Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Cremona.
Hi Erika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story was accidentally designed by a string of random events. In 2013 I was in Park City, UT for a business trip. I was driving around with no exact destination when a shopping center caught my eye. I pulled in, drove around, parked and found myself standing in front of a business called LunchboxWax. The location was under construction, so I peeked through the window, took a picture, and posted it with the caption “someone has a sense of humor, I wonder if they franchise?”. What I didn’t know at the time was that Park City location, under construction, was the brand’s very-first franchise location. It would take five more years for the universe to align.
At this point in life, I had been working at a Fortune 50 company for almost ten years, I was burnt out and they were approaching a re-structure. It was my time to decide; continue on or change it up. I remember exactly where I was when I mentally committed to my next chapter, laying on the couch watching Bravo’s Housewives. I didn’t hesitate, I immediately called my mother and said “Mom, I’m going to open a waxing salon…”. I hung up with her, went to the website and submitted a franchise inquiry. Less than 24 hours later, I was on an introductory call with the founder and CEO.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most people say the hardest part of owning a business is committing, taking the jump, and pushing through your fears. Somehow that didn’t turn out to be my biggest obstacle. I would start my real-estate search in Austin, TX in 2017 and I would continue this search for just shy of two years. My salon and I were denied by every big developer and dozens of independent landlords in this city. Over those two years, I would go on to lose four lease agreements to other businesses, one of those by a Board of Directors who derailed our contract on the day of signing and after accepting my deposit. Finally! A local family development group not only took a chance on my business concept but also me. They took the time to do their homework, understand the model and welcomed me into their successful portfolio of tenants. LunchboxWax would make their official entry into the market in November of 2019, just in time for COVID. A lot of small business owners had the same journey, questioning our business existence and our human survival. Like many entrepreneurs, I poured my money, heart, and soul into the clear vision of building a business which would provide economic and life opportunity for everyone involved and most vital, creating an inclusive and safe environment. As a business owner, you don’t have all the answers even though you’ll want to. You learn as you go and much of the time, you learn because you failed. I could fail but I couldn’t quit. Too much was riding on this confident investment I made into the brand and most importantly, myself. I knew we had something the Austin community needed, a safe place for everyone to feel confident in their own skin. Regardless of who you are, you’re welcomed at our salon. We ensure you know you’re perfect just the way you are. We wax every pronoun and body part. We’re focused on the ultimate professional setting, with a focus on the guest experience and not the transaction. We see waxing as a trusting relationship built over time and we’re committed to making that journey together. The fight, pushing through years of obstacles, was and continues to be worth it because it’s 2022 and we’re thriving and growing everyday with our community (THANK YOU!). Our team continues to grow and improve, I’ve become a better woman and the support I’ve received over the years has demonstrated how beautiful people really are. I wouldn’t be here today without some key factors, and I think from entrepreneur to entrepreneur these crucial roles vary slightly, however, the ingredients are always similar. You need guts to gamble on yourself; you may have the confidence to know you have the grit, but you have to be able to go all-in and bet against the house. The ultimate must, having people by your side who see the possibilities in those moments of mental fog. I’ve been so blessed to have such a supportive circle who kept me moving forward. I wouldn’t be here without them. It’s been a tough journey, but I would do it over-and-over again. For me, the key is… Keep your Energy in Motion.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The journey of LunchboxWax has just begun, especially in Austin. We’ve recently been acquired and we’re now a sister brand with beauty power brands Drybar and Amazing Lash. In May 2022 we will start a brand transition and our name will become Radiant Waxing. We’ll be the same fabulous service, products, and teams. As an all-inclusive brand, we’re refreshing our name for improved accessibility to all our communities. As a professional waxing environment, we take the safety of our staff and the comfort of our guests as priority, this maintains our strength, welcoming all pro-nouns and all body types. Waxing is so much more than bathing suit season. We’d love to partner with the community and all the groups on events and educational opportunities providing access to what may have not been accessible in the past.
Contact Info:
- Email: roundrock@lunchboxwax.com
- Website: https://www.lunchboxwax.com/tx-round-rock-greenlawn-crossing/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunchboxwax_roundrock/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LunchboxWaxRoundRock/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lunchboxwax-round-rock-round-rock-2?osq=LunchboxWax
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/LunchboxWax+Round+Rock/@30.4812329,-97.6612187,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8644cf36eff0df6f:0x3bd8b8ecfe0158e!8m2!3d30.4812086!4d-97.6590357
