Today we’d like to introduce you to Kennadi Sheppard.
Hi Kennadi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When my mom was diagnosed with cancer when I was a senior in high school I knew I wasn’t in the right head space to go through college, which was my plan all along. I had been searching for alternative schooling options so I could do SOMETHING with my time and not just sit around. I stumbled upon esthetic’s and cosmetology. I knew hair wasn’t for me because at the time I worked in a boutique called Luxe Apothetique that had a bustling hair salon in the back so I was familiar in that space.
I got my start after interning at Ann Webb Skin Institute straight out of high school in 2018. They offer a program where you can exchange payment for free classes, and in this world, when someone offers you a debt free way through school you take it! I worked my ass off for free for 740 hours, and then went to school for 740 hours, all while working a part time on the side.
After graduation I worked front desk at a massage envy, it wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. While I was working there I was invited to interview for a position at Lake Austin Spa resort, I have never responded to an email so fast in my life.
After 4 years of working there I grew weary of the high turn over rate of clients, I would make a connection with someone and then I wouldn’t see them for months or even years. It’s a destination luxury spa so it’s a treat for people I understand, but it can be very dreary to see a client, start that connection and then never see them again every day.
All throughout this time of my career (4 years to be exact) I had been getting waxed by my former classmate and friend Emily Wilson. At our monthly appointments I would explain all of this to her and tell her how depressing it all was. A couple months flew by, her clientele grew, my journey in my career seemed blurred and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with myself. That’s when she invited me to join her business, Wildflower Wax Studio as her one and only employee! Over the past 2 years we have become a solid team sharing clients, taking trips together and helping each other out when we need help. It’s perfect. While I’m not technically a founder I am integral to the business. Now I finally have the client relationships I dream of!
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?
It’s been fairly smooth given some of the other industry stories I have heard, but my Journey has had some bumps in the road for sure. My mom survived the cancer that essentially jump started me not even going to college anyways so that’s been nice, but it was incredibly difficult when I was going through it, it’s just hard having to better yourself when your mom is literally on the verge of death but never the less the show most go on because life doesn’t wait for you!
There’s also been times where in order to make the dream work I’ve had to work 2 jobs just to make sure I could
make ends meet, I’ve had give up many weekends, family events/trips and work while I was unwell all in the name of my career. If you want to make any money in this career you unfortunately have to work when everyone else is off, otherwise you close yourself clientele.
My family and loved ones have come to terms with it over the years which I am very grateful for. I’m also grateful for all the amazing clients I spend my time with, I’ve been blessed to have made such great ones.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an Esthetician which means I work on the skin but by trade I am Facialist and Waxer, specifically a Brazilian Wax Specialist and I love it! There is something special about working on what most people would consider vulnerable and intimate areas, it’s almost I want to say healing? There’s such a unique energy exchange when it comes to waxing and facials that you can only experience if you truly enjoy it.
I am known for being the chit chat queen, I can talk all day long and when you’re getting a Brazilian the last thing you want to hear is your own hair being ripped out, if you do like that more power to you but could not be me! I am also known for my kindness and detailed work. So if you come to see me, expect conversation, good energy and baldness.
As to what sets me apart from others, the best answer I have is that I am just me. My whole life I have been told in varying ways that I am essentially a good weird, that I talk a lot people think I am funny. I have a healthy lack of boundaries so it takes a lot to shock me or catch me off guard. I think each client
experience with me is different in its own way but they all seem to love me!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If anyone wants to work with me all they need to do is reach out to me via email or social media.
Email: kennadisheppard@gmail.com
Instagram: @Wildflowerwaxbyken
If anyone wants to support me, they can book with me through our booking site!
@wildflowerwaxstudios.com
Pricing:
- Brazilian Wax $72
- Brazilian Wax & a Hydrojelly Mask $92
- Eyebrow Wax $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wildflowerwaxstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildflowerwaxbyken
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14MioQjdgV7/
Image Credits
Mye Guarnero
