Today we’d like to introduce you to Virginia Louise.
Hi Virginia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I suppose my story beings 12+ years ago when I was attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. My primary major, and the degree I thought I would utilize as an adult, was Molecular Biology. I chose to major in Psychology as well simply for the fun of it, but with no intention of continuing down that type of career path. As the semesters progressed, I came to realize that my original expectation of working in a science lab wouldn’t be the most fulfilling path for me. I needed to work with people, to build relationships, to empower those around me.
After working in restaurants and yoga studios for 15 years, it was time to shift gears. An interest in skincare had been growing within me for some time, so I decided to go to esthetician school and explore those opportunities. I saw that I would be able to feed the psychology and hospitality side of me by continuing to work with people and simultaneously feed my interest in science and molecular biology through products, ingredients, and skin functions.
Once I started working in the esthetics industry, I came to realize my favorite services to provide were waxing services. I love being able to chat and connect with my clients throughout the entire treatment. I have found that when someone is trusting me to rip hairs off their body, especially from sensitive areas, trust is built very quickly which leads to genuine, honest conversations. There are no other industries I have experienced that allow for my clients to open up as quickly. And so here I now am, happily removing any unwanted hair from Austin’s residents all day long!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any road is perfectly smooth, but all the bumps and struggles are opportunities for growth!
I have extensive experience in customer service and waxing treatments but virtually zero prior knowledge of running a business and some of the behind-the-scenes work that is required. It has been a (fun) challenge navigating all the legal, accounting and marketing elements needed to open and run your own business. Not to mention the inability to shut off your brain and stop thinking about it. Working for yourself requires you to be a one-person show, which can be tough at times. Ultimately though, it is really rewarding!
There are many more obstacles coming my way, I know, and I look forward to all the knowledge and growth that will accompany them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
One driving force for me to start my own business was the lack of integrity I experienced at some of the companies I worked for. The image put out to the world was not always what I saw from the inside. Honesty was sometimes lacking, and it ate away at me to work for anyone like that. At Lax, I believe in running my business with quality in mind rather than quantity. I trust and believe in every service and product I offer. I don’t push unnecessary products just to make a dime. And I never skimp on sanitation procedures. Quality, honesty, integrity first. Always.
Another opportunity with Lax Studio that really excites me is being able to involve myself more in the community. My clients help me choose a local non-profit to donate to each month. One wall of the studio is dedicated to rotating local artist showcases. And I implement waste saving solutions to help minimize my impact on our planet.
It is endlessly rewarding and empowering to have control over the integrity with which the business is run!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
With dedication, consistency and hard work, anything is achievable!
Contact Info:
- Email: virginia.louise@thelaxstudio.com
- Website: laxstudio.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @laxstudio_atx
