Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelynn Gaebe.
Hi Katelynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Katie and I own Comic Wax Studio on S. Lamar. I started waxing at 14 years old when I noticed my little brother was getting bullied at school for his unibrow. Friends and family noticed my talent and they asked me to help them so I began waxing their eyebrows as well. I continued my amateur business throughout high school with my close friends and family, I really loved it. Unfortunately in the small town I lived in, there really weren’t any opportunities to do hair removal other than at the nail salons and I was not interested in becoming a nail tech. I let my waxing hobby fall to the side for a few years while I was in college and waiting tables. A few years ago, I came to the realization that I needed to change my life and I wanted to do something that made me happy and had a positive impact poon those around me. I have always enjoyed skincare and I love helping people and making them feel good about themselves. In 2019, I decided to go back to school and get licensed as an esthetician; my passion for waxing was reignited! I graduated from Paul Mitchell in January of 2020 and was immediately hired as a wax specialist at a waxing chain. I loved my job and quickly leveled up in skilled tiers and was soon fully booked weeks in advance. In May 2021, I decided to leave my job to pursue my dream and be my own boss, June 2021 Cosmic Wax Studio opened its doors. It is my goal to create a safe and supportive environment for all of my clients which is why I educate myself on proper care and terminology for all people regardless of race or gender identity.
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?
While there are always struggles opening your own business, I feel that opening during a pandemic adds to the uncertainty of the success of your dream. Opening a business that relies on word of mouth when people are discouraged from getting together makes things extra difficult, I have however, been fortunate enough to have a loyal clientele base that followed me from my previous employment. It’s been a slow start but I am very confident that as word travels, I’ll be booked weeks in advance, just as I was at my last job. I think my biggest struggle was deciding to come out about my sexuality in my new studio. As a queer woman, I did not want to make anyone uncomfortable with the services I provided but I also didn’t want to hide that part about myself. I ultimately decided that if I was so intent on making this a safe space for my LGBTQIA+ clients then I needed to do that for myself as well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I own Cosmic Wax Studio which is a hair removal service specializing in Brazilian waxes. I am known for my virtually pain-free and speedy waxing, I have a knack or putting my clients at ease and making sure they’re comfortable with me before we even begin. I think my service list really sets me apart from most other studios, I offer a service called a Vagacial which is a facial for the pubic region. I provide skincare for areas that are often overlooked such as the buttocks and underarms. My guests love my waxing technique, the environment of my studio as well as conversing with me. I am most proud of the genuine relationships I have built with all my clients.
Any big plans?
I have big plans for the future! As of right now, I rent a studio in a building that rents to other estheticians and cosmetologists. One day I hope to have my own standalone building with employees and to have my business keep growing. I hope it gets bigger and better without losing the heart and genuine care that went into starting the business.
Pricing:
- $50 brazilian waxing
- $65 vagacial services
- $65 booty facial
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cosmicwaxstudio.com, Cosmic-wax-studio.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicwaxstudio/
- Facebook: Facebook.com/cosmicwaxstudio
