Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolyn Staples.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started OC Waxing in 2008. This was a crazy time due to the economy crash just a few months prior to opening the company in Ladera Ranch, one of the highest foreclosure towns in the country. I was looking on Craigslist for a home to rent when I stumbled upon an ad that read, “Room for rent for a massage therapist or esthetician.” At first, I thought, “That’s weird, do they think they’ll get free services for renting a room in their house?” As I read further I realized it was an open room (a closet actually) in a Pilates studio.
I rented the room, bought a broken treatment bed off Craigslist I fixed myself and purchased three bags of wax. I learned how to code a website (this was before web design sites like WordPress), printed some business cards and promoted my business on my own. I stuck my business cards on every apartment door within one square mile of my location and in the hand of every person I met.
Within nine months, I was waxing seven days a week, 12 hours a day. Knowing I couldn’t work that way forever, I decided to find a bigger space and hire another esthetician. One location turned into five and another esthetician turned into over 50 employees.
There were many ups, downs and lessons along the way, but I’ve always been committed to the growth of my business. My business is my baby, which is why I put almost all the profits back into it. Every location I’ve opened I have done so with money that has come straight from my business; no partners and no loans.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I am not a business woman, I am a waxer, which means I had many things to learn. I can be stubborn so a big lesson I had to learn was to ask for help. I spent most of my company’s ‘growing years’ googling things from ‘how to run a successful business’ to ‘what is a corporation?’. It is a struggle to be both a waxer and a business owner. I want to make my staff happy but there are rules, facts, numbers and guidelines that must be adhered to so everyone at OC Waxing can thrive, have a job and put food on their tables.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with OC Waxing & Aesthetics – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a specialty waxing salon where all we do is wax. With the rise of ‘corporate’ waxing salons, we pride ourselves in NOT being a ‘chain salon’ with ‘chain vibes’. We value our relationships with our clients which is why I believe personality is a crucial aspect. Waxing is an amazing service, but it can be an even more amazing service when the waxer is a great human being who takes the time to get to know her clients and build a relationship with them. It doesn’t matter how good you are at your craft, if you’re not a nice person, no one will continue to see you.
Each of our staff members are required to read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. This is my favorite book in the whole world and I believe it can be a life-changing read for anyone who opens it. The book teaches people how to speak and treat one another in order to recognize what causes people to connect with each other. Connection and comfort are such important parts of our services, especially when the business is 85% Brazilian waxes, clients have to like the waxers if their pants are coming off.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
One thing I wish I had was a mentor. I started my business when I was 26 and didn’t know anyone who was doing their own thing. I have always felt alone in that regard, but now that I am established, I am eager and excited to help out other female business owners. I want to pass on my knowledge from my own experiences to help mitigate any problems that can arise in their growing businesses.
I do have supportive parents and my Dad owns an Orthodontics office. Before I became an esthetician, I worked for him and learned that being a business owner is a 24/7 job. My Dad helped me to realize no one owes you anything; you must do the right thing, work hard, have morals and ethics, and get it done.
Some people think owning your own business gives you freedom and flexibility, and sometimes it does, but every day you have to motivate yourself to make your own success and get things done. There is no boss making you do it, just your spirit.
Pricing:
- Our Brazilian waxes are priced at $60 and we offer a $10 date-discount for Brazilian services when clients come in every four weeks.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2700 La Paz Rd.,
Suite 124 Mission Viejo, CS 92691 - Website: http://www.ocwax.com/
- Phone: (949) 380-1340
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ocwaxing/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ocwax/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/oc-waxing-and-aesthetics-mission-viejo?osq=OC+Waxing+%26+Aesthetics
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
