We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Claussen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Starting your own business can feel risky for anyone, but sometimes taking a chance on yourself can be the most positively life-changing decision one can make. A little over one year ago today, I was working in a corporate setting while someone sat back and made 95% of my service dollars. After about 10 years of working myself to the bone for little reward, I thought to myself, “something has got to change.” I had thought about going out on my own in the past, and actually did once before, but for a very short time and failed. I rented a room in a salon back in 2017. I was new to the business side of things and also a new mother. After a few weeks I had realized I was in over my head! Owning a business took so much more dedication, motivation and hard work than I anticipated. I ultimately had to make the decision to return to previously stated corporate company. I was devastated, and stayed in a dead end job for another 6 years due to fear of going out on my own. Flash forward to 2022 and I hit my point that I could not do it anymore and decided to leave a corporate setting for the last time! My dream was finally brought to fruition, I opened my very own wax studio. The first several months were scary, I’ve got to admit. I wondered many times if it was the right choice, but something in my gut knew that I’d make it. When you own your own business, you’re in charge of everything. From the services you offer, to your clients experience and marketing yourself. You’ve got to get creative and really show people who you are. Sometimes that can be uncomfortable, but it attracts the clientele that is meant for you. After a year of being open, I have grown substantially with a client base that truly appreciates me not only for my amazing services, but for me as a person as well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Ashley and I am a licensed esthetician, specializing in body waxing. I’ve been licensed since 2012 and originally went into esthetic school with an interest in makeup. I can recall our first day trying out waxing and our teacher started us with a bikini wax. I remember thinking to myself, “she can’t be serious!” I truly didn’t even know bikini waxing was a thing. After learning the technique, waxing came pretty naturally to me. Once I graduated, I began working at a corporate waxing chain, where I remained for many years. I am grateful for all those years because I gained so much knowledge, skill and technique. (I was waxing nearly 3,200 bikinis a year with this company!)
Now that I’m out on my own, I find it so exciting to try out new waxes, products and add-on services! I love using vegan, cruelty-free products that are result driven. On top of full body waxing, I provide other services such as bikini facials to help target ingrown hairs, bumps and breakouts. I provide underarm detox treatments to help people who want to convert to natural deodorant or lighten their underarm area. I do dermaplaning, which is a method of using a surgical scalpel to remove vellus hair or “peach fuzz” and dead surface cells, resulting in smoother, brighter skin. My main focus is bikini services, and helping people achieve their ideal skin.
You might be wondering, “why in the world would anyone want to get waxed? I’ve seen 40 year old virgin, no thank you” (a line I’ve heard many times) but the truth is the movies are over-dramatized, and wax formulas have only gotten better and better with time. The discomfort is minimal, and I’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help clients prep to make it as comfortable as possible!
I think what sets me apart from others is my years of experience and my dedication to client experience. Though I am efficiently quick, (15 minute brazilian waxes) speed waxing is not my goal. My main priority is that every single person that walks into my studio feels safe and confident during their service and leaves feeling perfectly smooth and educated on how to properly take care of their skin afterwards.
I am most proud of having a job that I feel not only excited to go to every day, but proud to represent. I get to go into work every day and help people feel more confident. I get to express myself in creative ways, and market myself while attracting the clients meant for me. It’s truly a blessing. I want any of my followers to know that I put my heart and soul into my work. I do everything in my power to ensure your service exceeds expectations. I’d love for followers/potential clients to know that you can reach out to me on social media with any questions or concerns, and I’d be happy to help you!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media is tricky, and I’m still definitely working on growing. I think the best way to gain following on social media is to start by following accounts that are in the same niche or business as you. The next thing I’d do is click around on their posts and see what type of hash tags they’re using. Hash tags will help people find your page while searching for your services. Posting regularly is important to stay relevant in the hash tags. Lastly, making videos such as reels will bring a lot more attention to your page. Using currently trending audios on your videos will bring hundreds, if not thousands of views to your page.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
With growing my clientele being my main focus right now, I’m using a few different strategies. Your most effective marketing tool is word of mouth, so your existing clientele’s experience is most important. Offering a referral incentive is a great way to grow, such as a gift card to your business for each referral. I encourage all my clients to leave me a Google review, Google is such a great tool to grow your clientele and just having people interact with your page helps your link pop up when people search.
Contact Info:
- Website: WaxedByAshley.GlossGenius.com
- Instagram: @waxedbyashley
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleynclaussen
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/waxed-by-ashley-saint-louis
Image Credits
Gregory Cross