We recently connected with Harley Offutt and have shared our conversation below.

Harley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I think it takes a combination of hard work, dedication, and innovation. In a saturated industry, it’s important to find ways to set yourself apart from others who offer the same services as you. Continuing your education, creating a strong brand identity, or finding creative ways to market yourself are only a few ways. Being authentic and true to yourself is so crucial, as people are more likely to connect with someone who is genuine and transparent. Encouraging your audience to do the same helps to build trust and loyalty. Overall, success is often a result of finding your niche, staying true to your values, and constantly striving to improve and evolve in your field.

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

My name is Harley, i’m 26, and I’m the proud owner of The Pink Cherub Wax Room! I ventured into the world of esthetics and became a licensed esthetician in 2020. I decided to go solo about a year ago, with no plan or financial cushion, feeling like it was my only option at the time. Every day felt like I was fighting for my life, with thoughts of my business aspirations consuming me from the moment I woke up until late into the night. I could hardly eat with the amount of anxiety I had, I genuinely poured my whole self into creating what I have today.

Specializing in brow artistry and brazilian services, I pride myself in my education and am completely dedicated to providing my clients with the exact look they desire. Whether it’s reshaping their brows entirely, achieving symmetry, or months of consistent appointments with me to achieve the dream brows they’ve always wanted. I’m thorough and precise in my technique and always looking to improve my skill. What sets me apart is my attention to detail and commitment to never settling for mediocrity. I never feel like I’ve “learned enough” or that I know everything.

As a self-proclaimed “girl’s girl,” I welcome each new client and consider them my new bestie. If you look at my social medias, you’ll notice that I don’t advertise my brazilian services, at all really. I book bikini services primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. It takes a lot for a person to go to a stranger and take their pants off to have their hair ripped out. It’s a vulnerable service to receive, especially if they’re new to waxing or have had a bad experience in the past.
As a plus size individual myself, I take immense pride in creating a safe and inclusive environment for all body types, ensuring that every client feels comfortable and confident in my care.

In addition to waxing, I have recently delved into the world of tooth jewelry. It is SO much fun to highlight someone’s individuality using sparkly little crystals, whether it’s a simple or complex design. I love every part of the process that goes into creating custom tooth gem styles. One of my many goals is to become a renowned tooth gem artist one day and create bold gem styles for unique individuals.

Reflecting on my journey, I’m most proud of myself for committing and not giving up when things got hard. When I was in high school, I genuinely thought that my life wasn’t going to go anywhere. I had no goals or ambition, so it’s almost miraculous just how i’ve persevered through so much self-doubt. It’s been an amazing journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

I’m eternally grateful for the support and trust of my clients and strive to continue growing and evolving in my field. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you, and I look forward to meeting you, bestie!

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been primarily my presence on social media and through word-of-mouth referrals. By ensuring my clients feel heard and providing exceptional service, all while staying up-to-date with trends in the beauty industry, I have been able to build a strong reputation within my community. Additionally, I have utilized my social media platforms to showcase my work and engage with potential clients, allowing them to see the quality of my services and the results I can achieve.

Throughout this journey, I have cultivated an open and honest dialogue with my clientele. By establishing a relationship with my customers based on transparency, trust, and authenticity; I continue to build genuine connections. Whether it’s talking them through a tough day, lending an ear, or providing advice, I strive to create a therapeutic experience for my clients to escape from the stresses of their day-to-day lives. By fostering genuine connections and offering a safe space for everyone, I’ve enabled a loyal client base and continue to grow my business organically.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

One question that I get asked very often is how I got into waxing. When I initially enrolled in an esthetician program, my sole focus was lash artistry. The beauty industry was a world that I had only just discovered at the age of 20, and the idea of people getting their lashes done intrigued me. Little did I know, esthetics would encompass a wide array of beauty services beyond lash artistry, including skincare, facials, waxing, and makeup.

After graduating, I landed my first job at Amazing Lash Studio. I was elated and filled with anticipation for this new chapter in my career! However, just after my first week of taking in clients, I was in a car accident that left me with a fractured wrist and devastated, uncertain about my future as a lash artist.

As I recovered from my injury and faced the reality that lash artistry might no longer be feasible due to the physical strain on my wrist, I made the decision to pivot my focus towards waxing. Despite initially feeling intimidated by the new challenge, I took on a position as a wax specialist at European Wax Center and quickly discovered a newfound passion for the craft. Surpassing my own expectations, I excelled in waxing and became the lead waxer at my location within a few months.

Through this unexpected pivot in my career path, I not only found a deep love for waxing but also realized that it resonated with me more than lash artistry ever did! This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, ultimately leading me to discover a new passion and direction in my professional journey.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thepinkcherub