit or miss on Yelp, but I feel like I did get clients from Yelp.

[Ariana]

Okay, good to know. I'm gonna work on our Yelp.

[Host]

Do you think, like, how do you feel about when people put their personal with their business Instagram, though?

[Ariana]

So I think that you always need to keep a professionalism. Like, for instance, like, I'm 420 friendly, but I would never post a picture of me smoking on Instagram or anything. Yeah, but I'll post it. A client gives me one, like, spread the word. But yeah, it just needs to be professional. I think just limit your personal things and it should always tie back to business or tie back to the beauty industry, things like that. So I try to, you know, keep it to a minimum, but also share the personal things. People love to see my apartment or see my boyfriend or stuff like that.

[Host]

Yeah. And I feel like too, like, and I mentioned this before, like, lifestyle videos are coming to where, like, people want to see just you.

[Ariana]

Like how you said people love a day in the life. Yeah, I love it. I love when you do it.

[Host]

Yeah. Like, why the fuck do you want to know when I'm going to fucking Taco Bell? Like, you know, or somewhere?

[Ariana]

Like, we would never even know that you're in college, you know, unless you posted it. And it just adds another element to you that makes people. People relatable to you. So, yeah, it's kind of like the Kardashian effect. Like, we feel like we know them, but we don't. But it makes us just, like, support them. And so people support us based off of how we connect.

[Host]

Yes. And do you think that's a good way of gaining, like, followers? Because you absolutely have a big platform. So, like, how did you gain your followers so fast?

[Ariana]

So going viral on TikTok a couple times. Definitely did boost the Instagram and the TikToks. Just being consistent and just creating a platform where I just shared who I truly am. You know, I show everything. I show. I don't know everything. You know, I see it. I'm like, yeah, I'm always like, on.

[Host]

Your page, I'm like, what is she doing? Or like, I always see Julia. I like how you guys post, like, outside. You guys take pictures of each other.

[Ariana]

Yeah, I'm always.

[Host]

I always see that shit.

[Ariana]

Once a month, we do a team meeting and we batch a bunch of content. We take photos together. Yes.

[Host]

You guys just got pedicures.

[Ariana]

Yeah, we just got pedicures. We had a galentine. I love to be generous to them because I'm so appreciative of them. They work really hard, you know, So.

[Host]

I love the fact that you do that because it just shows how much you actually, like, care for them.

[Ariana]

I really do.

[Host]

And I just feel like, you know, you could see from how a small business treats their employees to a corporate corporation how they treat their employees.

[Ariana]

You know, it's funny that you mentioned that. I really admire, like, Chick Fil A, in and out Dutch bros. Like, have you ever noticed how their customer service is just a one. Like something's different about them compared to other fast food places. And I really want to replicate that. Like, I really want it to be a family unit. I really want to give back to my employees. And I know, like, in and out, they have like a big picnic where they give away freedom and stuff.

[Host]

Yes, yes.

[Ariana]

And so I have like this dream, like, one day I'm going to have a bigger team. I'm going to pick them up in a party bus and we're going to go to not Scary Farm with like all their significant others. Like, I just like gift giving is my love language. So I just love doing special things for people and so what was your sign? I'm a Libra. Shout out to Libras. I'm a loving Libra.

[Host]

So do you going back to like the gaining followers for someone that's barely starting. Do you think it's just from TikTok though? Like should they do hashtags?

[Ariana]

They should, they should hashtag it. Should tag their location. Something else that I do is sometimes I'll write things on my videos like brow waxing, waxing near me. I'll write all these different words and then I'll move it out of the frame so that when people search things, your video pops up.

[Host]

Wait, okay, so like when you post a video.

[Ariana]

Yes. You write words on the video and then I'll move it out of the frame so that nobody can see it. It's like hashtags though it doesn't hashtag is I'm literally writing on the video and then moving it out of frame so that when people type in things it like generates for it to pop up.

[Host]

That's a thing. Yeah. Okay, if I. Okay, let's. Because I'm learning something. So if I post a brow video.

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

And I'm just showing brows. So I'm doing a reels, I'm posting as a reels. I just go type something and then I just move it. It doesn't have to be hashtag. So what I type in like so.

[Ariana]

You'Re going to do it on the actual video? Like you know, if you were to write on the video like brow waxing, like on the actual video.

[Host]

Okay.

[Ariana]

Yeah, yeah. So just continue to write more things that it's about. Waxing videos, satisfying videos, waxing near me, maybe the city that you're in waxing. Then move it all out of frame. And then when people type in things or when people have you know, like on their for you pages or videos that they like, you're gonna pop up.

[Host]

Damn. I learned something.

[Ariana]

Something else I do is I tag my local cities. So sometimes when I post my before and afters, I'll put a city that we're not located in so that my hashtag will pop up in their city.

[Host]

So you'll do you like put in their hashtag or you just put their at me.

[Ariana]

So every single post I put, you know, waxing in Santa Fe Springs, waxing in Norwalk, waxing in La Mirada. We're located in Santa Fe Springs. But I'll tag the photo that were in Cerritos, you know, so.

[Host]

Yes, that's what I do, too. And I put my location different.

[Ariana]

Yeah, that's what I mean.

[Host]

Yeah. Yeah, I'll be putting, like, I'm in la, girl. No, I'm not. Yeah, just. Just too. So hashtags, you think the location. What's another one?

[Ariana]

Let me think. Just being consistent. Honestly, coming on every single day having a variety of content. You don't want to post the same thing every day. Like, we have mobility. We have mobility, you know?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So post more than that. Post you setting up. Just post something that shows your personality. Talk behind the camera. That's so huge, you know? Yeah, just share things with people. People love to see that, you know, you're on, like, a health journey or that, I don't know, you're walking your dogs or that you got a smoothie today or whatever. People just love to be a part of your life.

[Host]

Yeah, I think that's huge, too. And I also think too, like, just not posting, like, just stuff about, like, before and afters. Yeah, but posting, like, educational posts, too, for sure.

[Ariana]

That's huge. Definitely.

[Host]

You know, if this person got hives from waxing hives, why did the person get hives? Is it normal? Like, you know, all these things about.

[Ariana]

Aftercare or products that are bad at Target or. Yes, all those types. Having a variety of content is super important.

[Host]

Yeah, I think educational videos hit because I'd be posting some. I'm like, holy shit. Like, why does this get better than. I just fucking.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

Edited for, like two hours, you know.

[Ariana]

Or story times, anything. Yeah, it's great to have a variety of content.

[Host]

So when you were at your Marietta, the La Marada. La Marada.

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

Okay, so that one. How did. How did you start learning about the reseller's permit? How'd you start learning about your business establishment? Like. Yeah, how did that happen?

[Ariana]

So I actually took a class. Class. It was by the Lashpreneur. I didn't love everything about the class. No offense. But I did learn a ton from the class she taught us, you know, what certifications we need, what type of contract should your employees sign, how does payroll work? How does payroll taxes work? All that type of stuff. And so it just gave me a ton of insight. And so that's where I really learned, you know, what a business license is, what a reseller's license is. All that establishment.

[Host]

So did you get. Because I Feel like I've never talked about this and I want you to talk about it. So, like, for the business establishment license, like.

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

Do you think that a person should get that, like, automatically when they start the business?

[Ariana]

If you are in a place that has zoning for your business, obviously don't rat yourself out if you're not somewhere safe.

[Host]

Yeah. So what if a person is just.

[Ariana]

Starting off at home? Yeah. So I know that there's a lot of rules with that home. I know that you have to have like a separate entrance, separate bathroom, and then I'm sure you have to get the okay by your city.

[Host]

It has to be written off. You have to show the city that you're working from home and like, actually like report that you're working from home.

[Ariana]

Yeah. And so an establishment license is through the board of cosmetology and esthetics and things. So you're literally telling state board, hey, this is where I am. So you're honestly giving them an opportunity to come stop by and take. And they will, and they will. So, yeah, just be ready for that. Make sure that once you're applying for that establishment license, that you have everything labeled correctly, that everything is clean and sanitary and you have proper protocols.

[Host]

Yes. And please, if you're a waxer, please have that waxing paper because they will get you. They will get you.

[Ariana]

See, now that's controversial because some people say the wax pad is enough, that it's non porous. But I beg to differ because if somebody puts their shoe on that wax pad, why is it stained?

[Host]

Take a sip of your drink.

[Ariana]

Joe saying. So we use bed paper in this house.

[Host]

Fill the tea.

[Ariana]

And we only sanitize our bed with medical grade wipes, period. No Clorox wipes, no bleach wipes. That only kills viruses, not diseases, girl. And there can be an STD inside.

[Host]

So, yes, I agree. How will your reseller's permit.

[Ariana]

Yes. So a reseller's permit is letting the state know that you are now selling retail and that you now want to pay sales tax.

[Host]

And that sales tax, baby, does hit. Okay?

[Ariana]

And guess what? They send you a bill at the end of the year and they just make up a number. They're like, hey, you owe us a thousand.

[Host]

Can you believe I don't even. We'll get to the number. Yeah, but you don't even want to know what I paid, girl.

[Ariana]

I don't.

[Host]

And I looked at this number and I was looking at my text person. I said, you're tripping.

[Ariana]

So they'll send you like a scare number. But as long as you have everything documented, you're good.

[Host]

How long it took me that, like, for, like, for her to go through everything, and I was like, oh, my God. But it knocked it down like half.

[Ariana]

Good. Yeah. So we use Vergara every time we sell a product. We check it out through Vergara and then you want to look up your city sales tax. So Santa fe Springs is 10.5%. So kind of a little hefty. Santa Fe Springs, come on, let's lower down. But anyways, so that is added on to every single product that we sell, unfortunately. And so the sales tax that the client pays, we then send to the state to pay.

[Host]

Yeah. So that's actually what I do, too. It's automatically on all my services, too.

[Ariana]

And that's how it is if you go shopping anywhere there. Sales tax.

[Host]

Yeah. I did tell my clients to bring cash, however.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

I still will do the card because I do need it on paper that I'm making this much amount. Because if you are trying to buy a house or you are trying to purchase something you can't and you're making all this money, but you don't have it on paper.

[Ariana]

And you paid the sales tax when you bought the product. You paid the shipping. So.

[Host]

And it only shit if you don't have that on paper and you just have it in cash. That's why I do see a lot of people say, hey, bring cash, and it's good that way. Yeah. But it's also not going to benefit you in the long run.

[Ariana]

Yeah, yeah, but a lot of people.

[Host]

Don'T talk about that. Yeah, a lot of people, period. I still tell my clients to bring cash.

[Ariana]

Girl, we can waive that sales tax.

[Host]

So the. Do you think it's better, it's beneficial if. Let's say someone doesn't even sell product at all? But they. Okay, let me rephrase this. Let's say someone does sell product, but not a lot. Should they still get the reseller's permit?

[Ariana]

Yeah. So you can claim whatever you're selling as products. So say you sold $100.

[Host]

How about like two cleansers a day?

[Ariana]

Yeah. I mean, there's benefits of having a reseller's permit, too. Then you can now buy things in bulk. There's some vendors that they won't sell to you without a reseller's permit. So there's a lot of brands. Yeah. I even kind of dove into, like permanent jewelry there for a bit. And I went down to downtown LA and They were like, do you have a reseller's permit? And I was able to pull it on up and get things wholesale. So there's a benefit to having a wholesale license, so. And that's what the reseller's license is, so.

[Host]

Yeah, because I'm like, there's like a lot of people that would ask me if they should get a reseller's permit.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And I do tell them yes, only because it will benefit you. Even if you are selling, like, small items, it's free.

[Ariana]

I don't think it explains expires.

[Host]

Does it expire?

[Ariana]

Mine says it was established on and it doesn't have an expiration on it, so maybe it does.

[Host]

No, it does expire because mine expired.

[Ariana]

Okay, good to know then. Okay, I'll double check ours.

[Host]

Yeah, but mine expired and for sure, my business establishment.

[Ariana]

Well, for sure, those, yeah.

[Host]

And then I, I, it wasn't much to, to redo it, but for sure. I know the resellers does expire.

[Ariana]

Okay, I'm gonna check onto ours because I was just looking at the other day and it was like it started on, but it didn't have an expiration, so I'm gonna check.

[Host]

But do you give that advice to beginner waxers, though? Like, what is some advice that you would give to someone that's barely starting in this industry?

[Ariana]

So definitely start cheap and be available. You know, you can't be picky and choosy with your clients, especially if you don't have any other obligations. Like, obviously if you have children, you're only available certain hours, but if you're young and free and all that, I would say if somebody wants to come in at 8 o'clock, girl, you better drive down there. Or if it's at your house, you better service that client, because this can be a client that's going to stick with you for years. So be available, be generous to them, you know, give them discounts, especially because you're new, have opportunities for them to maybe get $5 off different incentives, you know?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And I just treat all my clients like my friends, like my family. And so they'll, they'll just come back, you know, and do a lot of.

[Host]

Do some of your clients from European Waxes still go to you?

[Ariana]

They do, actually. I only have maybe like three or four, but they're so awesome. I can't believe they're still coming to me five years later.

[Host]

That is crazy.

[Ariana]

I was 20 years old, girl. Like, I was such a baby. Like, I was telling them, like, I'm in Vegas this weekend. And here I am now all these years later. I'm like, don't even party. Like I'm just going home to put.

[Host]

It on a mask and I'm gonna watch tv. That's my Saturday night.

[Ariana]

Exactly. And so they grew up with me. It's crazy. I have one client and she was like renting a room to. Now that's her husband and now they just had a baby together. And so I've seen her whole journey and it's so beautiful.

[Host]

And you know all their cheese, man.

[Ariana]

I know all their cheese. Like, oh, it's so good.

[Host]

Do you, what do you think about like, what's your opinion on like wax educators? Yeah, how is a person, like how is someone going to be barely like starting and how should they start choosing like what are some things that they should look out for when it comes to like waxing trainers?

[Ariana]

Yeah. So make sure it's in your budget for one. Obviously don't give your like last penny to a five thousand dollar class. Make sure that they're gonna maybe give you a kit if that's something that you're interested in. Make sure that the class is a few hours long. It shouldn't be like a two hour class and $5,000, you know, hell, especially like waxing, it takes some practice. You're not going to just be able to watch it and know how to do it. You need a hands on practice.

[Host]

Yes.

[Ariana]

I think that you should have more than one model. I think that, you know, I think that they should give you a vendors list. I think it should come with ongoing mentorship.

[Host]

That's so funny, the vendor list that you say that. Because mine does.

[Ariana]

Yes, me too.

[Host]

And I'm like, people, don't people gatekeep on where they get their stuff? And I literally tell my students, get it here, get it here, get it here, get it here. Like it's literally a list.

[Ariana]

And I 10 at checkout. No period. And, and people all learn differently too. You know, some people can visually see you do it, physically do it, but maybe they also need something on paper. So having a waxing manual really helps so that they can go home and they remember, you know, what direction are they going to apply the strip. And all my classes come with one free refresher class where they get to pick one service that we did in that day and they get to come back anytime. I'll provide the model and the materials and I'll re walk them through how to do it. And you'll be surprised, only a handful of People come back for that second free class. So it's all about what you want to get out of it. But yeah, I think that really says a lot about my class is that, you know, I genuinely want you to succeed and if you don't feel confident in something, come back, I will show you again.

[Host]

And is your class one day, two days? Like how?

[Ariana]

So I have, I have a few different classes. I had like a full body class, a Brazilian boot camp and I have a vagacial class. They're all one day classes. My full body class is like about eight hours, like nine to five.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And then my other classes are a little bit shorter. So the other one day.

[Host]

And do they all come with the full kit or like. No, varies.

[Ariana]

So only my full body kit. Only my full body class comes with the kit. My Brazilian bootcamp just comes with a goodie bag. And then my magician class actually does come with a kit as well. But they can always opt out of it if they already have the supplies. I knock it down a couple hundred dollars.

[Host]

Yeah. And do you do like a one on one, two on one? Like how, how does that work?

[Ariana]

Yeah, so I offer both one on ones and group trainings. I've done group trainings up to like seven people and then I've done plenty of one on ones. Obviously the one on ones are a little bit higher in price, but.

[Host]

Yeah. And when did you like, how long did it like it take you to realize, okay, I'm going to start training? Like, I, I feel like, because I see a lot of people that start in this industry and like four months later they're teaching it.

[Ariana]

Yeah. So definitely wouldn't recommend that. I've had students that take my class and turn around and start teaching classes. I'm like, girl, you got to practice a little bit more teaching people, you know. But I. It was during COVID that I started doing classes. Everyone was getting that good old stimulus check, so.

[Host]

Girl, I love that stimulus check.

[Ariana]

Yeah, I never got it, but give me another one, girl.

[Host]

Well, actually I did get the stimulus check.

[Ariana]

Yeah, I got one. I'm like, yeah, you better.

[Host]

Girls, I did get the stimulus check.

[Ariana]

But during COVID me and that girl that I was renting from in Lakewood, we did classes together and we made a lot of money. Girl. We Both made about $30,000 each. We were the classes on the classes. Yeah, we did probably 20 classes together within Covid and we had like seven girls each class. I remember we would separate our money, we'd walk away with like $7,000 each. This was a hot.

[Host]

This is for one day.

[Ariana]

For one day. Girl. That was probably the most money I've ever made in a day. Yeah. Yeah. So, like, they're so profitable.

[Host]

Yeah, they are. But, like, with the. With the kids, too, like.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

You'd obviously take that off. Right.

[Ariana]

So that was the total without expenses, obviously. So we were doing a full day. We were including a K. The kit cost us a few hundred dollars or a couple hundred dollars. And so.

[Host]

Yeah. And the models that you would get, would you provide their models or sometimes would you ask them? Like, because sometimes it's a hit or miss when it comes to models.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

Because a lot of people don't want students working on them.

[Ariana]

Yeah. So I provide all the models. I post it. I only charge $20 for my models to come on in. And my clients love it. They grab it quick. Girl, I post it and it's gone. I honestly, sometimes I like, I'm already knowing, oh, they're going to take it quick, so I'll post it like the day before. And they all go, thank God. And so.

[Host]

And that's, like, hard for me because I feel like they're just so used to me, and I'm like. I'm like, I promise. And before, it wasn't like that. I feel like before I would be like, I get models so fast, but I feel like now it's just gotten to the point where it's like, they don't want. They're so stuck with their person. They don't want to go with a student.

[Ariana]

Are you. I used to do it for free, but then people started to not show up. And then you're like, in a class and you're like, oh, your model's supposed to be there. Like, yeah, yeah, I hope they're coming.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And so now I charge a 20 deposit, and I do less. Let them know, you know, the student is really counting on it. Please make sure to be on time. Please make sure to be here. And I just stress that, you know, the students paying a lot to be here and really counting on you being here.

[Host]

Yeah. And so now do you think you slowed down a lot with your classes?

[Ariana]

Like, yes, I have. So during the pandemic, everybody had money to spend. Everyone wanted to start a new business. And now we're kind of going through, like, a recession and so huge. Yeah. So, yes, I've only done one class so far, but we're only in the second month of the year, and I do have some more scheduled, but, yeah, they have slowed down A little bit.

[Host]

Yeah. How about your business overall? Like, can you. Do you see the analytics of like. Or your reports from your website? And you see it from COVID Because this is what I do. Yeah, I see it from COVID and I'm like, oh, my gosh. Like, Covid, I was at. I was making so much. Right. And now I'm just like, wow, that huge drop.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

Is crazy.

[Ariana]

Yeah, for sure. So I. I'm making more now than I did during COVID because during COVID my Brazilians were 35. They're now $70. And then I also have two team members, so I've increased my revenue. I've doubled my revenue from last year that I was solo to now having two employees. So I've seen a major increase, but I've seen a major decrease in our actual being fully booked, if that makes sense. So I used to always be fully booked. For years, I would fully book in, like, 30 minutes for the whole month. And it was such, like, a high and amazing feeling.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And then now, as we enter into this new year, like, I got some openings in, like, two weeks, and that's so different for me. And so sometimes I tell myself, like, maybe it's just because I have employees and now they're getting sprinkled over to other girls. But also, we're going through recession, and I think, like, the clean girl aesthetic is really in. So some people are kind of dropping, like, getting nails, getting lashes, or just trying to save in different ways. And so people come and go, but there's always new clients to be found. So.

[Host]

Yeah. And I feel like that when that happens, especially now, a lot of people get discouraged.

[Ariana]

Yeah. It is really discouraging, you know, for sure. Especially for a new waxer. I know sometimes I'll post, like, today's agenda, and people are like, girl goals. Like, you know, that's how many clients I had all month. You know, it's really hard for new waxers compared to established waxers, because it was just different when I started, you know?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

It was quick to gain, and now it's definitely. It takes a little bit longer to get fully booked.

[Host]

And I feel like two people will ask me, like, how. How do you get your books like that? And how do you get.

[Ariana]

So. Yeah.

[Host]

And I. I keep saying repeated things because that's what worked for me.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And I feel like in this generation role now, what we're in, it's just like, it's not like that anymore.

[Ariana]

There's so many beauty professionals that there's just so many people to choose from.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So it's very saturated. It's so much different than it was five years ago. So you just have to find what makes you unique. You know, why should somebody book with you rather than someone else? And for us, it's just being genuine, being good to our clients. But everybody's nice, so, you know, it's hard.

[Host]

And I feel like what drew me to you especially is because your color scheme.

[Ariana]

Purple.

[Host]

The purple, like, it, like, catches my eye.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

You know, like, it just, like, if I see purple, I'm like, okay. I think right away, that's one thing.

[Ariana]

Too, is I always keep my logo the same. I always keep my profile photo the same because I want people to recognize that. And I think some people, maybe they change their profile photos.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

And maybe people aren't recognizing, like, oh, that's you. So I don't know.

[Host]

Yeah. And I feel like kudos to you because I can never. I mean, the only thing I have purple is my. My podcast. But purple people, white.

[Ariana]

Your shop is beautiful.

[Host]

It's just super plain. But that's my cleaning, though.

[Ariana]

It's clean and it's beautiful. And I'm really trying to veer more to, like, being clean and being minimalist, because when I had that really tiny shop in Cyprus, girl, it was cluttered. And so I'm definitely trying to spread out and clean up and just have a different aesthetic. But always, I'll always have purple, because us purple girls, yeah, we just love purple. We can't help it. Everything purple.

[Host]

Yeah. And that's why. And I remember I. You mentioned earlier, like, it's. You humbled yourself, right?

[Ariana]

Yeah. So going from being fully booked within 30 minutes for years, you know, I thought, like, oh, I'm good. Like, I got it. You know, Like, I can have employees and they'll be fully booked, too. But then having employees and seeing them, you know, sometimes only having four or five employees in a whole day or four or five clients in a whole day definitely humbled me that it's going to take some work to get fully booked. And then now I have some opening, so I'm like, okay, back to square one. So we DM people every single day. Something that we do is we look up local beauty professionals near us that do other services that we don't offer. So, like massage. Massage therapists, spray tans, hair girls. We look them up that are in our city, and we look at who's commenting on their photos, and we message them directly, because if they're going to them for a service in our city. Then they'll see that we're offering a beauty service and maybe be interested. And so we message them and we offer them a free brow and we just invite them into our salon. And we've gotten like five or six clients this way. And my idea is if they come once, they'll stay. And so even if they just come and get a free browse. Nice to meet them.

[Host]

And also, too, I seen that you were putting like, your flyers, right?

[Ariana]

Yeah. So another way of humbling yourself, girl. We got out in the streets, we made flyers. We've done it three times now offering different, like, promos, free brows. And we go like across the street into, like, the apartments and put flyers on all the cars. We go into, like, the shopping center. We introduce ourselves to the different business businesses and we give them our flyer and just invite us, invite them in. And we actually went to the gym across the street and they were like, once a month we have an event where small businesses can come and have a little booth here. And so I want to do that.

[Host]

That's cute.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

I feel like I had one. I had a pop up.

[Ariana]

Okay.

[Host]

And I did. I had a permanent. She did permanent jewelry. I had a hair tinsel girl that came. She has. She does nails too. And then I had someone that does crepes and stuff. She does like all that stuff. And that brought me revenue marketing. Yeah, it was just marketing.

[Ariana]

Yeah. I definitely want to go to some farmers markets and just get out there. I even want to go to esthetician schools and introduce ourselves. That's what I know. We do class.

[Host]

We should do that together.

[Ariana]

Yeah, that's our thing. Absolutely.

[Host]

What's something that, you know, we could see from you in the future.

[Ariana]

So I have a lot of big plans. I feel like God puts different things on my heart and it's sometimes things I don't even want to do. But I'm like, okay, I know I need to do that. So I want to have virtual trainings. I really want to get someone to come in and record. I saw you just recorded one of your classes.

[Host]

If you need somebody, girl. And I got you the best person. He does really good, like videography. I used to have someone else, but he moved and he's just really far. But he does really good.

[Ariana]

And did he record like a Brazilian one?

[Host]

Yes, girl.

[Ariana]

Okay.

[Host]

He was in the room and everything.

[Ariana]

He said, zoom in.

[Host]

And his wife was here and she. Because there are a couple that do it. And he was like, shout out to them. Sunset Media.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And he basically asked his wife, and she's like, go for, like, you.

[Ariana]

Business is business.

[Host]

And, you know, one thing that I really liked about him was that he was here all day.

[Ariana]

Wow. That's really. That's awesome. That's what you need, honestly.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

Yeah. I really want to train wax or I really want to record wax classes. I look at my retail shelf and I see all these different brands, and I'm like, why don't I sell everything on my own? Like, I know I can. I just need to take the time to create my own brands and have all my own products. But I would love to have my own sugar scrub, my own ingrown serum, my own body wash, everything of my own brand.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So that's a big goal of mine. And I actually. I want to retire from waxing at 30. And so I'm 27, so I have three more years of waxing, and then I really want to run a shop. I want to have multiple girls. I want to have a storefront. And I'll continue to do wax classes. Maybe I'll work one day a week. But I want to start a family. I want to. I want to run the business from the outside.

[Host]

Yes.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

I feel like that's literally my dream. And that's going to happen.

[Ariana]

It will happen.

[Host]

It's going to happen.

[Ariana]

Absolutely.

[Host]

I'm working on it right now.

[Ariana]

Right.

[Host]

Literally.

[Ariana]

Yeah. I love what I do, but I want to raise a family. And your body can only take so much.

[Host]

Yeah. I feel like, too. It's just not. It's not that waxing is tiring. I just feel like once you have a business for me, for example, and I say this to everybody, I love what I do.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

I love my clients. I love this business. I love just overall, like, waxing and skincare. I just felt I fell in love with it.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

But I think I fell in love with the business side more.

[Ariana]

Really?

[Host]

I think so. I think I fell in love with, like, opportunity. I fell in love with. Yeah. Opportunity. I fell in love with, like, building the shop because I knew so much more. Like, it just. It taught me so much. And I feel like I opened this and I opened my mom's restaurant, so now I know how to do this type of business and a restaurant business. So doing those just helped me. And I just feel like I learned so much that I fell in love with that side. And that's why I decided to go back to school to get my bachelor's in business, not because I need it. And they'll teach you some stuff. And I have learned some stuff, but I think I just wanted that to be under me and say, hey, not only am I. I majored in this, so I know what the I'm doing. So they know. They think they. Because I feel like that paper to them you sell. If you tell someone that you have your bachelor's or something, they're like, oh, my God. Like, yeah, she knows what she's doing. Even though I knew before that, you know?

[Ariana]

And what's so cool, too, is that you're a beauty professional. So, like, when I was at European Wax center, the owners had such high expectations for us. It just talked to us in a way that they didn't understand what waxing was and what it took to be a waxer, to take clients back to back. And so that would be beautiful for you as a business owner, that you know what it takes you. You know, you don't expect somebody to do everything in 10 minutes, you know?

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So I think that will take you far, definitely, that you started from the beginning.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

So watch us be pregnant together, period.

[Ariana]

Baby bump next time. Yeah.

[Host]

Have a whole ass waxy maternity shoe.

[Ariana]

That'd be so cool.

[Host]

A little stick next to our belly. Okay, before we end this podcast, I want to hear a weird waxing story that you have, or if you have any. Yes. So you could tell us. You could tell a future waxer. What should they expect? Or if it just happened to you.

[Ariana]

Okay, so I have a couple quirky stories, but this current client, I want to keep her very anonymous. But I was waxing her Brazilian. And after every single time I pulled a strip, her. Okay. Her man was there, by the way, after every. And he was standing right next to us.

[Host]

Okay, so she's laying on the bed.

[Ariana]

She's laying on the bed. I'm on this side, he's on this side.

[Host]

Okay?

[Ariana]

And after every single time I pulled a strip, he would kiss her, and I was like, okay, like, trying to mind my business, you know, not look.

[Host]

And then not, like, making out just.

[Ariana]

Like a regular, but just every single strip was a kiss. I was like, okay, whatever. Then we do knees up to chest, and I'm, you know, applying the booty strips, and he's, like, spanking her butt. Like, I'm like, you got to be letting me slap.

[Host]

Or like a tap.

[Ariana]

Just like a tap. But it was making me clap, you know? No, I just felt disrespected. But I didn't know what to say, and I didn't know what to say, and so whatever. Then we're at the end of the service, and I let her know, like, hey, girl, you do have a couple little hairs left over. I tried my best to tweeze them all, but we really need to work on exfoliating. You know, you have some dry hairs, what have you. And he's like, oh, my God, $60 and you didn't get all the hair.

[Host]

He did not just tell you that.

[Ariana]

He said that. And then we walk up to the front, and I'm like, oh, it's actually 70. Oh, my God. I was so embarrassed and just. Just uncomfortable. And they're both really nice people, and they probably didn't mean anything, but I did have to send her a message after and ask her, you know, next time can you please just come in? And unfortunately, your boyfriend is no longer welcome in here because it just made me feel uncomfortable.

[Host]

Yeah. And if that makes me feel uncomfortable, that, I mean already, like, the slapping ass, the kissing, like, first of all, I don't even have anybody in the room when I'm waxing. So the fact that you even let someone in there and he was, like.

[Ariana]

Kind of hovering, and so it was just. It was just too much. It was yucky. Yeah.

[Host]

Kudos to you. Because if it was me, you're too nice. I would have been like, no, he's standing in the front. Yeah, you gotta go.

[Ariana]

Yeah. I definitely learned a lesson, but I'm happy that I stood for myself and I addressed the issue.

[Host]

Yeah. So is she still.

[Ariana]

She still is my client.

[Host]

And did that make her feel a type of way?

[Ariana]

I hope not. I mean, are they still together? They're still together. Yeah. They're husband, wife. Oh, wait, I didn't even mention a part. Okay, so when she was getting up, she was, like, whispering to him. She's like, oh, don't worry. These are different underwear from earlier. I was like. I was trying to mind my business. I'm like, what does that even mean?

[Host]

Like.

[Ariana]

Like they did the deed before they came or something.

[Host]

That's what it means.

[Ariana]

I don't know. It was violating. It was just too much.

[Host]

See that? No, I had. That's so gross. But I had something similar to me, too. She had. I used to work from home, okay. And she. I mentioned this before, but she literally got the D boy before she came into her stop her Brazilian. And, you know, I always ask my clients, do you want to go to the restroom before the Brazilian? Yeah, there's a wipe in the restroom, so you can go ahead and clean yourself and she was like, no, I'm okay. She comes and opens her legs. Right.

[Ariana]

She loves.

[Host]

And we know the difference between discharge.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And we know the difference between girl, she opened up her legs and bam. That shit was just gliding off. And it was the most disgusting thing ever. And I just felt.

[Ariana]

Did you wipe it? What'd you do?

[Host]

I felt very disrespected.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

Because I asked you to use the restroom and you said no.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And I did wipe it. I did her wax.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And then I did send her a text, and I told her that I don't want to see. I basically fired her as a client.

[Ariana]

So you really addressed it. What if it was just discharged? What if.

[Host]

No, it wasn't.

[Ariana]

You know, okay.

[Host]

Oh, I know. I know the difference.

[Ariana]

You're brave. I don't know if I would have addressed it. I think I would have just been like, oh, no.

[Host]

The thing is, like, I'm not afraid to address stuff, and it makes me feel. I'm a very outspoken person. So. Yeah, I don't care if it bothers me. Like, I will literally tell them how I feel.

[Ariana]

Have you ever addressed anyone that has poop on their butt?

[Host]

No.

[Ariana]

No. Me neither.

[Host]

But I have addressed someone that queefed.

[Ariana]

What do you say she was.

[Host]

Because, you know, a lot of the times.

[Ariana]

Okay. I actually have a queefing story. Go ahead. She.

[Host]

She queefed, right?

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And she laughed at it. She was just laughing in my face. She's like. She was just like. She didn't even apologize for it. And she was very rude. Okay. And the way she was, like, her aura. She's been. She was my client. She came for Brazilian four times. Okay. This is when I was again in my house.

[Ariana]

Okay.

[Host]

But she. Or had already came, and I just always had this vibe off of her. She was not like a really. I don't know. But she queeved, and she started laughing, and I literally stopped the Brazilian.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And I said, you have to go, but you're still gonna pay for it. And she was like, why do I have to pay for it if I'm half wax? I said, because if you don't, we're gonna have to handle it outside. And I really said that.

[Ariana]

And then I will.

[Host]

You know who you are.

[Ariana]

No, I will fight you over that queef.

[Host]

And she grabbed the cash and, like, went like this and dropped it in front of me. I was like, five. Oh, my goodness. And she left. And she left and I wrote. She wrote me a huge review. And it was such a bad Review.

[Ariana]

Did she mention the queen?

[Host]

No, she said in response.

[Ariana]

And there was a queeze.

[Host]

She had mentioned some other. She was like. She was five minutes behind, like, other. And I'm like, dude, like, you didn't. And I literally wrote back on there. I was like, but did you mention the queef?

[Ariana]

You're savage.

[Host]

Yeah, because you're not gonna. Especially because, like, you know, I'm a solo. Like, I. At that time, I was just like, I can't.

[Ariana]

We can laugh it off and we can be cool, but don't, like, be mean about it.

[Host]

Don't be mean about it. Don't apologize for it. And I get it. Queefing is normal for us girls, right? But, like, if you're literally going to have your legs open and my freaking faces right there, and you're going to just queep and you're going to. You're literally going to laugh and not apologize, which I'm taking you off my bed.

[Ariana]

Or at least clarify. Like, that wasn't a part.

[Host]

Of clients that creep before, and they're, oh, my.

[Ariana]

God, girl, I'm so sorry.

[Host]

And they're so embarrassed about it. And I'm like, girl, it's fine. You know, Like, I have that, like, vibe with. But if it's the client that I already did it. Have a vibe with, I'm like, no.

[Ariana]

I always do the. Lay on your tummy. Hold the sides open.

[Host]

Okay. And then.

[Ariana]

But one time, I was doing a refresher class where I let a student come back and do the refresher, and she's like, oh, can we have her do, like, doggy position? Like, that's easier for me. And I was like, okay, sure. I don't usually do that. Girl. The girl flipped over and queeved, and I was like, this is why we don't do doggy position. Like, I felt so sad and embarrassed for her. I'm like, girl, it's not you. You're good. You're good.

[Host]

No. At least you didn't fart.

[Ariana]

Yeah. And if I queeped, I would clarify.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Ariana]

So that girl shouldn't have just laughed.

[Host]

And the thing is, like, we don't. I want to clarify this. We don't say these stories to make fun of our clients.

[Ariana]

Yeah. We're all human. We're all girls.

[Host]

And the things is, I like, there's so much to expect if you're gonna become a waxer.

[Ariana]

Yeah. You have to be professional and professional.

[Host]

Yes. Unless if it happened and understand to you.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

What happened to me, then you would.

[Ariana]

Do for that girl, whatever.

[Host]

No, but it's because, like, you felt my students, too. Like, if there's a smell, if there's, like, poop or anything, please be professional. Don't make the person embarrassed.

[Ariana]

Like, you know, don't go posting about it. No, that's horrible.

[Host]

Don't do that.

[Ariana]

Just literally, I wax right over it.

[Host]

Yeah. Just go on with your day. Ask them, oh, my God, girl, how's your day? And just keep going.

[Ariana]

Oh, yeah. There's plenty of times that people accidentally fart, and I. I pretend like I don't even hear it. I'm like, yeah, so it's been raining a lot lately. I, like, more embarrassed to address it.

[Host]

Yes. And I feel like. I feel like I just don't. I want them to come back to me.

[Ariana]

Yeah.

[Host]

And I want them to feel like this is, like a trust.

[Ariana]

Like, this is a space.

[Host]

Yes, exactly. It's a safe space in a place where you can come and you can trust me. And, yes, everything that happens in here is going to stay in here.

[Ariana]

Absolutely.

[Host]

You know, so I wanted to clarify.

[Ariana]

Yes. We're nice girls. Yes.

[Host]

Okay, so we're already almost done with our podcast, but before we end, we always end this podcast with a quote. So do you have a quote for us?

[Ariana]

So I couldn't do this without God. So I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me because he's guided me this far, and I know he's going to continue to open up doors for me. So I can't take it all in without Him. So.

[Host]

Yeah. Oh, that's actually so beautiful because that was our first quote about God. Right. And this is our first episode of season four.

[Ariana]

Yes.

[Host]

So that's beautiful. Well, thank you so much for joining my podcast.

[Ariana]

Thank you for having me.

[Host]

And I hope to be back.

[Ariana]

I would love to be.

[Host]

And I hope we're pregnant together at 30, period. All right, bye. Bye, guys.