An Inspired Chat with Becca Bray of Livingston, TN

We recently had the chance to connect with Becca Bray and have shared our conversation below.

Becca, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Starting my career as a body waxing specialist felt like the most natural yet least interesting thing about myself. Little did I know that it would become part of every day conversation as soon as someone found out what I did for work. The most surprising realization I had in this industry is the gross misogyny and sexualization of it.

Most conversations about my career go a little something like, “What do you do for work?”
“I’m a waxer.”
“Do you ever have a client that smells really bad?”

Or, “Do you ever think someone’s vulva looks weird?”

Or the ever subtly of “I bet their husbands appreciate you.”

As if vulvas are inherently gross, disgusting, or that clients only get waxed because their partners like it.

What they don’t ask about is the meaningful relationships I’ve formed from seeing these people once a month, the struggles of owning, operating, and running my business all alone, or how rewarding it is to see the same faces show up for my business and solving issues for clients they’ve been struggling with for years.

A lot of people assume that someone with a vulva only gets their pubic hair ripped out for the benefit of someone else. They don’t take much time to consider maybe it’s for their own comfort.

Frankly, it’s not only the general public pushing misogyny and sexualization of our industry, it’s the industry professionals themselves. It’s what gets the views and shares of their content. Putting hair clippings on a pastry and asking “would you eat this cookie?” to promote hair removal is an instant hit on the internet. I can’t begin to count the amount of times I was sent a video of this nature. And honestly, I was annoyed at first but then became sad. The realization hit me that that’s how hair removal is viewed. Not as a source of empowerment and self care.

I do follow and see plenty of waxers and sugarists promoting body positivity and encouragement when posting about their services, do not get me wrong. I love that it’s becoming way more commonplace to be on this side of the industry for the right reasons. When I first became licensed and started waxing, this was not the case. I adore seeing this style of branding prosper. However, we have a lot of work to do as a society and as an industry.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Becca Bray: licensed esthetician, body waxing specialist, wax educator, owner and operator of Wild Cat Waxing.

I love empowering people to do hard things and expanding their circle of self care through body positivity and autonomy.

I believe the beauty industry shouldn’t be intimidating or feel unattainable. Clients shouldn’t feel out of place when they walk into a salon space. I pride myself in being open, honest, and authentic with everyone I meet and hope to bring an ease and lightness to their day.

I have made a career out of removing unwanted body hair and am proud to be the Upper Cumberland’s most sought after waxing specialist.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother, a force to be reckoned with with the kindness and warmth that only comes from the most wonderful of people.

She not only worked full time as the breadwinner in my childhood home, but she somehow made every ball game, scholars bowl, track and field, dance recital, and needed moment of my childhood while maintaining the household, and most surprisingly, her sanity.

Now that I’m an adult, a business owner, the breadwinner, and foster parenting pre teens and teenagers, I’m in constant awe of how she did it all.

It completely shaped me to see my mom work so hard and not give up her career or identity in order to successfully parent three children, none of us being easy kids.

I realize now that all mothers give up some form of themselves in order to raise good humans, but she made it all seem so effortless. I’m aware that’s not the reality, but it taught me the importance of being completely independent and keeping your heart soft and open.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Everyone’s favorite- C O V I D.

I felt like I lost everything. I had been laid off from my hourly paying job as an esthetician. I couldn’t land another job in the same industry. My clients I built up had started going elsewhere. I was teaching in elementary schools again.

I was so close to just going back into elementary education for the steady pay (laughable that it’s not nearly enough to support someone let alone a family) and the benefits.

I am so very glad I decided to stick with this career and see it through. My job has become my baby and it’s been so fulfilling in every way imaginable.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I would like to say basic empathy and compassion, but unfortunately, this is lacking in many people.

I was taught right from wrong, as so many of us were. I was raised no human is greater or better than another. It was solidified into my head that kindness and empathy should come as easily as a breath.

The truths I hold so dear: everyone is worthy of basic human rights, bodily autonomy, and happiness… unfortunately are not commonplace. So much so that me casually implementing them into my life results in me being called “radical” and “brainwashed” and my favorite “a product of my generation” which is laughable considering my parents, gen Xers, are who instilled these morals into me.

ABOLISH ICE, IMPEACH TRUMP, and GUN REFORM IS NECESSARY.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
Aside from the amazing results they’re getting from my ever so talented abilities? Probably our conversations. We have a lot of fun and laughter in our short appointment times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nveesalonandspa.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: @wildcatwaxing

Image Credits
Abigail Morris Photography
Cora Duke Photography