We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristen , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Recently I have really been diving into my spirituality. Running a business and being a first time mom has its stressful challenges so I find when I can quiet my mind and sit in my quiet, ideas and creativity flow to me all while releasing the stresses of the day. I mediate almost nightly before bed and I journal a lot which really helps me fill my cup so I can be more effective in my career and home life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I have been in the beauty industry since the 10th grade when I was accepted into the cosmetology program at my vocational high school in Massachusetts . I have worked in salons and spas my whole life. As a kid I was so creative and imaginative so it seemed to be the best spot for me to land. I enjoyed the skin aspect of the field so much more than the hair so I further my education in Esthetics.
I have done it all, facials, body treatments, airbrush tanning but my love for waxing really shined through. Especially with brow artistry, I can use my creative side and create and envision to help my clients achieve their brow goals.
I opened KL Wax Studios in 2018 with 150 clients, one room suite and myself. Almost 6 years later we have grown to a 5 treatment room store, over 3,000 clients and 2 employees. I’m obsessed with what I do, it’s instant gratification for me. I especially adore my clients. Some have become like family and even more have become friends.
We are constantly training and learning new techniques and products to offer the best of the best and my goal is to open more locations. I want everyone to have a comfortable experience when they come to KL Wax Studios, it’s my top priority. Some services can be quite uncomfortable so our main goal is to make your time here the most comfortable and enjoyable it can be all while offering the best service.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Experience
Education
Patience/Passion
Unfortunately the school curriculum doesn’t offer much in the training of waxing, so you really do get most of your experience in a work place setting. I had a mentor when I was just starting out who took the time to teach me. I am forever grateful for her. Take as many clients as you can, put your best into every service and hone in on your skills. It will be so beneficial in the end.
The beauty industry is always evolving and there’s always new trends to keep up with. I have been doing this 20 years and I still always educate myself. Education is key to being successful in the field. Go to beauty expos, check out the newest and latest thats out. Take continuing education classes/or courses. You can never have too much knowledge.
I have seen a lot of baby estheticians that are just starting out and expecting to have a full book right out the gate. Sorry ladies but thats not going to happen. You need to build from the ground up, you need to make connections with your clients while offering an exceptional service. That’s what will keep them coming back. I worked 6 days a week, 10 hour days when I was building KL, there were days I only saw two clients but I never gave up.I worked hard, had patience and eventually I was booked solid everyday. It can definitely be discouraging however, your passion will show and the clients will come I promise!
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
I started this book when I was in a place of struggle with business. I was having a hard time with employees that I spent time and money investing in, we were in a slower season, I was stuck in ways to generate new clients and was feeling honestly burnt out and ready to give up. This book came highly recommended and I had heard of the author before so when I picked it up I couldn’t put it down.
He said “The capacity to surmount failure without being discouraged is the chief asset of every person who attains outstanding success in any calling.”
“Your only limitation is the one which you set up in your own mind.” How his need for success surpassed his need to give up. This really resonated with me in that moment. You can do and achieve anything that you put your mind to and I feel like I’m living proof of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.klwaxstudios.com
- Instagram: @klwaxstudios
- Facebook: KL Wax Studios LLC
- Other: @klwaxstudios Tik Tok
Image Credits
Amy Vu
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.