We were lucky to catch up with Katie Kirkpatrick recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

In the early to mid 2000s I never knew a soul who had a brazilian wax. The only type of body and brazilian waxing I knew about was on The 40 Year Old Virgin, and on America’s Next Top Model. Both of those scenes seemed extreme and scary!

Fast forward to my early 20s and my esthetician finally talked me into getting a brazilian wax. With those old images seared into my mind, I got on the table and 15 minutes later it was over. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I had imagined, and I was hooked.

In 2014 I became an esthetician and started waxing with a large chain that same year. I wanted to tell everyone who would listen about waxing.

In 2020 when I started my business I had to ask myself a lot of questions, which is how my mission to be. Talking about brazilian waxing can still be hush hush and I am committed to bringing it into the spotlight.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a young age I was intrigued by the beauty world. A snip here and there, whipping up bleach for highlights, meticulously styled acrylics… it seemed fun and creative. However, after high school graduation I was feeling unsure about cosmetology school and put that on hold for a while.

While working and attending community college, a coworker told me about her recent trip to a spa. I was instantly intrigued by her story, and I quickly booked an appointment for myself. From the moment I walked in, it was a journey for the senses. There were dim lights, beautiful smells, and total peace. I enjoyed some quiet time and chatted with my esthetician as she did my facial. She pumped cleansers and serums from her counter full of bottles, applied face masks, and helped change the trajectory of my life in that short hour.

I booked a tour at Aveda to find out more about their program. The school looked and smelled beautiful when I walked in. The class room down stairs was in use when we walked in and the instructor offered a free facial, as their class was odd numbered and a student needed the practice. Without a doubt that night, I knew I wanted to be an esthetician. I was 19 at that time and the price tag made me put school off for an extra 5 years, but I did eventually go back and sign up.

After I passed the state board tests I worked for almost 6 full years at a large nationwide wax chain. I learned a lot while being there, directly and indirectly. I’m glad I got to wax so many people and body types, and that I got to learn different techniques from other waxers. That’s what helped me become good at what I do.

I pride myself on the wax experience my clients receive. I knew I didn’t want to be over worked, and I didn’t want to offer rushed services. Working for myself has given me freedom to cultivate everything from start to finish with total care. From my cold roller face massages, to my aftercare bags for new brazilian wax clients, everything has been thought about with care.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Oh goodness, Raya Schwartz has had such a large impact in my business. I truly believe people come into your life for a reason, even if it’s only virtually. I was only 2 months into taking clients as a solo esthetician when I found her and I am so grateful because I felt like I was floating along just trying to make it. I took one of her classes and it really changed the game for me in terms of visions for the long term, marketing, mindset, and more.

Instagram account bosses_in_beauty

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Every relationship matters. How you make people feel matters. That’s what they remember when they leave the salon. I make sure I take my time with every new client. If it’s an eye brow wax, I make sure I know what they do or do not want. With a new brazilian wax client I explain what I’m doing, I tell them when to breathe so they aren’t holding their breath. All the little things add up.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mybareesthetics.com
• Instagram: bare_estheticsllc

Image Credits
Tiffany Lanza Lanza Manage Photography