We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kiki Behr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kiki below.
Kiki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
First, let me say—I absolutely love being a business owner. The freedom to shape my own schedule, to steer the business in whatever creative direction I choose, and to build a strong, supportive team is something I truly cherish. Watching my team grow and succeed alongside me is one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
That said, I’d be lying if I said I never wonder what it would be like to have a regular job. Those thoughts tend to creep in during times of stress, when the weight of responsibility feels a little heavier. As business owners, we put so much pressure on ourselves to constantly improve, to reach the next level, to always be “on.” And while we thrive on that challenge, it never really stops. You wake up in the middle of the night thinking about work—sometimes with exciting ideas, other times with worries. Even during a nice dinner with my husband (who I also work with), we find ourselves talking about the business and have to remind each other to turn it off.
The pressure to succeed, to keep clients happy, to make sure my team feels supported—it all falls on my shoulders. And sometimes, I do wish I could just clock out and leave it all behind at the end of the day. But when I step back, I realize that most of that pressure comes from me. There will always be more to do, but there’s no need to rush. I have to be intentional about celebrating both the small and big wins instead of immediately moving on to the next goal.
Before I started my own business, I worked for others, always wanting to contribute in a way that helped the business grow. But not every employer was open to that kind of initiative (haha). That’s what keeps me working for myself—the freedom to build something meaningful, on my own terms, knowing that I am in control of how things go. And at the end of the day, that’s what makes it all worth it.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi! I’m Kiki, the owner of Behr & Bush Wax and Beauty, and I absolutely love what I do. My journey into the beauty industry began at a young age, inspired by my mother, who worked in the field. Watching her, I saw firsthand the impact that great beauty services can have—how they not only enhance appearances but also boost confidence and self-esteem. That experience sparked my own passion for self-care and helping others feel their best in their own skin. That led me to become a licensed esthetician and, eventually, open Behr & Bush Wax and Beauty.
At Behr & Bush, we specialize in brazilain waxing, brow shaping, and facials. We also offer full-body waxing, bikini treatments, and lash and brow services. We focus on creating an experience that is as comfortable as it is effective. We’re known for our virtually painless waxing techniques, expert estheticians, and warm, welcoming environment. We also offer professional skincare products so our clients can continue their self-care at home.
The biggest problem we solve? Taking the fear and discomfort out of waxing and skincare! I know firsthand that many people come in nervous—especially first-time waxers—but we pride ourselves on making the experience smooth (literally and figuratively). Whether it’s helping someone achieve their best brows, clearing up their skin, or just giving them a space to relax and feel pampered, we make sure every client leaves feeling better than when they walked in.
What sets us apart is the level of care we put into every service. This isn’t just about beauty—it’s about making real connections with our clients and building trust. Our space is clean, inviting, and fun, and our team truly loves what we do. We take the time to educate clients on their skincare and aftercare so they feel empowered, not just treated. And we don’t take ourselves too seriously—beauty should be fun!
One of the things I’m most proud of is building this business from the ground up. I still remember my very first day open—I made just $44! But I kept going, determined to create something special. Now, Behr & Bush has grown into a thriving, award-winning business, and it’s been the most rewarding journey. Seeing how far we’ve come, from those early days to being named Best Aesthetic Services in Dayton 2024, is something I’ll always cherish.
For anyone considering booking with us, I want you to know that we’re here to make you feel comfortable, cared for, and heard. Whether you’re a seasoned skincare lover or brand new to waxing, we’ve got you covered!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I’ve been fired a lot—haha! I swear I’m a good worker! But maybe just not the best employee. I think I was always a little too ambitious, always full of ideas, and sometimes that just didn’t fit into the structure of someone else’s business. I wanted to contribute in bigger ways, help the business grow, and bring fresh ideas to the table, but not every boss was receptive to that. I also believe in being treated with kindness and respect, and unfortunately, that can sometimes get lost in high-stress work environments—especially when owners and managers are overwhelmed.
Those experiences, as frustrating as they were at the time, ended up being some of my biggest lessons. They taught me what kind of leader I didn’t want to be. When I opened Behr & Bush, I knew that I wanted to create a work environment where my team felt valued, heard, and supported. I never wanted my employees to feel like their ideas didn’t matter or that they were just a number on a payroll.
More than anything, I’ve learned that kindness goes a long way. Owning a business comes with its own pressures and stresses, but at the end of the day, people remember how you treat them. I want my team—and my clients—to always feel respected, appreciated, and comfortable. Those past challenges only fueled my drive to build a business that reflects that, and I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was giving up control—and let me tell you, it has not been easy! I can be a perfectionist (in the least pretentious way possible), and for a long time, I struggled with what I call analysis paralysis. I would overthink every little decision, afraid of making the wrong move, and end up stuck in this cycle of stress and inaction. I wanted everything to be just right, but I’ve come to realize that perfection is the enemy of progress—sometimes, done is better than perfect and not done at all.
In the past, when I felt overwhelmed, my response was to shut down and ignore everything I needed to do rather than tackle it head-on. That obviously wasn’t sustainable, especially as my business grew. I finally had to face the reality that I can’t do everything on my own—and more importantly, I shouldn’t. Learning to delegate has been a game-changer.
I’m incredibly lucky to have a great team around me, and I’ve learned to trust them and rely on them. They help keep me grounded, bring levity to stressful situations, and remind me that I don’t have to carry everything on my shoulders. Letting go of control doesn’t mean I care any less—it means I’m allowing my business to thrive without micromanaging every detail.
Behr & Bush is my baby, and pushing it out of the nest has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. But watching it grow, with a team that believes in it just as much as I do, has been beyond rewarding. Learning to let go, trust others, and embrace progress over perfection has truly made me a better leader and business owner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://behrandbush.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/behrandbush
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehrandBush
Image Credits
Lydia Staton- lydbehindthelens