How to Build a Team, UNIQUE Marketing Strategies & Bosses With Scarcity Mindset

Summary

Podcast Title: Beauty with a Twist
Host: Dede
Guest: Megan from Dirty Bird Aesthetics
Episode Title: How to Build a Team, UNIQUE Marketing Strategies & Bosses With Scarcity Mindset
Release Date: May 10, 2024

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of Beauty with a Twist, host Dede welcomes Megan, the founder of Dirty Bird Aesthetics based in Sacramento, California. Megan shares her inspiring journey of launching a full-body waxing studio amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation delves into the intricacies of building a dedicated team, implementing unique marketing strategies, and overcoming the scarcity mindset prevalent among business owners in the beauty industry.

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Building a Team

Megan's approach to team-building is both personal and strategic. Starting as a solo esthetician during the pandemic, she quickly recognized the need to expand to meet growing demand. Megan emphasizes the importance of hiring individuals she already knows and trusts, often turning clients into team members.

• Hiring from Within: Megan recounts how her first team member, Madeline, transitioned from being a client to an employee. She notes, “I like to hire from within,” highlighting the benefits of existing relationships and trust. (02:33)

• Developing Strong Relationships: Megan believes that building friendships with her employees fosters a positive work environment. She explains, “It's nice to know, like, I trust all of them, fully.” (11:30)

• Growth Through Team Expansion: As Dirty Bird Aesthetics grew from a single-room studio to a four-room space, Megan strategically hired Evelyn and Jessie, both of whom were long-time clients. This method ensured that new employees were already familiar with the business’s values and standards. (10:20)

• Supportive Leadership: Megan stresses the importance of supporting her team’s growth, stating, “If one of my girls came to me and said, I want to open up my own space, I'd be like, how can I help?” (35:16) This approach contrasts with the typical scarcity mindset, where owners may feel threatened by their employees' success.

Notable Quote:
"I hire people that I know who I trust and, like, they have my best interest in mind. I have their best interests in mind." — Megan (11:30)

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Unique Marketing Strategies

Megan leverages her background in PR and marketing to create standout content for Dirty Bird Aesthetics. Her innovative use of social media has been pivotal in establishing a strong brand presence.

• Creative Content Creation: Megan uses unique props and themes for her Instagram posts, such as flowers and roller skates, to make her content memorable. She mentions, “I follow a lot of pages where it's just photography, different brands, even colors... I bet I can recreate that with someone's pubes.” (17:10)

• Tagging and Reposting: By tagging brands and utilizing hashtags effectively, Megan ensures her content gains visibility. This strategy often leads to her posts being reposted by larger pages, significantly boosting her follower count. (21:00)

• Community Engagement: Megan actively participates in local events and fairs, setting up booths to promote her business. This hands-on approach not only increases brand awareness but also fosters community connections. (30:03)

• Prop-Driven Marketing: From vintage Playboys to unique Zippo lighters, Megan uses distinctive props to differentiate her studio and make it a desirable place for clients to visit and photograph. (16:09)

Notable Quote:
"I think the best way to grow your brand is to get reposted by bigger pages." — Megan (21:00)

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Bosses With Scarcity Mindset

Megan addresses the prevalent scarcity mindset among beauty industry bosses, advocating instead for an abundance mentality.

• Embracing Abundance: Megan expresses frustration with the competitive nature that often hampers collaboration. She states, “There's plenty of people to go around. There's plenty of clients... There's enough to go around.” (35:37)

• Supporting Team Growth: Unlike many, Megan encourages her employees to pursue their own business ventures without feeling threatened. She believes in fostering an environment where growth is celebrated rather than feared. (35:16)

• Rejecting Micromanagement: Megan avoids micromanaging her team, focusing instead on trusting their abilities and fostering independence. This approach not only empowers her employees but also contributes to a more positive workplace culture. (14:19)

Notable Quote:
"I feel like there's a lot of scarcity and fear mindset in our industry as owners. But there’s plenty of clients who come to see me, and there's plenty of clients who go to see other people." — Megan (35:37)

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Challenges in the Beauty Industry

Running a beauty business comes with its set of challenges, which Megan candidly discusses.

• Operational Hurdles: Megan highlights the complexities of managing a business, from handling taxes to ensuring consistent marketing efforts. She shares humorous anecdotes about dealing with bookkeeping errors and the relentless nature of business operations. (40:54)

• Maintaining Work-Life Balance: The demands of running a studio often blur the lines between professional and personal life. Megan mentions, “I'm always thinking, like, oh, I need to do this... it's constant.” (39:09)

• Navigating Client Relations: Building strong client relationships is crucial, but it also means dealing with personal interactions that can sometimes be overwhelming. Megan emphasizes the importance of making clients feel valued and creating an enjoyable experience. (07:08)

• Managing Slow Seasons: Like any business, there are fluctuating periods. Megan advises maintaining consistent marketing efforts even during slow times to ensure a steady flow of clients. (28:55)

Notable Quote:
"Opening a business is like having a baby, and you want it to flourish and keep it growing." — Megan (38:42)

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Future Projects and Innovations

Megan shares her exciting plans for the future, including developing innovative products to enhance the waxing industry.

• Patent-Pending Wax Warmer: Megan is working on a unique wax warmer with advanced features such as tracking wax usage per service. She believes this invention will revolutionize the industry by providing estheticians with better tools to manage their businesses. (54:13)

• Long-Term Vision: While committed to running Dirty Bird Aesthetics, Megan remains open to future projects and collaborations. She envisions expanding her influence in the beauty industry through continuous innovation and community engagement. (47:13)

Notable Quote:
"I'm dropping it. You know, there's holes in our industry that need to be filled." — Megan (54:15)

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Conclusion

This episode of Beauty with a Twist offers valuable insights into building a successful beauty business through strong team dynamics, creative marketing, and a supportive leadership style. Megan's optimistic and abundance-focused approach serves as an inspiring example for aspiring esthetician-owners. As she continues to innovate and expand her business, her story underscores the importance of passion, consistency, and community in the beauty industry.

Closing Quote:
"Learn like you will live forever. While doing, learning." — Megan (58:39)

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Looking Ahead:
Megan hinted at future collaborations, including featuring her husband, a seasoned barber with over 20 years of experience, showcasing the interconnectedness of different beauty professions. This partnership promises to bring even more depth and expertise to future episodes.

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Thank You for Listening!
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, and overcoming industry challenges on Beauty with a Twist.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode of Beauty with Twist. I'm super excited for this week's episode. I know I've been mia, but I'm finally back for this week's episode. We have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself.

[B]

Hi, everybody. My name's Megan. I'm Dirty Bird Aesthetics from Sacramento, California.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I'm so excited that you're here.

[B]

I'm excited to be here.

[A]

Thank you for coming to me.

[B]

Are you kidding?

[A]

She just flew out. Okay. Literally just landed and came straight here. Okay.

[B]

She's close to the airport. It wasn't a big deal.

[A]

And this is my first time meeting her, so I'm super excited. So tell me more about Dirty Bird yourself and all of that.

[B]

Okay. Yeah. We're full body waxing studio in the heart of midtown Sacramento. We've been around since March of 2020. I signed my lease March 1st of 2020. Little did I know what was happening, like, two weeks later. But I. The Pandemic.

[A]

Oh, yeah, Yeah. I was like, looking.

[B]

We forget. You're like, what happened? I know.

[A]

I was like, wait, what was going on? Okay.

[B]

Yeah. And so I signed my lease March 1st of 2020. Just hopes. And then the world crumbled down and I just powered through and now we're a full blown, four room, pretty much fully booked waxing studio.

[A]

So did you work from home previously or were you. Where were you working?

[B]

I got licensed and then I worked for someone else. And then I was like, ready to open up Dirty Bird, like, right when the pandemic.

[A]

How long were you working for that person?

[B]

Um, I worked for Vanessa from Wax Bear. Okay. For six months prior to. Oh, well, okay. So it's actually kind of a funny story. I interviewed with her right after I got out of school, and she. She's like, I usually don't hire people right out of school. And I was like, I. I just need somewhere to start. I had taken one of her classes before. I was a familiar face. And she. She basically was like, okay, I have someone going on maternity leave, so I do need another waxer. So I was like, oh, my gosh. I got so lucky. And I sort of sold myself. I was like, I'll do your social media too, as long as I'm here.

[A]

So you were like a seven one?

[B]

Yes, A two in one. And she's like, deal. And I go, okay. And which. This is kind of odd in the beauty industry. During my interview, I said, I plan on opening up my own spot within the next six to eight Months. I. You not. Is cussing okay on here?

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Okay. Okay. Yeah. Okay, good. I you, not. Six months hit. And she goes, are you looking for your new spot? I was like, are you kicking me out? And she's like, no, I'm. I'm making sure you're sticking to your goal.

[A]

Do you know how hard that is to find?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

As a boss.

[B]

As a boss?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like someone who just is like, you'll never find them. No, I hope. I. I mean, I'm that type of boss, you know, I don't expect to keep everyone forever.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Um, but I. I literally could not believe that and how lucky I got. Cause. And sure enough, like, I. I went on my way and she gave me like about 200 pounds of wax to start. Like, of wax, Bare wax. And she's like, good luck. And now she says, jump. And I say, how high? Vanessa. Because I love her to death. I'd do anything for her. Yeah.

[A]

And did you have the clients from hers then they followed you or how did it work?

[B]

So it's. It was weird because it was the pandemic, you know, Like, I literally signed my lease. The pandemic hit. I can honestly say I probably have maybe like five people still that I had from her, but she is in a place called Elk Grove, which is about 25 minutes from where I am. So I. And it's so funny, when I look at those clients, they were all first timers. Like, their first time was with me, and so they just stuck with me. But yeah, she. She has a thriving, wonderful business. And those five clients, I don't think really, you know, put a dent in what she was doing.

[A]

And did you go straight to a storefront or is there like a studio that you're at?

[B]

So I. This is actually our second location. So we were in this cute little Victorian. Why I shouldn't say we. It was me. It was just me. And I found this cute little room in a Victorian in Sacramento. It's really cool. They kind of cut Victorian homes to, like, studio spaces.

[A]

That is cute.

[B]

Not cute. Yeah, so it was the, like an adorable green Victorian. And it was just a one room space, just me in there. And then I, like two years later, I had a girl who was working for me. We were seven. Seven days a week, fully booked, and we. We had to grow. And so now we're in the space we're in now. And it's super cute. It's not actually on little bugs. Yeah, that's okay. We're actually not on the street. We're kind of down a breezeway as kind of cool. You have to know where you're going. So we don't have just random people walking in a lot of the time, which is nice for us because Sacramento can be a little rough sometimes, so. Yeah. Yeah. So you have to know where you're going to get to us, basically.

[A]

But I did see, like, on your Instagram, there's, like, a wall that's painted, right?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

It's like a mural.

[B]

Yeah. So we have, like, in our back, we have a parking lot, which we're super luck. Like, a huge parking lot with a wall. We have a mural back there, and we have this beautiful breezeway that's just lined with pine. It's very, like, 70s, which fits our vibe really, really well. Yeah. Very retro. And so, yeah, you just walk down this breezeway, and then there's just a neon sign, and it's just us, you know?

[A]

So then you started with the one girl.

[B]

I. I started. Me. And then there was the cutest girl who was getting waxed by me, and just slowly but surely, she's like, I mean, I'm about to graduate esthetician school. She was giving me those hints, Madeline. And I picked up on those hints. And honestly, I didn't want to see her go anywhere else. I was like, I want her to work for me. I don't even know if she wants to wax. I was like, oh, maybe she wants to do facials. But I just threw like, a Hail Mary, and I was like, hi, do you maybe want to be a waxer here? Oh, my God.

[A]

And she said, yes, absolutely.

[B]

Yeah, she was.

[A]

She.

[B]

She tells the story. She goes, I was in Mexico, and I started crying. I was like, oh. And, yeah. So that's how my first team member. Team member came on. And she's been with me ever since. And that's actually how I like to hire from within.

[A]

And see, that's like the best because you build a connection with her first.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you feel like you made that kind of friendship with her, obviously. And then after that, the trust was built.

[B]

Yeah. And when you're waxing out people's pubes, like, you see the worst.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And if their worst is pretty good, you're like, all right, you. Well, under stress.

[A]

You know, I met the. My clients that I wax. They became one of my really good friends.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then we become besties and that. Invited to their freaking baby showers, their weddings, and all of this stuff. I'm like, dude, I was just your waxer now. I'm here.

[B]

And now I'm here at your life event. Literally, I swear, I'm always like, send me a registry. You know, every time that I'm like, all right, send me a registry. You know, because they do. You get so stinking close to them.

[A]

So then after Madeline, right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

So then you decided, okay, I need another team member or how did it happen?

[B]

Well, we were open seven days a week, and we were fully booked. And, like, our space was one room. Like, we couldn't keep enough, like, product on the shelves. Like, it was just like, oh, my gosh, like, our closets were filled, and then they'd be emptied within the week with, like, wax because we were going through it so fast. We just, like, we were just busting out the seams. And so basically I was like, I think it's time for us to look for a larger space, more rooms. And I had my heart set on this one. And then they gave me how much tis were going to be, and I was like, oh, I can't really swing that. And I, I you not. Like, two days later, I was at a bar and my husband was like, talking to one of his old friends, Todd, who owns this skate shop in front of us. And he was like, yeah, my father in law just bought this building and there's an office space in the back and it's four rooms and we don't really know what to do with it. And I was like, isn't it a sign, like, the universe will kind of carry you where you need to go? The other place, it felt like it was sort of pulling teeth, you know, And I got that ti and I.

[A]

Was like, like, it, like, ruined you.

[B]

Yeah, it, like, I was devastated. But two days later, like, the universe just delivered this new spot. And I went and looked at it. I'm like, I love it. I love it. I can work with this.

[A]

And the rooms were already built.

[B]

And the rooms were already built. Yeah, I didn't.

[A]

Oh, you got.

[B]

So I just had to make it beautiful, you know? Yeah, yeah.

[A]

So did you do a lot of renovations to it or.

[B]

Like, we. We changed up the flooring we had. Obviously it was a weird gray color. We painted it, but, like, we didn't really renovate anything, to be perfectly honest. Nothing craz. Each room had windows in between them, and we just closed those up because, you know, we couldn't have that.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah.

[B]

Don't look over here.

[A]

So the location where it's at, is it like a street? Like, is it like.

[B]

So it's actually Sacramento is kind of interesting. We have like a midtown and a downtown. And our midtown is kind of where, like, all the restaurants are. And so we're on the street with, like, a lot of fun bars and restaurants. Good location, so amazing location. Yeah. Yeah, it's a lot of fun.

[A]

Do you get walk ins at a.

[B]

Sometimes for eyebrows, But I hope sometimes. Sometimes. Sometimes people have been drinking and they're like, have you ever had a Brazilian wax? You know, I saw a place over there. We should go. Like, that's happened a few times. And I'm like, you guys are wild.

[A]

I mean.

[B]

Yeah. All right. We'll be your first, you know? Yeah. Friend bonding. You know, friends bonding.

[A]

So then you decided on the location. It was a go. So then Madeline was with you and then you decided to hire somebody else.

[B]

Yeah, Another client. I had this sweet, sweet girl named Evelyn. Okay.

[A]

Shout out to you.

[B]

Shout out to both Evelyn and Madeline, who was working at European Wax Center. But she was coming to me to get waxed, and I loved her. She was hilarious. And before I had, like, even a timeline as to when the new space would be open, I was kind of already poaching her. I was like, hey, just don't work in European anymore. Yeah, just. Yeah, I'm like, I. I know. Like, it's going to be a change, you know, and you'll be brand new. And she's. She's not from Sacramento. And I remember when I was like, hey, I'll put your two weeks in. It's go time. And. Yeah. And she just. She did. And it was amazing. Yeah.

[A]

So, okay. She does waxing too full.

[B]

And she does full, full waxing. And another gal we just hired, Ms. Jessie. And she was. She's been a client since 2021.

[A]

So they're all.

[B]

Yes. I'm telling you, like, people are on their best behavior during interviews, you know, like, when you're interviewing for a job, of course you're going to be on your best behavior. But I hire people that, like, I know who I trust and, like, they have my best interest in mind. I have their best interests in mind. Like.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I don't know. I think, like, it's a really wonderful way to do it.

[A]

And that's a good way because a lot of people always ask, how do you choose your employees?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

How do you choose your team members? And I've never heard of someone saying, you know, I built a friendship with them first and connected with them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's so funny that you say that, because I met my assistant. She's been working for me for five years. Six.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And she was my friend since high school.

[B]

I love it. Yeah. You know, and I think a lot of people can say, like, oh, it'll ruin relationships, or, like, especially, like, friendships. But I don't know, it's just. It's nice to know, like, I trust all of them, like, fully.

[A]

And I feel like if you keep that boundary, because.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If you ask my assistant, she's always like, she's my boss.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I respect her at work, but when we go out to eat and we're friends, we talk about friendship stuff.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So she knows how to keep that wall between us, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

When she's always in here, she's always like, hey, boss, I need to do this. But when we're outside in the street and we're drinking, she's like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She always. She's like, hey, boss, we need to do this. This is not.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then when we're out drinking, she's.

[B]

Like, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

And I'm like.

[B]

She's like, can I complain about my boss for a second?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, sure. Go for it. She.

[A]

And then we go out, and then we're with our other friends, and they're like, you leave this time. You do this.

[B]

This. Yeah.

[A]

And I'm looking at her like, just because he said that on Monday, you're going to. It's going to be worse for you. We always joke around. But that's why she's worked here for so long, because we built that connection.

[B]

Yeah. And you know what I mean. Absolutely. I. I love that so much, and I wanted to just sort of touch on something else that goes back to, like, hiring. And I think, like, a lot of us beauty professionals might not see it like this, but I never hire out of necessity. Like, I could run my business on my own. I can cover my bills on my own. I hire when I really want someone to be there, if that makes sense. Like, I. Yes. It'd be lonely if I was in there by myself. Yes. You know, it'd be tough. But, like, I don't. I don't hire people because I'm like, I have to pay, like, pay my rent. Like, I gotta get another waxer in here. It's. It's basically like, I want you here. I want you to be a part of my team. I want you to, like, thrive. I want to see where you go. I want this to be your first stop in, like, your long career. And.

[A]

And I actually enjoy you.

[B]

And I enjoy you. Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. You were special, you know, to me.

[A]

And I feel like that's why a lot of people are like, I love my job.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, they'll respect that more because.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I love my job because my boss is just amazing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean? She, like, literally respects me so much, and I respect her because. Have you heard, like, when you go and work somewhere, they're like, I hate my job.

[B]

Like, yeah.

[A]

They're, like, so up my ass. Or, you know, micromanaging.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah, I hate micromanaging. Yeah. And, like, do your job clean. Make people feel comfortable. Get all the hair. Like, be on time. Like, that's all. That's all I can ask. Like, there's a few rules here and there, but. Yeah.

[A]

So are any of them booth renters now or just.

[B]

They're all employees.

[A]

All employees.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And do you do. Is it just pure wax or the.

[B]

We only wax head to toe.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. That's all we do day in, day out. We. We were doing the jacials for a little bit, but we don't have a lot of air flow and circulation in our. So, like, those steamers, like, I come out, my hair is curly. I'm like, give me one second. I just need to air everything out. And so we just. And it wasn't a very popular service that we do, and we have products that are comparable to, like, what we did. So we just. We just sell our products.

[A]

So do you guys. Hard wax, soft wax?

[B]

Hard wax. Yeah, hard wax. Yeah.

[A]

And. And then how do you like the products that you sell? Is it just like, exfoliators or exfoliators?

[B]

We have very fun shotguns, too, but it's basically any, like, body hair care. No facial lines. We're thinking of getting, like, an SPF in there. Just, you know, helly spf. You know, we can all push for that, but mainly it's for just, like, ingrowns and all of that. But we have just fun stuff, too. Like, we have cute hair clips. We have. Yeah. Literally. Oh, yeah. Cute gifts. Yeah. Chachkis. Just things where you're like, I don't know if I need this, but I do. Yeah. We have, like, cute lighters and pouches.

[A]

Lighters.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Cute little Zippo lighters. Yeah. One of them says, like, bad, and those sell, like, hotcakes, and it cracks me up. They go, well, I don't smoke, but I think I need this. I think you do, too. And it's so cute. I'm like, do you know how to Fill a Zippo lighter. And they're like, no. And I'm like, I didn't either. Let me show you. I get it. I don't smoke either, but, yeah, see?

[A]

And I like that. That's what makes you different. Because when I first stumbled upon your page, I was like, who is this girl? Like, this. This is so different. You know what caught me was your pictures, your before and after, your videos. And just like. Like, I've never seen a vagina posted with flowers.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Video that you have. And they're wearing, like, underwear.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then I think there was a picture of roller skates.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

I'm like, what? Like, how do you get your inspo? Where does it come from?

[B]

I'll.

[A]

I'll.

[B]

I'll dial back for a bit. Like, I don't know if a lot of people know this about me, but my. My background is actually in PR and marketing. I did that for six years before I was an sd. That's what I went to college for and everything. So it's. It's just the way, like, my mind works and how, like, if I'm just scrolling Instagram and I see. I see, like, I don't know, like, a chip brand, holding chips in a cute way, and I'm like, I bet I can recreate that with someone's pubes. I don't know why I chose chips. There's chips.

[A]

Know that. Oh, like, you're the best.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. So you.

[B]

That's. Yeah. So, like, I. I only I. I don't. Only I. I follow, like, a lot of, like, pages where it's just. It's photo, it's photography, it's. It's different brands, like, even colors of brands that I like. It could be something random where I'm just like, oh, I just. I just like the way this looks and feels. And I bet they're going to do something cool that I can sort of take and recreate with people's body hair. Yes.

[A]

And this is from the beginning. Your page was like this. Or like.

[B]

Yeah, Yeah. I knew I wanted to when I. When I was working for Vanessa. I knew that's how I wanted to. I wanted to, like, stage things. I wanted to have, like, content creation more than it was, like, before reels. You know, I knew I wanted to, like, make cubic hair beautiful or put them in cute underwear and, like, take their photos and just. Yeah.

[A]

So do you make your clients wear these things and then they.

[B]

I buy it prior to them coming in. I have an idea. I put out, like, a Cute little model call. I'm like, hey, I'm looking for one Brazilian client. I'm looking for one bikini client. I usually say, like, no blondies because their hair doesn't show up really that great. I, and I always say I prefer clients who have been here before just so I can they know what I am and know what I'm working with. And can you imagine your first Brazilian wax? I'm like, let me take a picture.

[A]

You know, and some cute underwear and the flowers.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. But basically I have, like, I have an office space with all my backdrop, with my props with wax warmers already set up. So I just take them back there, I ask them to put on the cute little underwear. Whatever we're doing. I have everything always set up very, like, nicely, so it's just very seamless. I take their photo or take a video. I wax them, I have them put it back on, and then I take another photo.

[A]

That is the best.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. And I think sometimes you're, you're so good at this, like, planning content ahead. I know people are like, do they just come with a cute underwear? Like, no, they did not just come with a little bunny tail underwear during Easter time for me. I'm like, no, I bought it and I planned ahead, you know, and yeah, I set up those times aside for content creation. Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like that's what people don't understand, that when you market yourself, you need those content days to really plan out. Hey, I'm gonna put this out and I need to film it or I need to take pictures of it and just have a full day of just that.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, Line them up. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's exactly what I do. I, I, I still put them into the schedule so I can see, like, exactly, like, who's coming in and when. And I just have their little props all set up for them.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Did your page already, like, did it start growing from that or how did you grow your Instagram?

[B]

We started growing from that. And I think one of the biggest things is I would always tag, like, any brands I'm using, like, whether it is the underwear. So I tag the underwear that that's a repost on a bigger page. I think the best way to grow your brand is to get reposted by bigger pages.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And because I was posting content that other waxers who maybe had a larger following had never seen before, they were reposting me a lot. And so I got a lot of traction with a lot of other WA boxers. So I have a lot of other SDs who follow me, but my clients, I don't know, they're just wild. They just know about Dirty Bird in Sacramento, so. Yeah.

[A]

And how'd you even come up with your name Dirty Bird? That's so different.

[B]

Yeah, it's. It's weird, huh?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I sort of love, like, negative connotations that, like, kind of take back power. Like, women being like, yeah, this is the slut walk, you know? Like, taking back power. So, like, Bird actually means, like, girl in the uk and so it's just like. Like a little dirty girl, you know, Like a little slutty girl, you know?

[A]

And that makes sense because it's like, you're about to get waxed. Like, you're. You know.

[B]

Yeah. What do you. What are you getting a wax for? Just for fun. For.

[A]

To keep it real.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. So it's just kind of like that. So, like, Nasty Gal, Nasty Woman. I'm like, Dirty Bird. You know, It's So I was like.

[A]

I. I see these names. I'm like. I see wax by or all these names, and I'm like. When I come across, like, certain names, I'm like, how the do you come up with these names?

[B]

I have no idea. Let me tell you. I'm trying to trademark it right now. Like, there's a lot of Dirty Birds out there.

[A]

Are you serious?

[B]

Yeah. Not, like, in the beauty industry, but in general. In general, there's. There's a gun store in Bakersfield called Dirty Bird. I'm like, jesus. You know? Yeah. Yeah. I hope no one gets us confused. I'm just kidd.

[A]

So then in your shop, like, you have it so different. Like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So what made you, like, come? Did it. Did you have all this stuff?

[B]

No, no.

[A]

Over time.

[B]

Over time, you guys need to check.

[A]

Out her page, because then you'll really understand what I'm talking about. Like, her toilet has glitter on it, and it's pink.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I just want to go.

[B]

You can, and I want to go. Yeah, come through.

[A]

I just really want you to take a picture of me. Sit on your toilet.

[B]

Absolutely. Absolutely. Back to growing a following. That bathroom has been posted so many times just by clients, by. By clients. I don't know who else I was gonna say has been in there. It's clients. But, like, just. I think the, like, how I grew my following was just getting reposted and being weird. You know, they're like this. I've never seen anything like this, you.

[A]

Know, and see, that's a good marketing tactic. Like, it's the detail.

[B]

Right.

[A]

What you're known for.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, like, I, I know here, like when they come in here, they're like, like, it's so white.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So then they'll post clean.

[B]

Yeah. Beautiful.

[A]

Yeah. So when people post it, I'm like, okay, that's a good marketing tactic for me. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then for you, it'd be like your toilet.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Would be. You go in. I want to take pictures of everything.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

There's like a Playboy thing that's on your wall.

[B]

Yeah. We have, we have vintage Playboys in the lobby. We have gallery walls in all four rooms, which is all naked lady and bird themes.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But it's all like, vintage. So I, I, I love to shop. I love to go flea markets and all of that. Etsy, ebay. You'll get a. I, I, I bid on a really creepy, like, black velvet naked lady painting and I forgot I bid on it and I won. But I did. I don't know if I missed the E email of it getting, like, me winning. And it got delivered and I opened it up. I'm like, someone sent me a curse painting. Like, she's creepy. And I was like, oh, it was just me.

[A]

Oh, that's right down to your girls.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Dress. So, like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All of you guys.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you guys is like, like, there's a typical, like, team photo shoot.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Guys, it's just so. It reminds me of like, that 70 show.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like that vibe.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Am I right?

[B]

You're absolutely right. Yeah.

[A]

Like, dude, it's so.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So cool.

[B]

If you were wondering, that's just what the inside of my head, I think looks like. It's just very hectic.

[A]

So you're born in the wrong era.

[B]

I think so, too. I think so too. Yeah. But yeah, no, that's just basically, it's, it's, it's like, is this 80s, is it 70s? Is it 60s? Is it right now? You know? Yeah, yeah. It's basically just things I like. Here I am just nailing it on the wall. I'm like, perfect.

[A]

I love that.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Do you like from your clients, do you use like. Because you say you're fully booked, Right. Is there like a website? Because you're not.

[B]

Do you Vergaro? Yeah, yeah, we booked through Vergaro, but yeah, we just, we, we post just on Instagram and we do pay Yelp to pop up first. I don't know if that's controversial, but, you know, what do you feel about that? Well, they Call me, like, every two weeks. And they're like, we think you could be doing better. And I'm like, get out of my face.

[A]

They call me so much.

[B]

Oh, I'm not nice. They call my personal number and I'm like, how'd you get this number? This is harassment. So it is controversial, but it does help. So, like, we do try to ask every new client, like, how did you hear about us? And like, I just googled you. And they're like, your name was weird. And then we went to your website and your photos are, you know, like. Yeah, yeah. We went to your Instagram and it's. It's interesting. We wanted to see it, you know? Yeah.

[A]

Do you guys do Menzilians?

[B]

We don't. We don't. Yeah. Yeah. My trauma could never. Oh, you.

[A]

So you have a traumatizing story. So do I. It's the worst.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what? I still do them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But recently I got into the worst traumatizing story that I don't want to share. We can talk about it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it was like, it's something so inappropriate that I cannot put on here.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But it was the worst experience of my life.

[B]

I'm so sorry that I, like, it.

[A]

Just happened a week ago.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

And I always do manzillions. I have my million clients.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

No problems.

[B]

It was just.

[A]

It was a first time or client. Something happened.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I feel like I never want to do it again.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I never want to look at penis in my life.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Literally, this is a man's.

[B]

Yeah. Sorry.

[A]

Crazy. But I don't.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Oh, no. Yeah. I just, Just, you know, I respect, like, other people who do it. I know, like, you're badasses, but I just. I don't think it's for me, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I think we need to kind of accept, like, it's not for us, you know, like, don't. Don't pressure us to do something, you know, you don't want me doing a facial, you know, I. I wouldn't know what I'm. You don't want me to wax some balls, you know? No, No.

[A]

I think I quit that department. Yeah. For real.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah, I know. I'll. I mean, I'll wax ass crack. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah. They're fun. Easy, easy. And it's, like, necessary. You feel like you're doing someone a favor. You know, you're like, you'll never wipe the same. So. Yeah. Life changing. Yeah.

[A]

So do your. Do your. Does your team do like, seven to eight waxes a day. Like, how. How does that work?

[B]

Oh, we're every 20 minutes. Yeah. Yeah. I think on average, we maybe see, like. Like 10 to 20. Yeah.

[A]

So you never had, like, a slow season, or is it just.

[B]

I mean, we have our regular, like, slow seasons. Like, you can always expect, like, January to just kind of be slow. But you have to prepare for that. Yeah, you have to prepare for that. You have to always be posting consistently, even when you're busy, you know? Even when you're busy. Keep posting, like, keep letting people know you're alive and well and you want them in, you know? Yeah. I probably will never say I'm not accepting new clients, you know, but I'm just like, come on in.

[A]

You're more than welcome. When people are like, I'm not accepting new clients.

[B]

I, like, I get it. I definitely, definitely get it. I. But I. I don't know. My. My clients are pretty set in stone with me, you know, like, and if one pops out, someone might pop in, but, you know, well, that person shouldn't have popped out. Yeah. I'm just kidding. Where'd you go? Yeah.

[A]

And I. And the thing is, like, I do see people posting, like, not accepting new clients, but for me, it's more like, yeah, I'm not accepting them. But then if it's like a. What is it called?

[B]

Referral. Yeah.

[A]

I'm like, I had to take them all.

[B]

Yeah. You don't accept new clients.

[A]

No, I do. I'm saying, like, there's the. I. I've been telling myself, like, I want to stop.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I'm like, yeah, referring me to her aunts. Yeah, she's referring me to her, you know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I, I, I. That's my loyal client. She's been with me for five years.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, like, if someone reached out to me and they're like, I can't get in with you, I'd be like, all right, well, I'll get you in at this time, you know? Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like for new upcoming waxes, I feel like they're always like, how do we get booked? Or how, like, you know, you're so busy, or, you know, I. I tried getting wag or I tried the waxing, and I just feel like I'm not getting clients. Like, what's something that you could say to those waxers?

[B]

Show up. Like, even when you don't have people, like, be in your space, there's always something to be done around the space. Be consistent. Be good at what you do. I think that that's very, very important. Be consistently good at what you do so it you don't give them a reason not to come back. You know, don't half asset and make sure you're in this industry for the right know and promote yourself. Don't stop talking about yourself and what you do. Like, on the plane ride here, I talk the poor man's ear off about myself.

[A]

That's a friend that you made.

[B]

It's my friend that I made. I never do that. And he just started talking to me. I'm like, all right, fine. It. We'll start talking, you know, what do you want to know? And I'm like, I was in a mood, so. But never stop talking about yourself. Network say yes to a lot of things. I go to a lot of things that have nothing to do with waxing. I go to, like, women's events in Sacramento. I will go to, like, fairs and, like, set up a little booth and continue to talk about myself and have my little tchotchkes and my service list and be like, this is what we do. You know, we're dirty bird. So, yeah. And it does raise a lot of questions, but.

[A]

And I feel like I've never heard that, too, because, like, I've never heard someone, oh, I'm gonna do this to, like, like, you know, show my name off. But that's a good way to market yourself, because they're always going to remember, hey, I met. I seen this girl there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And her page was just so cool.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. Be involved in your community. You know, I don't think Sacramento. I love Sacramento. I grew up there, too, so I feel very fortunate to have built my clientele as fast as I did. My mom is my number one marketing person. I feel like she's face famous. Yeah. And she doesn't stop, you know, she's like, people come in, they're like, hey, I'm Cheryl. Your mom said I could get a chin wax from you. I'm like, absolutely. You know, like, it's sweet, but I. I grew up in Sacramento, so I. I feel like I do have an advantage. Like, people from my high school come in, and I'm just like, hi. You know, and like, they tell their friends who tell their friends. And Madeline grew up in Sacramento, so it's the same thing. And it just like, you know, people come in, and we're good at what we do. I can. I can bet on that. And people are like, damn, that was a good service. And it's an experience, too. Yeah. Like, it's a. It's. People want to come back in. Yeah. You know, and see, the thing is.

[A]

Like, I feel like there's, like, European wax center.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

They're trying to get their client in and out within, like, what, 10 minutes?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like they're, like, rushed, not really getting to know the waxers.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I feel like, like, us small businesses that have the wax. Like, we wax. Yes. We have the 20 minutes because that's our next client. But we also can, within that 20 minutes, we can, like, talk our heads off.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I feel like a European. They're like, in their head, I'm like, oh, my God, I got two more minutes.

[B]

Did you work there ever?

[A]

No.

[B]

No, me neither. But I know they didn't hire me.

[A]

They didn't hire you.

[B]

They never called me back. I don't know. I don't know.

[A]

Well, look what you are. Okay. You missed out European.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But you know what I mean, Like, I feel like you build so much more of a connection when you're a small business. Yeah, absolutely. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. It's the same thing for you too.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Do you let your girls have their own Instagrams? Like, they're.

[B]

Yeah, but I don't expect them to post for me. That's my job as a business owner. To get people in the door, you.

[A]

Know, like their own Instagram page.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. What do you mean? Wait, what do you mean?

[A]

Oh, because I've heard stories. Like, I can't say who, but I have this girl Kai. Well, I'll tell you afterwards. She works.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She's not allowed to po. She's not allowed to have her own Instagram and post her own work on there. But she works for this place.

[B]

Why, girl?

[A]

I don't know. I'm just like, what the heck?

[B]

So, okay, what it.

[A]

So then she works here, but they don't know that.

[B]

Oh, okay. Yeah, you're not gonna get her in trouble.

[A]

She said from what I grabbed her about that place, I'm like, hey, you work here?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, she boots, rent, so she's not my employee. Yeah. Rent a booth. But she's always like, I can't. They don't even know her name isn't even. It's like a whole different name.

[B]

Yeah. And what is up with just owners being so scared of.

[A]

Yeah. She's not allowed to, like, pose. Post her work on any. Like, literally. They're allowed to post her work on their page, but she's not Allowed to have.

[B]

What does she do?

[A]

She's in my injector.

[B]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. That's a bummer.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Yeah. That makes me really sad.

[A]

So, like, there's a lot of places like that because my client works at one.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And she's like, I want to go solo so bad. I have my page ready.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But she has a contract. She's on a contract working. She has to work there for a year. She's a waxer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She can't leave within before that year, and she can't have an Instagram.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So sad.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The carrying let your employees grow.

[B]

Yeah. I just. I feel like there's a lot of scarcity and fear mindset in our industry as owners. There's plenty of people to go around. There's plenty of clients who come to see me, and there's plenty of clients who go to see other people, like, within a few blocks of me because. Or in. In blocks of, like, Dirty Bird. Because, I mean, we're. We're kind of out there, you know, And I just. There's enough to go around. And that makes me so sad. Like, if, God forbid, like, one of my girls came to me and said, megan, I want to open up my own space, I'd be like, how can I help? I love that. Like, how can I help? I will never be like, well, I taught you everything, you know. No, I. I gave you a few training days, and you put in the work yourself.

[A]

Yeah. And I gave you the opportunity.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Grew here. And I'm so happy that you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like I'm letting you go in a way.

[B]

Yeah. Letting you go. And I. And flourish. And I think I learned that from my husband and him watching barbers come and go and grow. It would be an honor to, like, see a employee of mine start with me and do something huge. Yeah. I'm like, she started with me, you know, I taught her everything she does. She might not even remember my name, but, yeah. You know, I just. Just. I think we should just be like, I wanted to do that, so why shouldn't they? I wanted to go off on my own, so why shouldn't they, you know? Yeah. That's just my personal opinion. Yeah.

[A]

So a lot of times people after or after they go to esthetician school, they don't know what they want to do. Like, if they should go solo or if they should go work at European.

[B]

They should go work for someone else. They should go work for someone else. Depend waxers.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Go work for someone else. Like, Truly, just go work for someone else. Learn your craft without worrying about everything else. Without worrying about how to do your taxes, how to get a clientele. Go to a place that already has a clientele so you can continue to practice. Learn your skill without worrying about everything else. Put a time on it. Put it, like a time stop on it being like, okay, after a year, I'm gonna start looking for my spot lot. Yeah. Because go learn what to do and what not to do. Go look at what other people are doing and be like, I don't want to run my business that way.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like a lot of people have that misconception, like, oh, I need to start a business right after.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

You know, like, I want to go solo right away. I want to make my schedule. I want to, you know, work for myself. Yeah, boss.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I feel like when a person does that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It doesn't last. Maybe it does for some.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Some get lucky, some don't.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because they realize how actually hard it is.

[B]

Harder. It's hard. There's a lot that people don't think about when going into it, you know, and it's a commitment. You know, opening a business is like. Like having a baby, and you want it to flourish and keep it growing and keep it open, you know, and that's hard. You know, it's like, what's new?

[A]

We gotta. We're. We're own. Like, marketing, where we're own. You know, I'm the one that's posting. I'm the one that's doing this and.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Doing that. It's, like, hard.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I just want to go home sometime.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

And not worrying about, you know.

[B]

Yeah. It. Yeah, exactly. And we can't. You can't. You can't just go home. Like, your employees can. Can. And just be like, I'm okay. I'm done for the day. Yeah. You know? No, it's okay. How do I get more people in here? How do I. I'm I'm constantly, always thinking, like, oh, I need to do this. Like, you just built out this beautiful space, and you're like, I. I need to change it up. And you had an idea for right over here, and you're like, nope, I. You know, it's just ever changing, ever growing, ever learning. And I think that that's what a business owner is, you know, it's constant. Yeah.

[A]

And another thing that I worry about is, like, are my people eating too?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, I have to make sure they're paying their bills.

[B]

Yeah. Hard.

[A]

That Is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm like, damn, I gotta worry about myself and I gotta worry about other people.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm like. And then they'll text me and they'll be like, hey. Like my assistant, for example, she'll text me. She'll be like, hey, can you actually pay me a date the day before?

[B]

Like, my root.

[A]

My threat is due or whatever? I'm like. And I'm that boss. It's like, you know what? I got you.

[B]

Yeah, absolutely. You know what I mean?

[A]

So I got to worry about that too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's why I. I feel like a lot of girls or that people that just want to go solo. It's hard.

[B]

It's hard. It's hard.

[A]

You know, it's not.

[B]

Not doable, but it's hard. Like, just. Just worry about being a good waxer before anything else. You know, that that's going to be your bread and butter. Be a good waxer.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And make sure you're in it for the right reasons. Like, I don't know, there's steps to doing things, you know, and go work for someone else. Yeah. I don't know.

[A]

So taxes and everything. I feel like that's a whole nother.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

You finished yours this time.

[B]

Yeah. And I just. I just pay. I just pay people. Yeah. Tell me. Tell me what I have. Tell me how much I owe you and tell me how much I owe the government. Disgusting. Yeah. And I underpaid by like, $12 on my LLC, and you bet the government found me, and with the late fee.

[A]

You're joking.

[B]

No. I don't know what I did wrong, you know, but it's okay. I was like, didn't I. No. This didn't get $12. All right, it's fine. You're gonna shut me down over. No, I'm just kidding.

[A]

No, this. It scares me because I'm like, you know, I have a bookkeeper. And she's like, you overspent this month. Month?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm like, I'm sorry.

[B]

You're like, where?

[A]

I'm like, I'm fine. She's like, no, no, no. Like, you're doing this. And she yells at me. She's like, do you want to do this in life? And this time she's really. She's the old school type of bookkeeper.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She's like, you know, like, you said you were gonna do this and you went overboard, Deanne. And like, you're not supposed to spend this much. And I'm like, okay, but my mom Told her to be, like, that good, you know?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm like, I can't even go over, like.

[B]

Like, 10 bucks, everything. I mean, my bookkeeper can, too. And I'm like, yeah, all right.

[A]

That's okay.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. They're like, wow, you. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

So going back into, like, the person that's coming out of esthetician school, they're going to go. You recommend them to go work for somebody else. But how long until after is it just. Do you think?

[B]

I think it depends on the person, to be perfectly honest. When they feel comfortable, when they feel like they've honed in onto their craft, when they've, like, found a really good space. Always be looking, you know? Yeah, always be looking. I found my first space, like, just. I was just sort of looking, and I applied for it, and I didn't tell my husband, and then I got it, and I just screenshotted the email and I said, well, well, looks like I'm opening up a little studio. Yeah.

[A]

And do you recommend them having a certain amount saved up or.

[B]

Okay, I don't even really want to recommend this. It worked out really well for me, but I took out, like, a 5,000 little personal loan, and I paid it back super, super fast. But I never want to recommend, like, I wouldn't say I'm, like, financially savvy, so I never wanted, like, steer it. Well, Dirty bird said take out a loan. Yeah. I never. I never want to steer anyone, but that's what I did. Yeah. And I paid it back really quickly and. Yeah. Pay things back really quickly. Interest rates are crazy, and I feel.

[A]

Like a lot of people get scared of loans or like, oh, my God, I have to pull out a loan for this.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I feel like if they just find a place that's already, you know, like, how your space had the floor room.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

If you. They find a space that's already built out.

[B]

Yeah. And start small, you know, you don't need this massive space just right off the bat, you know, just try it just yourself. I feel like you just ease into it, you know, go even, like, go be an employee somewhere and then maybe go rent a room behind, like, a beauty or hair salon, you know, if that's kind of what makes you feel comfortable and then you're busting out the seams. Or go. Go hire an employee.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, or go find a larger space, but, like, you don't need it all. It's hard because we see what other people are doing, and some people do it very quickly, and some People do it very, very slowly and meticulously, and there's no right way to do it. But it's really hard to compare ourselves to other beauty industry professionals.

[A]

A lot of things, what people do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like, oh, my gosh, this person's doing this, so I have to do this.

[B]

No. Do what? What? Do what you want. You know, I think that's my motto. Do what you want. Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like comparing yourself isn't going to get you anywhere because you're just trying to be like. Like the same person that they are, but you don't even. You know what I mean? That's not even you.

[B]

No, no.

[A]

You know.

[B]

Yeah. And maybe. Maybe that's. We're going to get real philosophical right here. Like, maybe that's the issue. Not a lot of people, like, truly, like, know exactly what they want and who they are, you know? Now I looked at you. What am I talking about? Don't listen to me. Do you know her?

[A]

How she. She's very different. Okay, listen.

[B]

When.

[A]

No way have you even tried to copy her. It's just a whole good life.

[B]

I don't even know how I do it. Why am I here to explain this? I don't even know how I do it, so.

[A]

Yeah, but that's true, though. I feel like comparing yourself won't get you anywhere.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like it's just.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, like, I don't know, I see people doing a lot of stuff, and, like, our lives are just different and our goals are just different, you know, Like. Like, it's just different, you know, so. And I think people don't see, like, the struggle behind the scenes. People don't see maybe, like, the privilege that other people have gotten or, you know, like, it just don't compare yourself. Everyone's story and journey's different. Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

I'm always just like, girl, just.

[B]

Do you look inward, look inward, Stop looking at what other beauty industry. Stay out of the drama. Keep your head down. It doesn't concern you.

[A]

The drama.

[B]

Just come in, wax, make your clients feel good, beautiful, and like, that's. That's it. Mind your business.

[A]

Have you ever been in any of that drama?

[B]

Yeah, I don't think so.

[A]

Oh, good.

[B]

Will you let me know if I have?

[A]

I would definitely let you know. Nothing about Dirty Bird. Okay.

[B]

I don't know. We just. I don't know, we stay out of it, you know? Yeah.

[A]

Because again, it goes back into, like, competition. This person did this or I did this for, you know, what I mean.

[B]

Yeah, Yeah. I, I don't even understand how that beef starts, you know? Yeah.

[A]

So tell me about, like, do you want to do this forever? Do you see yourself doing this long term? Do you see yourself saying, hey, Megan, what's her, what's other girl's name?

[B]

Madeline.

[A]

Madeline.

[B]

Evelyn. Jesse.

[A]

I'm out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You guys take over because, you know, Jane, shout out to you, Lady Pink. She is the owner of Teddy Bear Wax.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

She lives in a whole different state.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. And she has her shop in San Jose. Oh, San Jose.

[B]

Yes. Okay. Yes.

[A]

So she's owning that and she has all her employees there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, shout out to all of them too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So good. But, yeah. Do you want to eventually do that?

[B]

I don't know. You know, that's a tough question. I really enjoy what I do. I really, really enjoy what I do. I'm in my 30s, though, and there's no doubt, like, my body feels it here and there. And don't forget to stretch and drink water. And as long as, like, my body is willing, I mean, I am too. You know, Like, I, I, I, I think it's very important. Well, I mean, I don't even wanna, like, because Lady Peng is doing it and doing it amazingly. But I think it's important for me to be in my studio because I have put so much of myself into it. And it really is like, my personality and all of that. And there might come to a point, like, where I can step away maybe in the near future with other projects. But I mean, it is, it's definitely something I've watched my husband cut. I haven't watched him all 20 years cut hair. But he's been a barber for 20 years.

[A]

That's. I can't wait to meet him.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. And he's still cutting hair and he enjoys it and looks forward to it. He might come across a little grumpy, but I swear that's just, that's been him for 20 years. Like, day one to day 20, you know, or year 20. He's just been the same. But I truly enjoy what I do. I really enjoy what I do. So.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like if you're like, you know what? I'm just gonna stop. I'm just gonna let it run on its own now. Cause it's got in there.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I feel like for me, I'd be like, I freaking miss it.

[B]

Like, I just want to go back.

[A]

Like, I'm bored.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, you know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. I go in on my days off. And I kind of putz around, and the girls just stare at me, and they're like, go home. What are you even doing here? And I'm just, like, picking dead leaves out of our plants. I'm like, yeah, I don't know. You know? And just. They're like, did you not have anything to do today? I'm like, I just wanted to swing by and say hi, you know? And it's not even me checking in on them. I'm just legit. Just, like, there. Yeah. Yeah. Sitting at the front desk, like, well, you know. Yeah. So I. I don't know. Like, I could see. I. I don't know. I kind of joke with my clients who are having babies now. Like, I had a fresh little baby come in. I, like, was like, oh, she probably heard my voice first, like, just talking down the tunnel, you know? But she came in, and I'm like, you know what? In 20 years, I'll give her, like, an eyebrow wax whenever she needs one. Like, I'm like, I don't know. You know how our moms are. Like, you got to go to my lady. I've been going to her years. I hope to be. And she's still there. And she's still there. And I hope maybe I'll be that crazy old lady where they're like, she's kooky as. But she does a good job.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, she's still here.

[B]

Yeah. And I f. I. I. I follow a lot of older estheticians, and when I hear about older estheticians, it makes me very happy, and it. It shows longevity in our careers and people who are truly passionate about it, and that makes me really, really happy.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yes. To see them out there. Yeah. It makes me happy to see older women in esthetician school as well. And there's older people, you know. Yeah. And it's. If the passion's there, the passion's there.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

Absolutely. Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like once you love something, it's just like. Like, yeah, this is. I love what I do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

And I've had it. I had a different career, and I didn't like it. You know, the marketing. Right, the marketing. I had a corporate career. I saw what that was like, and I. I hit the ground running with being a waxer, and I fell in love with it. And it might have looked like I did it very quickly, but I put in a lot of work with, like, marketing and, like, building that side of it.

[A]

Oh, it paid off.

[B]

It paid off. But, like, I hit the ground running. And I'm like, I love this. I love talking to my clients. Like, I couldn't imagine, like, not hearing about their day, so. Yeah. Yeah. It's hard. I don't know. I don't know.

[A]

Because there's always that question, like, hey, what do you see yourself in 10 years?

[B]

I didn't even see myself this far, you know? Yeah. I'm further than I ever thought I would be. So. Yeah. Do you kind of feel the same way?

[A]

I love what I do.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But I've been saying this. I love. I love my clients. And I'm still gonna always take my loyal clients. Have been with me that from the beginning.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But no, I don't see myself doing this.

[B]

That's okay.

[A]

And that's.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's okay. I feel like I've come to my. Like, I know what I want to do, and it's not even because I'm going to school for business.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's like I see myself owning multiple.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I feel like I know how to run it. I know how to when it comes to booth renters. And, like, I just love to see numbers.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's what I'm all about.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And. And I. And like I said, I love doing services. Like, I will forever take my clients.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

My. My loyal clients, my regulars. Yeah. I told them, you're gonna be stuck with me forever. So.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm always gonna take them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But that's when I said I'm not gonna take new clients anymore because I recently. I used to work seven days a week.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Okay. 9:00am to 7:00pm yes.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Seven days a week. I was Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 7, and then Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am to 4.

[B]

Oh, my God. Now. Yeah.

[A]

I don't work Sunday, Monday, or Tuesdays.

[B]

Wow.

[A]

I only work Wednesday through Saturday.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I realized I just needed to give myself a break.

[B]

Yeah. Absolutely.

[A]

And just like, I know the shop's gonna run on its own.

[B]

Yes, it is. I'm gonna be okay.

[A]

I've been in here for five years, and I feel like once you reach that three year mark and it's thriving and it's still going and you're still consistent. I know I'm gonna be okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You always have to give yourself, like, tell you the manifestations. Like, I'm gonna be okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm gonna make this much.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm gonna do this today.

[B]

Yeah. Consistently growing.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

I. Consistently learning. I. Yeah. Yeah. Never stop. Stop.

[A]

Never stop.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And that's why I Do like I do my podcast.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Always have marketing coming in.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I know the podcast has brought me a lot. Girl. I met a lot of people in this industry.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Nails, lashes, freaking waxers.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All these estheticians. Right. And I feel like I've gotten so known in this industry.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That, like, now I want to focus on my podcast, and it's just. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So we're just growing.

[B]

Absolutely. I love that. That we're growing.

[A]

So, lastly, I want to ask you, what do we see in store for you for this year? Do you have any ideas, any upcoming projects you're working on this year? This year?

[B]

Well, I haven't actually announced this publicly.

[A]

We're getting it brand new here. Okay.

[B]

Huh. But I currently have a patent pending for a wax warmer, which, with quite a few bells and whistles, that I truly hope helps our industry a lot. Oh, my gosh. Yeah. Yeah. So I don't know if that'll. Patents take forever, so I don't know if that'll be within the year, but it's been in the works for about two years now, and so.

[A]

This is so crazy.

[B]

I know.

[A]

I've never seen a waxer come out with a waxing pot that I.

[B]

That Kirsten, Enzo.

[A]

Don't they come up with wax. Wax first?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

But you're coming up straight with.

[B]

I'm. I'm dropping it. You know, there's holes in our industry that need to be filled.

[A]

Okay. So can you tell us a little bit about what? Is it gonna. Is it gonna have something different that no one.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Let's just say you'll be able to track how much wax you're using per service. A little bit of that. A little bit of something else. Are you serious? Yeah.

[A]

I'm so excited.

[B]

Yeah. It's pretty exciting. Oh, my gosh. I know, I know, I know. It'll help with cost, and you can see who's using the most wax in your studio.

[A]

So how would you be able to tell? Is it like a. I can't say too much.

[B]

I'll show you some renderings once we're off, but I can't say too much.

[A]

Okay. So we don't have a date yet.

[B]

No. Absolutely no timeline. Yeah. I. Construction. You know, it takes long. So does building a product. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, absolutely. It could take up years.

[B]

Yeah. You know, and I'm no engineer, but it seems like I could have gotten that degree by the time. How long this has taken. But I'm no engineer. Yeah.

[A]

So, like, there's no rush because when it comes out.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It's going to be like, oh, you took time with this and I did.

[B]

I have taken a lot, a lot of time with this, you know, and I. It's very, um. I've thought a lot through with it, and I hope it truly helps a lot of people in our industry. Oh, I'm.

[A]

I'm. First one.

[B]

Professional size. It's 10 pounds, so she's a big boy.

[A]

Love it. Big.

[B]

She's.

[A]

She's big.

[B]

She's big. Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. Well, that's exciting.

[B]

Yeah. So no timeline. Don't ask me about it. I'm shy, you know, but you'll know.

[A]

You should be proud.

[B]

Yeah. You'll know when it's out.

[A]

You'll know when it's out.

[B]

Yeah. So I'm pretty excited.

[A]

And what you could do is once it's out, we'll put this and be like, it's finally.

[B]

It's out. Yeah.

[A]

Short clip this and be like. Yeah, I remember when I talked about that. Yeah. Back then.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Now it's.

[B]

Here it is. I'll come back, you know, I'll come with it in tow. She'll be on the podcast. She'll be right there.

[A]

We talked about you.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. So it's. It's very scary. For a while, I was like, I'm just gonna have the world's most expensive wax warmer since, like, my prototype, you know, and, like, who knows if it'll go anywhere, but it's looking like it's going places. And I'm. I'm very, very excited.

[A]

And especially because I've never heard of a wax pot doing that. And that's going to change the game.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you're going to be the first to do it.

[B]

So. Yes. I think it's really, really important for people who are in our industry to create things that are useful in our industry, you know, estheticians making things for estheticians. You know, I see a lot of people I don't know who see like a money grab almost like, okay, well, I see, like, you can make money doing, you know, like other wax warmer companies, but they're not in the treat room every day saying what we actually need, you know, so not, you know, so it's important.

[A]

And I feel like it's the ones who will know is the ones who actually do it.

[B]

And I feel like we can all.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. I love how I'm like, I'm gonna be in the treatment room for 30 years and then I'm like, I am coming out with a wax warmer. So we'll see. We will see. I'm just making it up as I go. Just life in general, and that's okay. Yeah.

[A]

Live in the present.

[B]

Living present.

[A]

The future.

[B]

Yeah. Don't I. It'll work out. Yeah. The universe will just take me where I need to go, you know? Yeah. No, not too much resistance, so. Yeah.

[A]

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

[B]

Are you kidding? Of course.

[A]

We always end this podcast with a quote, and I know you said you have one.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay, let's hear it.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Okay. Oh, did you remember it? I, I, I googled it in the airport. Oh, my God. It says it's learn like you will live fore. Live like you'll die tomorrow. So keep learning and just live fast, you know? Have fun.

[A]

I.

[B]

While doing learning. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's it. Really? Yeah. Thanks. She's like, really? Yeah. Really.

[A]

Have different ones all the time. And I'm just like, just do whatever you, Whatever you live by.

[B]

I asked the girls, I was like, what should my quote be? And someone like, that's hot. And I was like, shut up. Be real. Give me something. Yeah.

[A]

That was perfect.

[B]

Thank you. Thank you.

[A]

Well, thank you so much for my podcast. I hope to see you back.

[B]

Yes, absolutely.

[A]

And I hope you have your baby next time.

[B]

Yeah, My baby and husband in tow.

[A]

Oh, I need to have your husband on here.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

He's a barber. He's been a barber for how long?

[B]

20 years. Yeah.

[A]

Does he have his own barber shop?

[B]

He has three barbershops. Are you kidding? Yeah. He has a product line as well. Yeah, he's big time. He's big time in the barber world.

[A]

Oh, yeah, I need him.

[B]

Yeah, he's. Yeah, he's a good time. Yeah.

[A]

So you'll come back with him next time?

[B]

Yeah, yeah, definitely. I'll have to be, like, standing, like.

[A]

You'll be behind the scenes next time.

[B]

Yeah, just.

[A]

You'll be standing while Marlo's off. He'll be in the house.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So, yeah, that sounds good.

[A]

Well, thank you so much.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

We'll see you guys next time. Yes.

[B]

Bye.