Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Romo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m the Owner and Esthetician at See You Next Tuesday Wax Parlor! I am an Orange County, CA based esthetician specializing in Brazilian waxing for all genders. I have over *Nine* years of experience in this field and pride myself on providing a clean, friendly, comforting and non-judgemental environment for all of my clients, no matter their age, size, shape, color or gender!
My specialty is the Brazilian wax, and I can complete most services in 10-15 minutes. I use a high-end oil-soluble Italian soft cream wax made from lemon balm oil that is specially made for sensitive skin but great for all skin types! The formulation works great on all hair types from fine to coarse, this helps to create a less painful experience for my specialty of the Brazilian. I believe that both women and men have the right to get waxed in a body positive, non-threatening and respectful environment. So I have strived to create a welcoming and friendly space in which to do so.
After graduating with a BA in Visual Communications and a Minor in Public Relations from Hawaii Pacific University, I spent a total of 10 years pursuing a career in corporate radio and digital advertising. During this time, I also went to a Los Angeles based Make-up academy to become a certified Makeup Artist, I dabbled with a bunch of freelance gigs on the weekends away from my “Day Job” and it wasn’t until a LONG commute home one day, stuck in traffic when I became so frustrated with commuting to a job, I really didn’t care about that I decided to change careers paths. So in January of 2013 I enrolled in the Esthetics program at Goldenwest Community College in Huntington Beach, CA. A few months later, I graduated with my AA in Esthetics and passed my state board exam in June of 2013. Shortly thereafter, in September of 2013, a girlfriend I had gone to estie school with had remembered I expressed an interest in learning to take a course on Brazilian waxing so I could offer it as an added service to my Makeup Clientele. She had been hired by a prominent Southern California Wax Salon chain that specialized in Brazilian waxing and asked if I was interested when they were hiring. I never in a BRAZILLION years would have expected that this would be a chosen career path for me, but on my first day of training after my third client, I knew I had “found my calling”. A few months later, I became the Managing Esthetician of the Tustin location of the popular waxing chain and held that position for 5+ years until finally deciding to open my own shop in July of 2018.
I often get asked “What would make you want to do this for a living?” and my answer has always been the same… I much prefer this industry and getting to know and comfort my clients on a personal level, in what can be one of the most uncomfortable and vulnerable encounters, then my previous career of a “9 to 5” sitting behind a desk punching numbers! Trust me, if you would have told me back when I graduated college that this is what I would be doing for a living, I would have told you “You’re Crazy!” but I found my calling waxing hoo-has, and I am damn proud of it!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in Brazilian waxing. Honestly, the hardest part of my job is finding a way to make a new client, who’s a complete stranger, comfortable with you within a 5 minute time frame. You’re about to see them at their most vulnerable, literally half-naked and afraid. So I tend to go with humor and try to make light of the situation by making a joke about it, or just try to find a way to put my clients at ease immediately.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to maintain a loyal and solid clientele and can call most of my long-time clients “friends” rather then clients.
What sets me apart from a lot of other waxing studios is the fact that I’m a female esthetician who provides full body waxing services for men as well. When opening my own studio, I found that Orange County is over-saturated with hair removal salons for women, but not a whole lot provide services for men. I feel that men who are curious about hair removal in general are often nervous or scared to even call and inquire, but I feel that everyone no matter their gender should have a safe, comfortable and non-judge mental space to come and get waxed if it’s going to help make them feel more confident!
I am also a huge supporter/ally of the LGBTQ+ community and have a few clients who are transitioning, which as a cis-gendered woman, I cannot fathom how hard it must be to inquire about hair removal if it’s part of your anatomy that you cannot identify with.
I hope to always provide a safe space where people can come to get waxed and hopefully feel a little better or more confident about their body no matter their shape, size or gender or sexual orientation!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Going to Dodger games! I am a HUGE LA Dodgers fan… and that love of baseball growing up has turned into one of my favorite hobbies as an adult as I’m trying to see the DODGERS play in all 30 MLB ballparks!
And also camping. I always loved camping and traveling new places, whether it be with my family or with my Girl Scout troop. I loved being outdoors. I don’t often get to go as often as I’d like to at all now after starting my own business!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.seeyounexttues.com
- Instagram: @synt.wax.parlor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/synt.wax.parlor
