Inspiring Conversations with Michelle Shoemaker of Waxologie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Shoemaker.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a recovering corporate ladder climber turned Esthetician. I needed more of a creative and rewarding career that I felt more passionate about, and I was more interested in being my own boss, so I earned my Esthetics degree in 2006.

I briefly worked for a large wax chain, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that I could start my own business. This dream became a reality in March 2011! I started out renting small rooms that were affordable. Then after about a year and a half, I found an entire office to rent. I’ve had two large offices where other like-minded folks rented from me, but my wax business wasn’t growing like I wanted it to. So in 2018, I moved to a smaller office to focus on just my business, hired a fabulous contractor to help me, and it’s been exploding ever since!

I want Waxologie to be a place where I can offer higher-quality waxing services and products in a more private and comfortable environment.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The main struggles were starting a business in a recession and surviving the pandemic. I managed to make it through both and I’m so grateful for that!

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?
Since inception, I have only used hard wax and I will only use that type because it’s the best. It comes from Europe and I create a mix of two different kinds of hard wax so that it’s not too hot but will adhere to all hair types very well. It doesn’t stick to the skin like strip wax or sugaring does, so it hurts less.

Also, when I opened the business in 2011, I couldn’t find a single place in my entire county where men could get a Brazilian wax. So I seized the opportunity and offered that service, now known as the Manzilian on our service menu. Now it’s the second most requested service we offer, with the women’s Brazilian being the first.

Side note: I had to teach myself how to wax the Manzilian area for men! There wasn’t a continuing education course for it anywhere. The first year or do it took me about 40 minutes to complete a Manzilian, now I’m closer to 15-20 minutes. I even created videos (found on my website) showing how I perform the service.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Keep your overhead low! It’s definitely less stressful, plus if you’re desperate for money because your overhead is too high, you can end up devaluing yourself just to make money for the bills. So I’ve always enjoyed what I do first and the money easily flows right to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ilovewaxologie.com