Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecilia Rios.
Hi Cecilia, 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?
Hi, thanks for the opportunity; my personality can be very outgoing so please excuse me if I overshare. My name is Cecilia Rios I’m 29, born in Oaxaca, Mexico, I am the oldest of four. I am currently working on a bachelor’s in business and traveling the US. This is my 8th year in the hair removal industry. Waxing crossed my path in 2013 while interviewing for an administration position. I obtained a cosmetology license six months prior, due to lack of experience there was no luck finding a job. At the time basic accounting was my position for a small company, which I enjoyed. Instead I started looking for jobs in the business world, and during the interview HR explained they had a position in the office. However, if I wanted to one of their locations needed waxers. With no experience necessary and being 21 I accepted, started training and spend 4 fulfilling years there! A waxing career creates lots of personal growth, I come across various ethically driven personalities who subconsciously give me lessons. Which encouraged me to become more independent and that’s where indie wax comes from.
When 2018 came during a final presentation for a class in the fall, I created a waxing spot portfolio with a business plan. My professor encouraged me to put the plan in action and he added many positive notes, so I did. A close friend with an esthetic background and her experience was very empowering while she gave me her input. We discussed everything and along with my support team I can say proudly Indie Wax will soon be three. It’s so fun to allow myself to make another person comfortable during an intimidating procedure such as body waxing. Most waxing services can be a bit invasive but necessary evil. So far I’ve preformed more than 75,000 wax services and growing, love love love my job its an art to complete rewarding results for the ones who dislike hair or love hygiene.
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?
One of my biggest challenges has been my education. My family made a major move to the US from Mexico, when I was eight. I learned a new language. We relocated and this became home. At the time of my high school graduation. I realized that the immigration position I had would not allow me to receive financial aid for college. I always wanted an office job and became interested in accounting. My parents unfortunately could not pay for my career. But a continuing education program such as cosmetology would accept me. I gather the cost, set up a payment plan and my parents provided so much support that I could work and go to night school. When I completed the testing, I went out on a search for a job with my license. At this point I was still considered undocumented and the made it impossible to employ. Not to mention the experience needed. I felt as if there was no way out and had wasted time pursuing something that legally could not happen.
I soon after became part of the Dream Act, an executive order issued by president Obama. Being a D.A.C.A recipient after months of legalization and suspense I received a work permit. Happiest day ever! I soon applied for jobs everywhere as I no longer was trapped. I found a great job and as mentioned before my waxing road started elsewhere. While employed full time and having the ability to go back to school because of D.A.C.A. I started an associates in accounting, after a year of internship realized I hated so I changed my major to general business. Once I completed my associates at HCC in business it was time to mix it with waxing. Due to the company’s policy my resignation had to happen before anything could be started. Spending a few months unemployed and on savings while building a business was nerve wrecking. I was not able to notify my clients of my decision and therefore had to build my clientele again. I got lucky some of my clients are loyal spys/fbi agents who found me even in running groups, #blessed
The slow days at the beginning build some anxiety, I had to learn how to promote myself. Putting time and losing sleep has made it hard to not give up. But very rewarding when it comes together. The research for the proper products was one of the toughest challenges too. It’s hard to find a wax to trust and fit all the required criteria or be toxic on the treatment area. Finding distributors and making new connections became normal. That took some time and overthinking for sure! Having control of the books, and the inventory was new territory, in the past all orders and all operations was not my responsibility so lots of new knowledge that would startle me, but became part of growth too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Full Body Waxing is the only service I offer inside of Indie Wax. Specializing has made all the difference; the wax, the wax spatulas, and the technique are all different to best sooth the clients request. There is a reward in mixing these hard wax beads that I work with, they melt at 150-200 degrees for about 15-20 minutes turning it into a perfect consistency. It’s so satisfying to add beads to create an ideal wax consistency and temperature. This wax is design to work best in humid and hot places, its creamy and gently with a pretty white color. When lathered on the body and removed against the hair growth direction it removes the hair instantly its just fascinating! A new wax spatula is used for every dip into the wax pot and immediately disposed of after application. After the service a healthy amount of moisture is applied to lower discomfort to the treated area. Products are available for the maximizing results, however will not be pressured to obtain. Indie Wax is a small spot in which everything is comfortably and conveniently laid out for my “waxaholics” and myself. We have appointments Wed-Sun 9Am-8pm, that can be made easily online or via text.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being consistent with my clients and my books, as well as the technique I use on a daily basis helps me the most. When I stay constant with my schedule and my routine I thrive the most. Orders are placed on time, numbers are up to date, everyone is payed on time, the facility is clean and so on. Having consistency towards everything encourages discipline and then provides structure and I love a nice smooth day!
Pricing:
- Hers Facial Waxing $5+
- His Facial Waxing $5+
- Hers Body Waxing $10+
- His Body Waxing $10+
- Hers Bikini Waxing $30+
Contact Info:
- Email: indiewax104@gmail.com
- Website: www.indiewaxspot.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiewaxspot/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/indie-wax-houston
- Other: https://square.site/book/E28KZTSYTQSFP/indie-wax-houston-tx
