Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Rodriquez
Hi Dana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After working in retail for 4 years, I was ready to study and find a career that would support the life I desired. A life full of traveling paired with new cultures and experiences. However, I wasn’t very thrilled about the idea of college because in my mind that equated to copious debt and I didn’t want that financial burden. At that time, I was only 22 years old, working in cosmetic sales for the prestigious brand known as Chanel. It was there that I fell in love with so many aspects of the beauty industry. I became obsessed with the simple accentuation of makeup, the science of perfectly curated skincare ingredients, and the art of clientele building. Although, I loved that luxurious experience I needed to pursue something that could transform myself and others in a more fulfilling way. That’s when I discovered Paul Mitchell the School.
In January 2019, I made the hard decision to choose between cosmetology and esthetics. I sometimes wonder what life would have been like had I not canceled my cosmetology contract the day after I signed it. My advisor granted me 24 hours to change my decision, thankfully. For those that don’t know, esthetics is an extension of cosmetology that focuses on the skin but does not include manicure or massage services. My mindset throughout the program was completely open to all possibilities. Some women in my class already had their own business with a plan to expand while others were in their first year out of high school, unsure of what would come next. I was just happy to have the opportunity knowing that I’d end up exactly where I needed to be. I can’t not give credit to my indelible intuition, which is a paramount part of my journey that I’ve learned to embrace. It’s a divinely given tool that’s been essential in creating an individualistic brand that stands apart from the overly saturated beauty industry. My intuition is also what led me to choose my first and only job out of esthetics school.
By November 2019, I finished 750 hours of learning and passed my state board exams to be officially licensed in the state of Texas. I applied to the first job that appealed to me and was immediately hired with no real idea what I’d be getting myself into. Never in my wildest dreams would I believe my modest beginnings at Chanel would lead me to mastering the art of Brazilian waxing. Waxing allowed me to meet and create friendships with clients that had the most colorful personalities, who shared stories of their lives that could create an anonymously vibrant memoir. I can’t express how much those client experiences transformed and healed me in a way that I never expected. I always looked forward to working with the estheticians and receptionists I spent my days with and I do miss the camaraderie. We had a sisterhood that I hope to create in my business someday, when it’s time for expansion of course. I invested four years of my life and really put everything I had into that business. It all came crashing down in the final month when we were notified that the owners were closing down all Texas stores. We were given a months notice and none of us saw it coming.
Immediately after my previous job went out of business, I got to work on building my brand, website and finding a safe and cozy space to service clients. Now, Love Thy Waxer, my very own Brazilian wax specialty studio is open for business and nestled on 8th street parallel to South Lamar boulevard. I believe I got to where I am because I lived each day with intentional manifestation, always looking to improve myself, never turning down shift coverage, never calling in, and working with absolute integrity, and most importantly always being in the moment with my clients and co workers that I absolutely adored. I worked 11-12 hour days, seeing up to 25 clients in a day, spent hundreds of hours scrubbing wax off of vinyl floors, all while wondering when it would ever pay off. I’ve had the honor of providing over 10,000+ wax services in my career so far and I have no intention to stop any time soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not, there were many times I wanted to give up. But for me, giving up is harder than continuously trying. While I was enrolled in esthetics school full time I was also working at a cosmetics store called NYX. For 7 months my scheduled was completely full. I’d start my day around 745am, prepare to be at school from 9am until 4pm. Then I’d drive over to the domain and work from 5pm to 9pm. Then do it all over again the next day. I also juggled maintaining my friendships in any down time that I had because they helped keep me sane. I struggled with my mental health, and had no family that lived here to lean on but eventually my body and mind learned to survive on the bare minimum. It was all a test for me to see how far I could push myself to get through. Once I graduated I closed a chapter at NYX Domain and started my career working as a wax technician. From that point on, I learned how to survive in a toxic work environment and I think we can all relate to having that one boss that teaches us what not to be. Unfortunately, throughout my 4 years of working as an esthetician I never felt secure in my job. I was absolutely torn because I loved my clients, my schedule and my co workers but found it extremely hard to see the silver lining working for a company president with no moral compass, and knowing that my efforts were not valued. It’s hard for me to talk about the things I experienced, as well as what I witnessed my colleagues go through. But the lessons learned are incomparable. I believe I gained resilience, clairsentience, and the ability to discern good intentions, and those hidden powers will stay with me forever. Apart from that era, starting my career as an independent business owner has been a challenge in itself. I will say building my website was the most difficult navigating because technology is not my forte. I spent countless hours and cried many tears learning the software but got the hang of it, thankfully, I spent a whole month putting it together before I officially opened for business. I also faced the challenge of just trusting that everything will be okay and work out. I know fellow business owners can relate to that first year of being open. It’s frightening when you’ve spent so much time and resources on a dream that you put everything on the line for to make it last. My biggest challenge has been facing the fear of entrepreneurship but I do that by moving with gratitude and staying in the moment with my clients who choose to support my small business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Love Thy Waxer, is a Brazilian wax specialty studio that also caters to clients looking for full body waxing, brow tints, lash extensions and more! I am known for completing a Brazilian wax in 15 minutes or less but also really taking the time to ensure quality results. I have high expectations for my own work so some might call me a perfectionist but I believe that when you are paying for a luxury service that you should get exactly that. You should feel like you’re turning your body into a work of art. My brand design is inspired by a Botticelli painting called The Birth of Venus. Just like Venus, you are renewed except in a hairless kind of way. I really love the art work from that era. I wanted to make my intimate studio feel like you’re walking into a friend’s timeless chic space where you can comfortably chill. While you’re getting waxed you can watch some tv or chat with me. As your waxer, I’m here to support and take care of your hair waxing needs and when you book with Love Thy Waxer that means that you’re choosing to support me too. I can’t express enough how much supporting small business means to our community in Austin. I’m beyond thankful to those who have supported me for years now! I love you all, and you know who you are. My brand is about creating genuine connections and feeling taken care of during such a vulnerable experience. I think that sets Love Thy Waxer apart from other wax chains.
What does success mean to you?
I personally define success by experiencing self expansion either mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially. I try my best to find success each day. I also feel a sense of purpose and success when I’m able to make a positive impact on someone else’s day. It’s important for me to find value in the mundane part of life so that when the big goals are achieved I can reflect and appreciate being present everyday that led to that moment of success.
Pricing:
- Brazilian wax $75
- Brow wax $25
- Lash Extensions $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lovethywaxer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovethywaxer/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-thy-waxer-austin
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/U4UJ6uE
