Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Thomas.
Angel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the beauty industry when I was only 12 years old as a shampoo girl in my aunt’s salon. I loved the salon scene! I learned so much as I watched and listened to the ladies chat about their daily lives…good, bad, juicy details…I heard it all and loved every minute of it. I basically grew up in the salon from age 12 till 18 years old.
In 2000, during my senior year in high school, I had the opportunity to attend vocational school for my choice of either cosmetology or manicuring. After being around hair for so many years, most people thought that I would definitely choose cosmetology, however I chose manicuring, simply because it was a shorter course. The cosmetology students had to continue their program after high school graduation, but manicuring students could become licensed and start working right after graduation. My choice was made.
Once I became a licensed manicurist, I started working at a salon in a local mall, doing manicures and pedicures. I eventually wanted to do more spa services so I went back to school to become an Esthetician (skin care therapist), at age 24. After becoming a licensed Esthetician, I started working in a health spa doing facials, body treatments, and waxing. I must say, I absolutely sucked at Brazilian Waxing back then. I was so timid and afraid that I would hurt people, I ended up leaving more hair than I waxed. At that time, I would much rather do facials than Brazilians. In fact, when one of the other Estheticians tried to give me my first Brazilian, I couldn’t even finish. The pain was unbearable. Luckily, there was another Esthetician there who explained to me that there was a gentler way to wax. Determined to learn the secret, I began seeking out specialty training on the Brazilian Bikini Wax and traveled around the country learning more about the service.
Although I’ve always had a love for everything concerning beauty, in 2009 I saw an opportunity to start a career as an Air Traffic Controller. During this phase of my life, I also met and married the love of my life. I am from Detroit but my husband is from New York. We started our new life together in Connecticut. After we married and purchased our first home, I reunited with my first love, the beauty industry. I convinced my husband that the 1st floor or our new multi-family home would be great for a small salon. In 2014, I opened my first salon, The Nail & Wax Room. It became more successful than I would have ever imagined, causing me to make the choice to leave air traffic. Despite the salons success, last year we made a tough decision to sell the salon to be close to my stepson here in Houston.
In November 2016, I opened WAXED after only 1 week here in Houston, using the same methods I used to start The Nail & Wax Room. Although it is bittersweet, I am happy to be here with my new awesome clientele.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would love to meet another small business owner who says ‘it’s been a smooth road’. I’d love to know their secret. Growing a business/clientele, in the beauty industry, takes patience, consistency, and determination (AKA: Hustle & Grind).
This is my second business, in a new state. Although I planned to start it the same way I started my first business, I had to do things a little different here in Houston. Starting up in a small town like Wallingford, CT is totally different than starting up in a large city like Houston. Facebook advertising worked great in a small town where everyone are friends and they are all excited for the new business in town, but here in Houston, WAXED was just another waxing spot among many.
I had to show people that WAXED was different than the rest. This was very difficult since I didn’t have even 1 person at my grand opening. However, I knew that I had a service that people wanted, so I was determined to get people to try my service at least once. Surely if they tried it once, they would be back. I did free services for about a month. There were pros and cons to this strategy. Most of the people who came, were not willing and/or able to pay full price later. The positive to doing many free services was that they all went out and told others about their experience, also giving WAXED a 5-star rating on Yelp. Now, I am always busy and will need to hire another Wax Specialist soon.
The new struggle…finding work/life balance.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with WAXED – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
WAXED – Houston is a small waxing studio located inside of the beautiful Salon Boutique building at Vintage Park. We provide head-to-toe waxing services for men and women. Our specialty is the Brazilian Bikini Wax, a service that removes all the hair from the bikini area from front to back. What sets us apart from the rest is that we focus on providing our clients with the most comfortable wax experience. The studio has a relaxing vibe while still being clean and sanitary- absolutely no double dipping. Our advanced techniques and superior products leave your skin smooth and hair free. We love turning a not-so-pleasurable service into a more tolerable service.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are adding a new service, Permanent Makeup for Brows, to our service menu. This service is perfect for those with sparse brows, alopecia, overly-plucked, or misshaped eyebrows. A consultation is required prior to service and can be scheduled online at www.waxedhouston.com
We are also looking forward to the busy summer waxing season! NOTE: Do not sun bath for at least 48 hours before and after your wax.
Pricing:
- Female Brazilian Wax $45
- Male Brazilian Wax $55
- Underarm Wax $18
- Back Wax $40
- Chest Wax $40
- Permanent Makeup for Brows $300+
Contact Info:
- Address: Inside Salon Boutique
118-B Vintage Park Blvd
Suite #44
Houston, TX 77070 - Website: www.waxedhouston.com
- Phone: 281-671-7130
- Email: getwaxed@waxedhouston.com
- Instagram: @waxedhouston
- Facebook: @waxedhouston
- Twitter: @waxedhouston
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/waxed-houston-4
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
