Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bailee Ferguson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bailee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

This story actually hits really close to home. I’m part of a community of many very giving small business owners so it’s hard to pick one. But with how recently this took place, it feels it’s the one I have to speak on!
Earlier this year, my mom was diagnosed with an extremely aggressive form of bone cancer. I happen o work in a building with many other talented service providers, one of them being Patient relaxation LLC. They are an award winning massage company. One of their specialties is working with cancer patients. they go weekly to our local cancer facility providing free massages to those they’re undergoing Chemo treatments. Kate, the owner of patient relaxation, reached out to me upon hearing about my moms diagnosis. She offered my mom a FREE massage. Not only that, she also offered me a free one. I was taken aback by this offer and my mom was so grateful. it was such a simple gesture to some, but to me and my mom it meant the whole world.
I will always remember this gift for my mom moving forward with my own business. Everyone deserves self care, and Kate really reminded e of that.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Bea! I’ve owned my business for almost a decade, being only 19 when I opened it. I will say, I was extremely privileged in being raised in the beauty industry, which helped open more doors for me to go solo than others not in my position. yet, starting so young came with its own amount of trials and errors.
Gemini Waxing Co is my pride and joy. It’s a full body waxing studio with its core beliefs being based in loving every single human that walks in the doors. You will always hear me say that Gemini is OUR space. Meaning not only mine, but everyone who enters.
Gemini is queer owned. This is an extremely rare concept when it comes to body waxing. I actually was closeted when I first opened, and when I finally made the decision to come out publicly, was terrified. So scared to lose my clients support and love. But in turn, I gained so much more love than I thought imaginable. of course, I lost a lot of clients when I first came out, but through the years, I’ve gained triple what I lost solely for being me.
Gemini isn’t a white walled waxing space. Now there of course is nothing wrong with that for others, but for me, I needed this space to be a reflection of me. we have art on the walls created by local artists, we don’t shy away from proper anatomy terms, and we are an open book here. It’s hard to call my clients :clients” because each and every one of them. have become family to me. We don’t have business casual talks in here. We get real, we share hardships and little wins. Ive been a fly on he wall in so many of my clients lives and its been such a privilege. Something ill never take for granted.
It’s been so important to me to be inclusive. I specialize in plus size waxing, as I’m plus size myself and have faced one too many judgmental beauty services or up charged services solely for my size. Not only that, but we wax ALL bodies. all genders. all humans.
Every day I go into gemini with the goal to make at least ONE person see and feel their worth. Waxing is so much more empowering than one would thing. And I’ll spend everyday making every client feel a bit more empowered.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Being authentic helped me build my reputation. In a lot of beauty salons and spas, it’s common to have a very professional, office like vibe in there. Not at Gemini. The second you tap foot on my rainbow door mat, you are officially my best friend. Can you imagine coming in for a Brazilian wax and nit being treated as such? its such a vulnerable service, weather its a Brazilian or brow service. So I’ve worked through my own anxieties to be authentic. This means just as much as I learn about clients, thy learn the about me. I thrive on trust, so if my clients can trust me fully, I know I’ve done something right. Client can’t afford the Sacred oil I create and sell her? Great, I’ll tell them the exact ingredients I out in it so they can make a more affordable version for themselves. Can’t get in every other week to wax your lip? VALID! Here’s how to safely do it at home between appointments and the products you can get yourself that are as close to salon grade as possible.
Being real and understanding with all clients is KEY here.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

I know everyone gets so tired of hearing this, but word of mouth has been KEY for me. I have so many clients that I’ve seen for years, that I now see their moms, sisters, cousins, friends. One specific client, I met a couple years ago. And by our third service, her 2 cousins were already on my books. I see several of her friends regularly and soon her sister as well. And those referrals have referred their own circle as well. Offer incentives for referrals. I offer $10 off for the referral and $5 off for the person they referred. So the more people a client gets in, the more discounts they get! Who doesn’t love saving money?!

Contact Info:

• Website: earthybonline.com
• Instagram: geminiwaxco
• Facebook: gemini waxing co

Image Credits
Lost Girl Vision for the one photos with the dogs Rest are taken by me. One of my work, others of my room. And then another pic of me with my cat because I don’t have many pictures of me lol