Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ariele Burgess. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ariele, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Work ethic is somethings that I’ve always prided myself in. I don’t know how to not have a strong work ethic. I work 7 days a week, not because I have to a degree but because for me I wouldn’t feel complete if I didn’t spend the day working on something. Even if it’s something small like taking Sunday to answer emails, I still feel compelled to work. When I sit still and stagnant I don’t feel accomplished. I know many will say that’s too much! However, this is just my work ethic. I want the best for myself and my family. Or possibly it could just be my subconscious mind telling me I won’t be alright if I’m not working and progressing daily through my business. You also tend to work differently when you are a single income household, single parent, and grew up homeless. You want more for the ones you love so they don’t have to live the way that you did. Isn’t that something we all secretly strive for? To give the next generation a different experience than what we had? For some it translates differently, for me it shows within my work ethic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Ariele. This is my story. Leaf Waxing is an all inclusive full body waxing business. We are in the business of hair removal for any and everyone. I am the owner and also the trainer/wax specialist. When you come for a wax service you come to see me. For me, I’ve been waxing for 8 years now and Ive been a trainer for 7 years and counting. Waxing is my life! There’s never a dull moment! Who doesn’t get gratification of waking up everyday and doing something they love. To me I’d say thats pretty special in itself. I’m thankful I don’t have to wake up and go to a job that doesn’t value my time or my effort. Im thankful that I can go take a lunch break without having to ask if it’s ok for me to take a well needed break. I’m valued as an employee knowing the end of the day I made a difference. However the only difference is I work for myself. It’s amazing to me how much of a difference working for yourself can be. Opening Leaf Waxing was one of the most satisfying moments to date. I’m sure there will be other moments but in this blip of time, this is it. February marks our 1 year anniversary and I’m mind blown! To think starting with 6 clients total to now well over 100 clients is such a “I’m not crying you’re crying” moment for me. It’s humbling in a way. Bringing great service to the people is what I strive for and hope my clients and future clients get a chance to experience it. We also have an exciting release dropping early spring 2024 for any aspiring professionals who want to master their craft. Being able to help all licensed professionals is something that is so near and dear to me, so even the smallest task becomes the biggest when it comes to insuring the best quality of information delivered to the people. I am just one person but I want to expand my village to as many as possible. I hope to pass on my knowledge to the next generation of estheticians and cosmetologists in hopes that their future is taken them as far as they want their dreams to take them.
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?
Looking back I would have to say determination, practice and patience are the keys. Ever since I started esthetics school I knew I wanted to be a waxer. Of course I followed the route taken by most and went for a large company to get my start but I’d have to say if I didn’t truly want to further my career I wouldn’t have put 7 years of my life into it. Like everything you have to practice to get better at your craft no matter what the nature of it is. I was always picking up shifts to work on more for myself. I wanted to be the best there is. I’ve had trainings to which have gotten me to the person I am today but trainings can only take you so far from a corporate standard. Creating your own rhythm and flow behind your craft in my industry is what makes you a true and genuine person dedicated to your craft. For people just starting their waxing journey I would tell them to have patience, your time is coming. If they want to master their craft as a waxer I would recommend finding someone close to their area who is offering training classes. Of course you want to do your research first!!! NEVER just jump on board because someone seems to be saying all the right things. In this industry it’s extremely important to follow safety guidelines and state board regulations. Also. make sure their portfolio includes videos of service in progress to give you an idea of how their results and process of operation works. As a trainer it is super important to me that everyone who is getting training is getting the right information and not just needed to know how to make a quick buck here and there information. If you happen to be in the RDU area I would be happy to be your trainer! Not only do I help you with the actual waxing techniques but I also give you one on one insight to the business management side of the waxing industry, With all that said have patience’s. Your time will come like my time has come for me. Stay Focused and stay POSITIVE! You are going to have good days and you are going to have bad days, but at the end of the day it’s one step closer to mastering your craft!
How would you describe your ideal client?
Let’s see, the ideal client; Thats hard to answer. Mainly everyone with body hair is an ideal client, but if I had to break it down I would say anyone who follows the before and after care instructions. Someone who is aware of the contraindications and doesn’t try to hide them. Someone who wants to reap the benefits of waxing I suppose. Everyone to an extent(contraindications) are potential clients. I don’t try to single anyone out really but if I could say my perfect client would be that of which was just stated. Proper skincare and personal care are main factors as well. In my industry we say your clients are a reflection of you, most of my clients I have now are true to that statement. We get along amazingly and vibe so well! Im thankful I don’t have rude clients or disrespectful people in my safe space. Everyone is welcome as a client!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leafwaxing.com
- Instagram: @leafwaxingnc
Image Credits
all credits belong to Leaf Waxing llc
