Alumni Spotlight: Shanae, Owner of The Wax N Beauty Bar

Alumni Spotlight on Waxing grad, Shanae! Her journey began when she was working as a receptionist during the day and attending night classes at CV. Soon after, Shanae channeled her passion for waxing into the start of her own business! Her vision has always been to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for her clients that keeps them coming back. Over the years, she’s grown confident in her abilities and has learned that no dream is too big if you set your mind to it.  Shanae also shares some industry insight and what CV taught her along the way.

1. What specialty(s) did you study during your time at CV? The specialty that I studied during my time at CV was waxing.
2. What year did you graduate? I graduated in 2015.
3. What are you doing now? I am currently the owner of The Wax N Beauty Bar located in Brooklyn NY. I specialize in skin care for men and women of color. It was important to me to build a business where people of color could be serviced by someone who looked like them. I created a space where my clients can not only get serviced by someone who looks like them. I have created a space and experience that keeps them wanting more! I also create my line of skin care products that include an ingrown hair serum, Aloe Mojito Serum, and a Pink Ice exfoliant. The serum hydrates the skin before and after waxing and prevents/reduces ingrown hairs. The exfoliant helps to slough away dead skills to prep the skin before and after waxing.
4. What was your journey like to get to your current role? My journey to where I am started as a receptionist position in a large waxing company. One day my manager pulled me to the side and told me how much he believed in me as a waxer and that he saw me owning my own business. I never took it seriously until one day I decided to enroll at CV and give it a try, initially to make more money. Little did I know I was walking directly into my passion. I worked during the day as a receptionist and went to school at night. Shortly after, I began as a waxer at my company. I quickly climbed the ladder and became a trained speed waxer and a regional trainer for new wax students. Eventually, I began to realize my growth in the company was becoming limited, so I began writing out a waxing business plan of my own. When I was creating it, I never thought my business would grow into what it is now! Slowly, over the years, I grew confident in my abilities and began to push my business dreams to reality. I marketed my business to friends and family, as well as some of the people I was waxing at work, which helped me to grow my clientele. I turned a space in my house into a waxing studio and was able to create an experience for my clients.
5. What was your favorite part about your time as a CV student? As a student, my favorite thing about CV would have to be the teachers and the staff. They were so accommodating, and helpful every step of the way; especially with me working during the day and coming to school at night. They understood and made sure to give extra help and be available for questions before and after class.
6. What is something you learned during your time at CV that has stuck with you today? Something I learned at CV that has stuck with me is to dream big. My instructors pushed me in directions I did not know I could go. They helped me realize that I could take this skill and turn it into something that would advance me further in life — and they were correct!
   
7. Do you have any advice for someone who is considering a beauty education? My advice to anyone considering a beauty education is to DO IT!! Beauty is such a vast genre that will allow you to learn so many different skills, as well as give you the freedom to create your schedule and interact with many different people from all walks of life.
8. Do you have any wise words for students who are about to graduate and look for their first professional job in the industry? To the current graduates embarking on the professional job search, I would say to get as much knowledge as you possibly can. In this field, hands-on training and learning is the most beneficial way to perfect and grow in your craft. Take extra courses, study day and night, practice on family and friends, watch tutorials, and always believe in yourself. Some companies won’t want to hire you straight out of school because of “lack of experience”, but don’t let that stop you. Buy a small pot, some wax beads, and practice practice practice!
   
   

   Our ultimate goal is to provide our students with a strong foundation upon which to grow a flourishing career. Marina Valmy, our leader, calls this a “root system,” and it’s why our success as educators is embodied by the successes of our alumni. To celebrate this, we feature the achievements of our fabulous graduates in our Alumni Spotlight series. Each Spotlight showcases an interview with a Christine Valmy graduate about their educational and professional journeys. 

   
   
   

   As part of our educational philosophy, we aim to provide thought leadership on topics relevant to industry professionals and those with a passion for beauty. Click here to visit our Educated Insights homepage to learn trends, tutorials, industry news, and tips for at-home care and spa treatments.