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

Miranda, appreciate you joining us today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

I remember looking for studios in downtown Denver that was hiring for esthetician’s. This was in 2008. I found one place and they were a booth rental business only. I had zero clients and they gave me 6 months to build and put me on commission for the time being. I was so determined to do what I loved. They had a salon as well, and so I would go to each client and hand out a business card and give them a free service or a discount of some sort just to get them in the door. I remember being so excited to have a few clients on my schedule for the week, it didn’t pay the bills, but I was so eager to get a cliental. The funny thing about all of this was I was looking into having my own business it just started to happen with being part of the salon.

I was up against insecurities, didn’t think I was worth the prices like other studios. So for the longest time I discounted my services, and had zero boundaries. I would work from 8am to 8pm every day. I came in on holidays and said yes over and over again. I got so burned out so fast.. It took me years to have standards. I thought the more clients the better.

After 14 years of business I had a huge waitlist and I couldn’t keep up with the business. When COVID happened it gave the time to sit down and look at my mistakes and how could I be better with my schedule and the business. During the scariest time for owners I raised my prices, cut myself off of Groupon and gave myself a decent schedule. 2020 was the best year for my business. I also hired my first employee that year and we are truly striving today. I work 3 days a week now and have the best clients any esthetician could ask for. I have invested in my business with a business coach, SEO, advertising that makes sense for us. Its not cheap, but I always believed that investing was extremely important. I also keep myself learning and growing. I feel like I will never be able to out grow in this Industry and I’am so grateful for that.

Miranda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started esthetician school when I was 18 years old. I really struggled in high school and knew deep down that it wasn’t for me. When I started esthetician school it was so fun. I couldn’t wait to be a waxer. My ambition came alive at that point. Never knew what inspiration was until I started learning about waxing and facials. When I started my business I did a lot of different services, but find my niche which was waxing. So, I simplified my services with providing waxing only.

What I think separates me from others is that I have always been mindful of make my clients feel very welcomed and making sure their appts are all about them through the whole service. I still go out of my way to let clients know that I’m here for them no matter what. I like to provide the feel that we are a very small local business and that clients will get the best services. I don’t rush on clients, I think they deserve a efficient service.

What I’m most proud of … my branding is make not only women feel welcomed, but men, trans gender, non-binary. We honestly just want people to feel right at home. We just want to provide the best services for everyone. Make sure that we all are shoulder to shoulder no matter what!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I love this question! Google, baby all the way!!! Its not cheap hiring a rad web designer and a SEO. But I will tell you being on google has made me so successful. I get notification every month from google telling me how many people came to our site, and its been over 17,000 people. Its INSANE. When people ask me how to get clients and I ask them what do you do when you are looking for a service? We google. Its the most helpful tool. Clients can see a website and reviews and know what they are getting.

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

I think its about keeping my business small and investing in all areas. I have spent a ton of money with having a great website that is easy for each client to use, I have created my studios to look and feel welcoming to clients, keeping up with trends, and most importantly going to extra mile for clients. Making sure to remember what is going on with them, having a good attitude and making the services all about them when they come in to see us. I have created a fun, friendly environment. So just always making sure everything is taken care of all the time. I have seen businesses no longer invest in themselves anymore and you can loss clients quickly over that.

Clients want new and updated Services, they want to keep up with trends and feel part of. So I think its important to provide that. Make our space is always trendy and fun. Give clients something to look forward to. its a lot at times, but its jus the way it goes. And its always worth it

Contact Info:

• Website: www.denverwaxing.com
• Instagram: denverwaxing

Image Credits
Jessica Moore did the photoshoot of me. The rest of the photos I took