Meet Katie Hart
@the.waxatelier | Columbus, OH | 8-Year Esthetician
What first drew you to the beauty industry, and when did it click that this could be your career?
I’ve always been a girly girl—I loved playing with makeup and dressing up. When I realized my bachelor’s degree program wasn’t going to be my path in life, a friend of mine told me to go to beauty school! While being a makeup artist isn’t my full-time gig, I knew from the moment I toured salons that I was destined to be a waxer. After meeting a few other women in the franchise who had been waxing for many years, I knew that would be me too.
How did your first clients find you, and what do you do to ensure they keep coming back?
I started my career at a waxing franchise, so my first clients found me there. I still have my very first “original client”—she knows I call her that too!
After starting my business, my new set of “first clients” found me on Google or through a local mom’s group. I believe what keeps them coming back is my music playlist, my ability to keep them calm and comfortable, and the way I hype them up during their service—lots of “You’re doing amazing!” moments.
Plus, every new guest gets a Ghirardelli chocolate (who doesn’t love that?), and I use a special breathing technique that makes the pain much less noticeable. If you need the secret sauce, hmu. 😉
What’s a challenge you faced while building your brand, and how did you solve it?
Oh, that’s a tough one—because honestly, I still struggle with it! Translating the ambiance of my studio to social media has been challenging. To help, I try to use consistent visuals when posting: fun black-and-white or light-purple background images with italicized text. In my brain, italics translate to sparkles.
What does “community over competition” mean to you?
To me, “community over competition” means knowing I can’t physically or mentally service my entire city. Much like artists—just because someone can do the same thing as you doesn’t mean they do it the same way. Your people will know the difference.
This city is big, and I have recommendations in every section. My girls need business too!
What’s a piece of advice you give new estheticians that you wish you’d heard sooner?
Set boundaries—with your employer, your clients, and yourself. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of always being available because we have bills to pay, but you must take care of yourself. Otherwise, you can’t fully show up for your clients.
Don’t feel bad about taking your days off—because if you don’t, they’ll be forced on you (and not in a good way).
