DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER

You need a website to compete

If you've heard it once you heard it a million times.  They say that your business needs a web presence in-order to compete in today's competitive marketplace.  Yeah, having a website for your small business is a great idea.  Getting a website for your small business is a whole different beast.

Most webdesigners or webmasters (although the term webmaster sounds so 1998ish) they are a dozen for a dime.  Seriously everybody and their momma can build you a website, and what is more confusing is that pricing can range from 100.00-5,000.00.

There Is More To This...Have You Meet My Wallet?

Wait a minute once you get the website now you have to concern yourself with something they call seo (search engine optimization). WTFlip? I know right, well if your site doesn't have good seo* then it won't be found when people are searching, and totally defeats the purpose of you having a website to begin with.  Not to mention you will need a domain and hosting, and if you site is not turnkey* (easily edited and updated, by a non-technical person).  *seo, hosting, domains and turnkey sites are extra cash out of pocket for you with most "webdesigners" just a lil FYI.

I worked at a salon that every time we were running a special the owner had to call her web designer person and shell out 75 per hour to have something updated.  Who can afford that as much as I change my mind on a daily bases I would be billions of dollars in debt to a web designer.

The Pauperpreneur

Not everyone has a gazillion dollars to drop on their business' website.  I know I didn't.  Seriously I wore a hole in google search.  I searched every possible way until I came across something called Stylenet.  It is was probably 3 am in the morning and I googled upon this website that offered a 1 month FREE trial website.  Hello, they were speaking my language.

So I signed up and gave things a try.  I wasn't totally sold on the site because it was kinda Plain Janeish.  I went through the trial and didn't do much with the site.  It expired and I kept searching for something spectacular.  My dream website.

That's What Friends Are For...or NOT!

Meanwhile...I gave into peer pressure.  My "close business associates" were kinda dogging the site.  Saying things like I could do better, That they couldn't see me with a website like that.  That I deserved more, a site that fit my personality.  Dagnabit they were right, and I was going to get my dream website if I had to build it myself.

So I attempted to customize a site using Squarespace platform (which is amazing if you know html).  Yeah that lasted all of 2 sleepless nights, and then I ordered a free 30 day trial at adobe 'somebodies weaver something' IDK...to just go on and design my own site and that lasted all of 5 minutes.  The best way to describe those experiences are as follows...Not fun!

My H-Yeah Moment

I am sitting in my treatment room at the salon one day and my phone rings and on the other end was a totally amazing southern accent.  OMG! Instantly when I heard that voice I was flooded with memories of when I lived in Atlanta and how for lunch I would have buttermilk fried chicken, garlic smashed potatoes and coleslaw (I am getting hungry just thinking about it). Day dream Over!

Beth had called to check in with me to see how my trial went, because that is what good companies do.  They contact people that have used their product or services and just check in with them.  I told her about my insecurity about the website not being "fashionable" enough, and she understood  my point of view, and she promised me that if I gave them a try I would not be disappointed.

She was so sure that I would love their product that she was willing to give me another trial.  I had nothing to lose and time was of the essence.  Spring was fast approaching,  this is the start of my busy season.  So I went for it, and I haven't looked back.  Of the many business decisions that I have made in the last three years.  This one to date has been the most profitable.  In terms of driving new business my way.

The Little Site That Could

Out of the gate my site was searchable in google.  I came up when people searched for 'bikini wax Rochester, Mi'.  Which was totally awesome because I didn't have to do anything to get started.  Everything was already there for me.  I was off to a great start and I know in my heart that I would not be where I am today if it weren't for Stylenet.

They offer online support, their sites come with seo.  My site doesn't have a google page rank of 10 just yet but I know it will one day.  If you are a freelance esthetician, a salon or spa.  Looking for a website I highly recommend Stylenet.  These guys can take you places.  Thanks Stylenet. 

Oh and by the way you get a domain, hosting, support, and a turn key site for $49 a month. BOOM how ya like them apples.  I know I do.  Clients absostinkingloutely adore this site.  For every naysayer I have had 100 compliments...a few more apples I like.

ONLINE SCHEDULING DONE RIGHT!

I have been using Schedulicity for the past 3 months and well yeah, we are in love. I mean it was just right, one of those this is meant to be, kinda deals. Schedulicity has totally made it easy for clients to do business with me, and that is just friggin' awesome. Ya feel me?

Clients love it, because they can book an appointment when it works for them and I love it because it saves me the...

client: do you have a 3 o'clock
me: no, but I have a 3:15.
client:Yeah that's not going to work for me. What about a 4:10
me: can you come at 4:30 (womp, womp, womp).

I know you've been there, right? That conversation gets stale ¡muy rapido! Now I am no-internet guru, but a girl is pretty savvy when it comes to certain things internet and online scheduling is definitely my bailiwick. It is part of my personality to be cutting edge. I likes walking to the beat of my own drum, and being able to provide online scheduling to clients fulfilled that need.

I actually had an account with another online scheduling/answering service/friggin' nightmare for over a year before I hooked up with Schedulicity. I am all about the overall experience...from the first point of contact until the deal is sealed. It is my goal to provide an experience worth sharing with friends and family.

Schedulicity helps me accomplish this. Clients are scheduling online now vs. calling me and risking getting my voice mail, and they couldn't be happier. In the beginning I was not totally sold on them, because they don't believe in nailing the No-Shows to the wall with a full charge for a missed session:-|. I was as skeptical as the next. I was like Yeah, No... there is no way this could possibly work. It's too nicey nice.

Hey I am a one woman show, and too many of them there no-shows are bad for business. As an esthetician I'd grown fond of my Big Bad Sass...I'll Charge Your freaking Credit Card If You Miss your appointment policy. The best way for me to describe their platform is like "Glenda The Good Witch"...Magically helpful, trusting, and believing that all things will work out for the better. Ah! freakishly scary if you are not used to that.

I was so not not used to that approach in the industry (it's like the wild west out here sometimes), but I gave them a try anyway (thank goodness, because they have spoiled me rotten) and with-in the first week I noticed an increase of clients coming in for services. When I cross referenced my sites analytics. I could see how they were helping to drive me more business. The clicks were converting into sales and this is SUPER MAJOR.

I had to do a Whitley Gilbert "Relax, Relate, Release" and let Schedulicity do what it do, and it is a Job Well Done.

Side bar...and by the way they are not the total push overs I thought they were...click on the pic to enlarge it and see how you can still pull off a Xena Warrior Princess if you have to.

SKIN CARE DONE RIGHT

I would have to say that in the last few weeks dreams really do come true. There is an awesome new site that offers skin care product selection and education without the "Drama" of the beauty business.

No advertisements here sister or brother for that matter. Just good ole fashioned skin care at it's finest. Create a profile and you are on your way to learning more about yourSkin. Not the skin that beauty product advertisers want you to have, but the skin you deserve.

This site was liberating for me and I am in the "beauty busyness". By nature I am not a product pusher (since most of them on the market are crap anyway) ask any client. I am about folks doing beauty & skin care the way that works best for them, and making a few recommendations here and there if things get to far out of control.

mySkin is my kindred beauty spirit. We both ENJOY skincare with out all of the noise. OMG please forgive me I am yammering continuously about how amazing this site is and it has not even launched to the public.

You know that I will always look our for yourSkin, so in true OprahWinfreyesque audience member fashion.
I am giving you all access to mySkin Use the code: msesthy to set up your profile. Just in time for the Holidays.

Best Wishes learning about yourSkin. Please feel free to share your thoughts.

TABATHA'S SALON TAKEOVER-BANG SALON

Bang Salon was a quite the bust before Tabatha stepped in and took things over. The owner Darren Anselmo was on the verge of losing it all.

Tabatha said it best when she called Bang the "Most unprofessional salon ever". I spent most of this episode of TST in shock. Call me old fashioned, but their behavior was not funny to me. Can you say sexual harassment boys and girls?

This kind of behavior has jaded our profession and it is sad. Kudos to Tabatha for speaking up. After realizing that his entire staff was ready to take a hike leaving Darren holding the bag, he had a change of heart.



Despite his change of heart the images of him gyrating on the the couch, Leona's urine sample, and the fully stocked bar are forever burned into my memory, and not in a good way;(. Best wishes to the team at bang salon.

TABATHA'S SALON TAKEOVER- ALLURE SALON

After I made it official and declared Tuesdays" TST Tuesday" I couldn't wait to see what was in store for Allure Salon down in Coconut Grove Florida.

Pablo the 21 yr old salon owner was neck deep in debt over 75,000 and in the habit of being totally disrespected by his staff (pobresito Pablito). His story did inspire me because he worked his way from receptionist to salon owner in a short period of time (that's pretty cool).

The staff meeting was like every staff meeting that I've ever been in in this industry. The owner is not doing enough to promote the salon and the stylist are totally annoyed. Thank goodness Tabatha was there to help them help them out. They hit the beach to promote the salon. Offering free consultations and hair cuts what a great marketing idea.



There were no casualties just one temper tantrum thrown by a seasoned stylist (not surprising). I wish the team at Allure the very best.

A COUPLE OF WAXERS

TABATHA'S SALON TAKEOVER -ORBIT SALON

I think that TST kicked this season off right. Tabatha did a super major monster takeover of Orbit Salon in Chicago Il. I was gobsmacked =) to learn that Eddie the owner of Orbit Salon was in debt to the tune of over 700,000 smackeroonies and was on the verge of losing it all.

Orbit Salon was once a shi-shi, puff puff, fancy pants salon in Chi-town and had lost it's swag real real bad. From where I sit (at home in my living room) it just seems like salon owners have a tendency to reminisce of the "Glory" of days gone buh-bye. A sad but true phenomenon.

Any who I wouldn't change a single thing about the out come including the casualty (Lindsey got fired) Which totally confuses me because Lindsey seemed very excited about TST coming in and helping get things back on track. Maybe there was a personality conflict IDK well here is a clip from the confrontation

All in all it was the best show so far. Congratulations to the team at Orbit Salon... I'll be there in March I'll see ya then.

TABATHA'S SALON TAKEOVER

If you know me you know that I absolutely Adore Tabatha's Salon Takeover. She is in my opinion amazing and is forever on point. She has an Australian Twanged in yo' face approach to doing things. That totally pisses (sorry mom I said piss) people off, and from my experience in the industry, it is the much needed swift kick in the pants that we need .

From the outside looking in WE beauty indy folks are a bunch of temperamental spoiled type A personality having BRATS. I think Tabatha's Salon Takeover is exactly the kind of Dr. Philish reality check that we need. Congratulations Tabatha I will be tuning in every week.

Feel free to join in on the party...Become a fan of Ms. Esthetician and share your thoughts about Tabatha's Salon Takeover.

Bring My Sexy Back

Can you relate?

BEAUTIFY YOUR SPIRIT

RT @anasanaturals DIVA DO'S & DON'TS: Allow times of testing and trial to deepen your character and beautify your spirit.

I've learned that the true beauty of a person is not on the outward physical appearance. Working in the beauty indy, sometimes the lines become blurred; and we focus less on the inner and more on the outer.

Yes, the perfect hair cut and color can definitely lift your spirit or a Brazilian bikini wax can definitely bring a little sexy back into your long-time relationship. These are things that can bring a temporary glimmer of hope into your hum drum life; but if you are looking for something longer lasting, you will need to do some soul searching.

Take long walks - the benefits of walking are both for physical health, as well as mental.

Start a gratitude journal - After watching a special on Denmark being the country with the happiest citizens on earth, one of the persons interviewed said that one of the keys to happiness is being grateful. Journal about things that you are grateful for on a regular basis. Doing so will help you change your perspective.

Smile - Okay, so those of you that know me personally may find this last one funny. I've never been big on smiling; but I've made small concentrated efforts to smile more often, and the world is smiling back.

These are just a few of many things that can be done to beautify you from the inside out so that you can truly radiate.

ORGANIZE THIS!

Back in the day when I was a Single Lady and long before Mr. Taylor put a ring on it...I had the most organized beauty cabinet in all the land -- one that would make even Martha Stewart blush. It was brilliant... when people would open my linen/beauty closet, it was often exclaimed OMG..this is like a department store. This is so neat, and look at all of the goodies you have.

Fast forward to 2009, I have a family, work long hours, and sadly my linen/beauty closet has lost its swag. I was purchasing a few things for my daughter's hair and thought how nice it would be to have a cute train case to keep all of her barrettes and bows in instead of the coffee can that I had wrestled away from my husband. Coffee cans are a hot commodity in my neck of the woods. He and the neighbors use them for their cigarette butts versus throwing them on the ground. I am proud to say this was my idea.

Start Small
Take one shelf at at time and organize. Things that you use often should be at eye level, and items you use less often can be placed on higher shelves.

The More The Merrier
If you have several of the same used products, marry them (and then recycle the empty containers) to create space in your linen closet.

Outsource
Utilize space elsewhere in your home, like under the bathroom sink or an over-the-toilet storage cabinet to store your goods.

BEAUTY ON A BUDGET

We are being bombarded with talks of an economy gone bad. The information overload can be overwhelming, but we have to stand tall and, most importantly, look good while we wait this thing out.

Here are a few things that you can do right now to look your best.

Clip Coupons

Grab your scissors, local newspapers, and a few of those value pak ads and clip coupons to your favorite spa or for beauty products. If the thought of doing so seems daunting, add your girl friends, a few bottles of wine from Fieldstone Winery, and make a party of it. This could save you big bucks and put a little wiggle room back in your beauty budget.

Stay Connected

If you are serious about keeping yourself pampered, join your esthetician's e-newsletter, Facebook Fan Page, or follow her on Twitter. This way your ear is to the ground; and when she has an awesome special, you will be in the know.

Find a Beauty Buddy

Some spas offer packages "buy 9 and get 1 free" or something like that... Well, why not partner with a friend or foe, just as long as you are beautiful, and take advantage of a package deal. You can split the cost among you and keep yourself looking fierce while saving money.

Word of Mouth

Hey, even if you don't have a pair of scissors, a computer, or friends, you can still be beautiful on a budget. Become a glambassador for the esthy that you believe in. Send referrals her way and take advantage of loyalty programs offered by your esthetician. All is fair in love and beauty.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Remember, this is all about survival of the cutest.

STREAKY TAN

I loved to watch Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory growing up. The Oompa-Loompas were my absolute favorites. They were awesome with their perfect timing and song and dance, all while working in the most amazing place on earth.

I have always held a special place in my heart for the Oompa-Loompas; but ironically about 12 years ago, I saw my first Oompa-Loompa in person, and she wasn't as cute as I'd remembered them in the movie. She was actually very tall, pleasant, and resembled someone that I'd worked with the night before.

In 1997 I was working at Victoria's Secret in Westland Mall. They had just launched a self-tanning line, and we were giving some a try. My co-worker went home and came back the next day a full-on Oompa-Loompa. I was horrified for her because that orange is just not natural, unless of course you are from Loompaland, which she was not.

This is pre-beauty school. I had no suggestion on how to help her, and it took a good number of days for it to wear off. If you are ever caught with the bad self-tanner, here is what you can do:

1) The most obvious, for many reasons, is prevention


Shower and use a body scrub before applying self-tanner, and avoid moisturizers with mineral oil. Mineral oil will leave a coating on the skin, and the color won't deposit evenly.

2) Choose a brown self-tanner over an orange or yellow one...the browner the better.

If the damage has already been done, then reversing it is necessary. Cut a lemon in half or use lemon juice on a cotton ball to rub on the area where you want to remove the sunless tanner. If it is on your face, however, you can try makeup remover, alcohol-free toner, or baking soda.


If it is on your body, depending on the severity, you may want to use a sugar scrub or try soaking it off in 1 cup baking soda, 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide, a tub full of water, and mix...then sugar scrub and shower when it is all said and done. Oh, and don't forget to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Depending on the product and your skin, plus a little luck, it could take anywhere between 2-10 days for the tan to fade away.

3) Tan Towel makes an awesome product that doesn't leave you streaky.

THE BACHELOR, QUEEN BEE & ME

As an esthetician that provides services for males, I have noticed a trend among bachelors. We will be waxing right along for several months, or even years; and then one day, he comes in with this come hither expression on his face, and he tells me that he is twitterpated (not with me). I am like what? Twitterpated -- NO!!!!

In plain English it means that he has met someone, which by normal standards, I am totally happy for him because we all need Love; but in clientese, what he just told me was that our days are numbered -- no more afternoon wax sessions, no more skin care consultations, and then Ms.Esthetician will be getting the boot because there's a new sheriff in town and she don't play.

As a matter of fact, she's going to convince him that I am useless and that he is spending way too much money on my professional services (which are really for her benefit), and that he could save money by not waxing with me anymore. Hmph! Of course, this is only a ploy so that he will turn right around and spend all that he has saved on her. The Manipulation.

Fellas, stay strong. Don't end up being the guy whose girl waxes him on the bathroom floor with the Sally Hansen DIY Kit. This = Epic Failure. Here are a few things that you can do to have the best of both worlds.

Keep It In The Closet

What happens at Ms. Esthetician's stays at Ms. Esthetician's. No, I am not advocating deception; but I am telling you the less she knows, the better off we are.

Eye of the Tiger

The cat is out of the bag, and now that she knows about your manscaping habits, fight the good fight to keep your regular grooming schedule. There are some things that are not worth compromising. If grooming is a part of who you are as a person, then be authentic and keep up your routine, and encourage her to have one, as well.

I believe that person should never sacrifice more than you can afford to lose. Be good to yourself. Wax.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG LADY?

There was a time in my life when I would put something in my makeup bag and it would stay there until I decided to retrieve it. That seems like a lifetime ago, but it has only been in the past two and a half years ago that the items in my makeup bag started to disappear into thin air.

Well, they don't really disappear on their own; they do have a little help. My three-year-old daughter is fascinated with makeup and has spent some time helping herself to the goodies in that magic bag of mine. Initially, I thought it was adorable that she wanted to be like her mommy, until I found myself asking for permission to wear my own makeup.

I'd had enough of asking permission to; so I took matters in my own hands, restocked, and put my goods under lock and key. We finally reached a happy medium -- a bag for me and one for her.

Here are a few of the things that should be in every bag of beauty tricks.

A Moisturizing Sunscreen With An SPF of 15 or more.
Simone France makes a deliciously light-textured sunscreen with an SPF of 15 that can be worn with or without makeup.






Under Cover Sistah
A great concealer is seen but not recognized. Depending on your blemish, your concealer should do just that -- conceal your troubles, not draw attention to them. Sue Devitt's Camouflage Concealer was voted best concealer to cover up under eye circles on About.com.






Shine A Light On This
Blotting papers are amazing pint-size sidekicks in the fight against FACE SHINE. Boscia takes beauty weaponry to the next level with their fresh blotting lines that lift away shine and deposit a powder to keep your skin fresh.




Lip Service
Pucker up. Yes, an amazing lip color is a necessity. I love lip gloss, not as much as my lip-gloss-obsessed-three-year old; but I do love it. Guerlain hands down makes the best lip gloss I have ever worn. I was given my first Guerlain KISSKISS lip gloss as a gift by a fellow classmate while in beauty school, and I have been hooked ever since.






Bat Your Eyes Like This
An eyelash curler is an essential tool in your bag of beauty, giving your lashes a little curly curl which helps to give them a little lift. They stand at attention. I prefer metal lash curlers over plastic ones. The word on the street is that Shu Uemura's Eyelash Curler is the rockingest lash curler of them all.

These are just a few things that I keep in my makeup bag...What's your must-haves? Feel free to dish.

GETTING YOUR MONEY'S WORTH

I continue to get the same phone call..."How much do you charge for a female Brazilian bikini wax? Tell them the price and one of two things happens. They either book the appointment with me or continue to shop looking for a better deal.

I think it's pretty safe to say that people love bargains. My mom is the queen of bargain land. If the needle in the haystack had bargain written all over it, my mom could so find it with her eyes closed. I've had to draw the line when it comes to my bargain hunting; I don't buy cheap shoes, toothpaste, undergarments, or skin care.

The saying you get what you pay for is true. There are times when you've saved $30 to turn around and pay $80. I had a client come back in, in the fall, and she'd first gone to another salon in her neighborhood to get a bikini wax. After she'd paid her money, she ended up calling me to re-do what she supposedly had done at the other salon.

Now listen carefully; look before leaping into that bargain at a local salon or spa. Some things you should consider are:

1) Are they fluent in clientese?

2) Are they licensed?

3) Are the details for their services posted? Don't be afraid to ask for details of the service that you are looking for. If they can't give you details, keep going until you can get them.

Over the intercom...Thanks for waxing with Ms. Esthetician, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES MOUTH

I feel the need to get this off of my chest...I've been going hard for the past three years now about no double dipping during wax services and esthy's wearing gloves when they wax. And it feels great to finally have someone that is also preaching the same message. I was elated when I received my latest copy of Skin Deep Magazine and the article "Double Dipping? Safety Is Your Responsibility" by Janet McCormick.

She spoke on the very things that I've preached...I leap for joy to learn that universal precautions does apply to waxing and that during every waxing service, no applicator should be reused and that every technician should be wearing gloves.

Hate to say it...but I told you so.

image credit: karenalonge.com

WHAT IS VITILIGO?

When Michael Jackson spoke, the world listened. He told of a chronic disorder that caused his skin to lose its color leaving it without color in some spots. Small patches at first and then larger more noticeable areas would have patches. The single glittered glove that took us by surprise during the Motown 25 Review was his way of covering up this disorder during the early stages.

The rumors spread that he was embarrassed to be a black man, and so he physically altered his appearance. I never quite understood why Mr. Jackson chose not to address the issue concerning his skin's gradual lightening immediately, but this was his challenge, and his alone.

I was all too familiar with vitiligo at a young age. An acquaintance of my mother had this disorder. On my first visit to her home, my mother gave me a brief explanation of what I could expect; and I was instructed to behave normally.

When she opened the door, I was not totally prepared for what I would see. I was shocked beyond belief. The pep talk worked, and I was able to rebound quickly and smile a very timid smile, as we were invited into her home. I was no more than 11 years old, and I had a lot of questions.

She was all too kind to answer any that I may have had. After a very brief introduction, she'd given me permission to ask her anything concerning her disorder. So I asked does it hurt? She told me no, that it did not physically hurt her. Then I wanted to know how does something like this happen, and is there a cure? She said that doctors did not know what caused it; and at that time, there was no known cure.

Our weekly visits, although brief, no doubt left a lasting impression on me. Considering that they'd taken place over twenty years ago, I was more prepared than the average person for MJ's battle with this disorder, which was far from the public scrutiny. I vigorously defended him because I was not afraid of vitiligo. Sometimes people are so mean and full of fear for something that they don't understand that they resort to name calling and other hurtful actions.

No, vitiligo is not contagious. As of today, there is no known cure for it, and it affects less than one percent of the world's population. It is my dream that through educating people, just as I was educated at a young age, that the world becomes more compassionate and accepting of the differences that make us unique.

SKIN LIGHTENING 101

Desiree Mattox is the owner and lead chemist of Envie Bath & Body. She gives us the who, what, why, and how on skin lightening. She is also a great person to follow on Twitter@glam_scientist.

Skin lightening has been a practice in various cultures for decades, centuries even. Each person has his/her own reason for wanting to lighten their skin. In spite of the differences, there are things everyone should know about skin lighteners.

The general purpose of skin lighteners is to even the skin tone due to hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the condition in which the body produces too much melanin causing an uneven distribution of skin color. Melanin is produced by a chemical reaction of the tyrosinase enzyme. Most skin lighteners work by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase and thus prevent overproduction of melanin.

While most are proven to give noticeable results, all must be used with caution. Skin lighteners are known to cause some skin irritation and photosensitization, so they must be used in moderation according to the directions.

The following is a brief description of some veteran and rookie skin lightening treatments. Pay careful attention to where they come from, how they work, and possible side effects. Make your choice based on the proven facts.

Hydroquinone is the ultimate veteran skin lightener. It has been used to treat age spots, stretch marks, and other forms of hyperpigmentation for generations. In more recent years, concerns have been raised that hydroquinone may cause cancer, although there is no concrete proof. For this reason, hydroquinone has been banned in several countries.

In the US, the legal concentration of hydroquinone in over-the counter (OTC) and prescription topical creams is moderately regulated. I mean, there are rules; but let's face it--the FDA is not really too much on the ball with regulating cosmetic applications. The maximum OTC concentration is 2%, and prescriptions can be written in 2-4% concentrations. There are still some OTC creams with greater than a 2% concentration. I've even heard of prescriptions in the 6-8% range.

It may take a few weeks to see noticeable results because hydroquinone does not impact the melanin that is already present in the skin. Existing melanin is eliminated over time by the normal process of skin cell rejuvenation. When using hydroquinone creams, you MUST also use a good sunscreen. This is true for just about all skin lightening treatments. You also run the risk of ochronosis, which is the condition in which lightened skin gets darker and darker. The occurrence of ochronosis is rare, but you could be the rare case. It is advised that you discontinue use of hydroquinone after 6 months of continual use. Hydroquinone is still regarded as the safest and most efficient chemical skin lightening treatment on the market today.



Arbutin is known to be the safest, most effective natural skin lightener. It is produced in two forms: alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin. Chemically speaking, both forms of arbutin are actually more complex versions of hydroquinone. They have the structure of hydroquinone attached to a molecule of glucose (positioned in 2 different ways). Because of the additional molecule, the hydroquinone is released more slowly and thus has less, if any, skin irritation properties. Alpha-arbutin is much more effective than its beta counterpart, which is due to its higher stability. Once again, it is very important to use sunscreen with either form of arbutin because it weakens the skin making sun damage a greater possibility.

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is another natural skin lightener. I like it because it can be used in more sensitive areas without concern. Niacinamide is actually vitamin B3—it is beneficial to the skin and also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Unlike some of the other skin lightening ingredients, niacinamide does not have to be diluted in a cream or gel. You can purchase niacinamide in capsules and apply directly to the skin or make body masks to apply to the underarms, nipples (Really? Why?), elbows, and
knees and also to the external genital area. It is even gentle enough to be applied to the entire face. The increasing popularity of niacinamide has lead to the sale of lower quality forms. Be careful that you purchase niacinamide from a reputable source.

The skin lighteners described above are just a few of the treatments available. In my opinion, they are the safest and most effective…they get my recommendation. I would steer clear of kojic acid and azelaic acid because the level of skin irritation they cause outweighs the lightening properties.

PAYING IT FORWARD...

My parents are polar opposites when it comes to their shopping habits...my mother is the avid bargain shopper, and my father is the "big spender" of the family, well at least according to her. I think I have a little bit of both of my parents' qualities in me. Since boarding the entrepreneur express, I am more conscientious of where I spend my money.

Don't get me wrong; I love me some Target' (that's French for Target), but it's a little different now. I make it a point to support local business, like yesterday when I dropped my watch off to Jay at Rizzo Jewelers to have the battery changed for $3.00.

Or when I hit up the sidewalk sales in Rochester, and stopped by Sole Sisters last week. I picked up a really cute pair of all black leather pumps for $20.00 and a super cool Made In Detroit hat that I just adore for $25.00.

So normally I would not pay $25.00 for a hat, or $75.00 for the jeans that I bought today at Bella Vita Boutique in Ferndale, but I want to spend my money with other local entrepreneurs. Since being in business, I have learned that smaller businesses cannot afford to buy in bulk the way that "big box" stores can; so the prices are higher.

To me it makes perfect sense to shop local to fuel my economy, and support the community that I live and work in. In my opinion, that is priceless.

A FLAWLESS CANVAS

To deny that great makeup looks better on beautiful skin would be nothing short of insane. In our western culture, we are negligent when it comes to our skin. In her book The Color Of Beauty, Iman said that she was taught that "the skin you take care of in your teens and 20s is the skin you inherit in your 30s, 40s, and beyond."

When I read that statement, it struck a nerve. I remembered a conversation that I had with my Aunt Sheila (my dad's sister) back in 1999 when we were roomies down in Georgia. I'd gone in her room to say good night, and there she was standing in her bathroom with a white mask on her face.

That moment opened up a ritual of weekly masks and girl bonding. We would wash our faces and put on our masks and talk. Now my aunt Sheila has the most beautiful skin I have ever seen on an individual. Her complexion is perfect, but so is her skin care routine.

Every night she cleanses her face. "I don't care what time of the night it is. I never wear makeup to bed." She learned that from her mother. She will occasionally use a toner if she feels oily and uses plenty of moisturizer and avoids her oily zones.

Now her excellent skin care habits totally rubbed off on me and played a part in my decision to add esthetician to my makeup artist resume. Flash forward to 2009 and here I am makeup artist/ esthetician with my own blog about skin care and beauty.

MY DREAM JOB AWAITS...

Bright eyed and full of excitement I put together this very simple resume...It is important to capture who you are and what you bring to the table. Combine all of your life's experiences to create a resume for your dream job.

Tiffany R. Taylor
Esthetician
123 Mainstreet Rochester Mi 48307
248-123-4567

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (spanish/english) and proven team player

• Glycolic Peels

• Facials, body treatments and lash tinting and extensions.
  

• Strong esthetic and artistic abilities in design,color, and fashion wardrobe for photo, video, wedding, portfolio shots and promotional literature.
  

• Knowledge of special effects & theatrical makeup including: aging, bald caps, character development, and gender transformation.
  

• Male and Female facial and full body waxing

EXPERIENCE

Ms. Esthetician, Rochester MI
Freelance Esthetician, Massage Therapist 1-06

Satin Smooth (division of Conair) Stamford,CT
Esthetician, and Regional Wax Educator 7-06

Kasabiancca Rochester,MI
Esthetician, Massage Therapist 2-05

Advantage Entertainment Taylor, MI
Production Manager, Makeup Artist 11-03

Influential Castings Atlanta, GA
Image Coordinator, Makeup Artist 12-02

Freelance Makeup Artistry Detroit, MI
Freelance Makeup Artist 01-94

EDUCATION
2009 Dale Carnegie Troy, MI
Communications and Human Relations Diploma

2005 Origin Institute Utica, MI
Massage therapy Diploma

2004 David Pressley School of Cosmetology Royal Oak, MI
Esthetics Diploma/ License

1999 Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI
Liberal Arts

1994 Romulus Senior High School Romulus, MI
General Studies Diploma

I'M ON MY WAY

On my journey to Greatness and all of that good stuff...I've managed to stop and smell the flowers, take in and enjoy my surroundings and meet some really cool people along the way. When I hear stories of Internet stalkers, and crazy happenings...it baffles me because I've been on line since 1998, and have only great experiences to tell...Like the time...

In early 2007 I received an mail from a Mika Weaver...a local entrepreneur that was launching an online beauty guide for Metro Detroit's beauty industry Little Black Book Of Beauty...and she was looking for local writers to submit their article for the experts corner...I jumped at the opportunity and submitted several articles. That blind email has been a highlight in my career. Two complete strangers are now "sisters", and we are tackling the issues that we (beauty profs) face together as a team.

Or the time...

That I'd been searching for a local marketing company to help me with my branding and I came across Curve Detroit ...not to be confused with the workout facility...it's curve not curves...What an amazing group of people...I was absolutely blown away with the way they do marketing...So unpretentious, talented and they are MAC users (they wear jeans to work too OMG!!!)...I instantly fell in love with them.

My hubby's mouth said yes, but his head said something totally different (he suffered a mild stroke...he's a worrier that's married to a warrior...need I say more)...So I had to put my plans with Curve on hold...The true measure of a company is: How do you behave when things don't go your way?.. After not being able to hire them like I'd hoped...They didn't hold it against me. The Entire company follows me on twitter (they even respond to tweets), and they send me invitations to events that they are holding...?How cool is that...I love Curve Detroit...They are social media experts that are actually social.

WAXING @$$ AND TAKING NAMES...

Over the last few years body waxing in particular brazilian bikini waxing has gotten a bad reputation. There is the lady that lost her legs to a self wax and then the young woman from Australia that almost died from a brazilian bikini wax. Why on God's green earth would anyone want to wax putting them self in harms way?

The strongest arguments against waxing are based on misinformation and over the top exaggerations. Here are the myth revealed.

When I asked my facebook fans and twitterverse peeps, why they did not wax? I heard a resounding "Because It Freaking Hurts". So my response to that is "Duh, you are ripping hair out from the root". That is not a good enough reason to refrain from waxing. I'll say this "if you can have sex, you can wax. If you wax you can have even more sex".

"My friend told me that her cousin's, neighbor's, grandmother's, niece on her father's side had a brazilian bikini wax a few years ago and she said that no one should ever wax do brazilian waxing". Remember the childhood game telephone?...by the time the story gets to you it's really different than when it was first told. It's in your best interest to do your own research on body waxing...citysearch and yelp are resources that provide great feed back.

"Two Weeks is Too Long To Just Let Myself Go". Understood. The growout phase has been known to bring grown men to their knees in sheer agony, but it is so worth all of your efforts. Wax once enjoy two weeks of smoothness and then re-enter the growout phase a changed person.
"
"I don't want anybody looking at my yewwho". Self image is important and I take into consideration that people are sensitive when it comes to their bodies. I will offer this bit of advice. I see backs, cracks, and sacs all day long and as long as you are fresh and clean you blend in with the others. "If You've Seen One You've Seen 'Em All".

Share your thoughts on body waxing myths.

THE LOW-DOWN ON INGROWNS

Yes...Ingrown Hairs plague the best of us, and when I choose not to follow my own advice I become a walking billboard for "Ingrowns Gone Wild". Just what the heck is an ingrown... the technical definition found in my milady esthetician text book is: "Folliculitis can be a problem for many men, especially if they have very coarse or wiry beard hair." Huh?

Ok so here is my definition of ingrown hairs in Plain English..."An unsightly bump with or with out pus". Since any number of things can cause ingrown hairs...Let's talk in the terms of solutions. I have found that keeping a newly waxed area clean and "debris free"does wonders in combating these pesky little buggers.

EXFOLIATE EVERY 3-4 DAYS

The removal of dead skin cells that can cause ingrown hairs by clogging the pore. I like "¡¡¡Azucar Azucar!!!" No not the azucar Celia Cruz made famous, but a nice sugar scrub it works wonders for preventing and treating ingrowns. Bella Lucce' makes great sugar scrubs...I've been retailing their products for the past two years and clients love em. Sugar scrubs work for me...Please use what works for you.

MOISTURIZE DAILY

Use a good hearty moisturizer over you newly waxed area...This helps keep the skin soft and healthy.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Yep keeping the newly waxed area clean also helps in prevention of ingrowns. I like witch hazel...a natural antiseptic.

TOP TEN REASONS PEOPLE CHOOSE MS. ESTHETICIAN

You'll be amused:

10. I have not double-dipped since 2006

9. Other really smart, beautiful,trendy people come to me for their waxes

8. I actually went to beauty school, graduated, and have a real state of Michigan issued license

7. Growing up my mom told me "don't pick your zits" Guess what mom? People pay me to pick their zits

6. The sense of fulfillment after a days work is very life changing--Just joking I love ripping out unwanted hair

5. I have really high standards-- translation, my prices are premium and worth every penny

4. I am thorough, but not in a creepy weird way

3. I love giving advice on skin care--which fulfills my secret desire of being a psycho-therapist

2. I will wax anything, if it sits still long enough

1. I give away free thongs

MY "PINK CHEEKS" ARE ON THE LINE

An newly crowned (esthys are royalty) esthetician contacted me yesterday. Asking how does she implement no-double dipping into her salon without losing her job? Here is her email:

I just watched your Youtube video about waxing without gloves. I'm a new esthetician and gloves aren't typically worn at the salon where I work. They are available, but the other esthetician don't choose to wear them. I always sanitize my hands before working on a client, but the gloves get too messy for me when I'm doing leg waxing so I don't wear them. However, I do wear them when I do brazilian waxes.

Anyway, my main reason for writing today is to address the concerns I have about double dipping. Double dipping is allowed in the salon where I work (eww!) The owner has a huge following and has been doing brazilian waxes for years. Being the new kid on the block, It's really intimidating to confront someone with so many years of experience about such a sensitive topic. She's really set in her ways, but I'm hoping that if I present it in the right way she will see how beneficial this can be for us and our clients. Can you offer me any advise on how to bring this up without getting fired?

I was also wondering how many sticks you use for a full leg wax if you are not double dipping. I would imagine it would be a lot.

Thanks for your help!

Clients there are some salon owners that are standing in the way of your safety. Exercise your rights to safe and contaminate free services.

UNPROTECTED WAXING

Unprotected Waxing Is BAD... Really really bad...

OVER-NIGHT SUCCESS...MY FOOT

There is no magic pill...that will give you instant success...hard work+determination+FOCUS=Success. That was a tweet (twitter-my favorite form of social media) that I sent out last week. disclaimer-It generally helps if you hava a passion first, then apply the combination. Just wanted to put that out there.

I attended an informational seminar given by Mr. Michael Angelo Caruso on June 23,2009. The seminar was aswesomeass. Mr. Caruso did an excellent job in sharing the keys to his success, and there it was. My Aha/Whew-Hoo moment came slightly after the seminar say around 3 or 4 am Wednesday morning, as I was sitting at my computer pouring over my notes and tweeting my heart out.

Looking for the magic combination to send this "WAXSTAR" into orbit. That magic combo was Hard Work+Determination+FOCUS=Success. It hit me like a ton of cushioney play play bricks, you know the kind you buy your kids...yeah those are the ones, but still a ton of them. I was jumping up and down running around in circles. Thank the Lawd above my husband was at work and my daughter was with my folks.

So this was truly my moment. I then made a pact with myself to not look for the someone or something to help launch my success. I am in charge of M.E. You've gotta love the irony. On my journey to Greatness I read or heard that I needed a publicist, so I sought one out.

I had a conversation with her the week before my Aha/Whew-hoo moment in which I was critiqued to the highest form one human being can be critiqued. From the top of my "damaged hair" head (no, my hair is not damaged) to the soles of my un-polished feet"(don't tell her that she couldn't see my tootsies). I thought to myself "self, she kinda sucks".

She could have been a bull in my china shop, but I was not having that. No Way No How!!! Change this, change that, do this, do that blah blah blah. I wasn't offended or the least bit hurt. I actually laughed, because she doesn't know me very well. She shoulda asked my daddy about his baby girl that is part him, and the larger leftover portion being my mother. A 5'3" woman that won't start a thing, but believe me there won't be anything either.

For goodness sake she got the "Right One Baby". It was coupled with her critique-a-pa-looza, and Michael Caruso's seminar that I realized. "I Am Enough". That if I worked hard, was determined, remained focused than I would be a success.

MY FAVORITE METHOD OF HAIR REMOVAL

I have been asked this question a thousand times, and I never tire of answering it. "What is the difference between wax and laser?" Well first I just wanted to make mention that I wax because I am a results oriented kinda gal.

A person comes in with a considerable amount of hair, and they leave hair free. Waxing helps me fulfill that something in my psyche that likes things instantly. It is indeed the primary method of hair removal used by moi.

Laser vs. Waxing

So you've heard that laser hair removal is freaking awesome, and that it works way better than waxing. Laser is NOT a permanent hair removal solution, and neither is waxing (go figure). Laser works to REDUCE the amount of hair growth. The results vary from person to person. Typically clients using laser as a method of hair reduction will have between 5-8 sessions every 4-six weeks.

Unlike waxing laser hair removal is a bit more discriminatory, it's ideal client has fair skin with coarse dark hair. As technology is constantly changing; It has been noted that laser technology has improved, and there are a few lasers that claim to have the ability to differentiate between the pigmentation in dark hair and dark skin and light hair and light skin.

I have seen clients make a mad dash for the nearest laser clinic and purchase their 6 session package, and then after about 6-8 months they are rescheduling their waxing sessions. If reducing the amount of hair is your main concern. Laser works great.

Waxing can provide a temporary solution to hair removal. When performed by a licensed esthetician waxing has been know to have excellent results. The wonderful thing about waxing to me it that there are no expectations. You come in with hair you leave with out hair,and it grows back in a few weeks and you repeat the cycle.

There is something very honest and human about waxing. That is why it is my favorite. I recently explored the art of sugaring. That experience will make for a great post in the future. What are your thoughts on Laser vs. Waxing?

Male Grooming

Guys are jumping on the grooming band wagon. This video gives the fellas a few pointers for keeping it tight if that's what they like.

YOGA FOR THE FACE?

Instead of opting for the very popular botox or rejuaderm injections some have taken their faces into their own hands and given facial yoga a try. This is going to be the latest trend in the on going battle against aging. Yoga has been known to tone muscles, detoxify the body, and increase flexibility. These benefits are exactly what is needed to help us to age gracefully.

A BEDAZZLED BIKINI WAX

A few years after the Brazilian bikini wax tore through the city, New York women were ripe for a new gimmick–something extreme to justify the pain and indignity of that half-hour, totally denuding procedure.

So some genius came up with the idea of arranging tiny, self-adhesive Swarovski crystals on the newly revealed expanse and charging $65 to $105 for the ordeal. And now that small hordes of would-be Carrie Bradshaws are lining up for the torturous treatment, two Manhattan salons are each claiming credit for this new frontier in masochism.

WHAT THE PLUCK?

I received another phone call today. A young woman interested in Brazilian Bikini waxing and she has been going to local salons and spas in the area. Paying for a service that she is not receiving. She even told me today that at times she feels uncomfortable asking about the butt, because of the response she gets from the persnickety person on the other end of the phone.

You could argue that each salon may or may not have their own style of services, but lets call a spade a spade. Honestly I don't think many people truly understand what a True Brazilian Bikini wax really is. So I'll feel you in on all of the juicy details.

Enjoy,
Ms. Esthetician

D.I.Y.'ERS

I have a confession. Off and then on again I have relaxed my own hair. It started in our kitchen in between the stove and the sink. That is where my mom would relax my hair. Then I graduated to doing it myself in the bathroom.

So after years of my hair snapping in two like uncooked spaghetti noodles. I convinced myself that I was one of those women with hair so fragile that it could not with stand a relaxer.

I then went cold turkey and Au natural (Oh¡ Napptural is what my little sister called it). I sported my fro for years. Until that time it caught fire after a fight I lost to a Conair blow-dryer. I was attempting to straighten my locks for a trip to Chicago.

Reintroduced relaxer in 2005, and sported a blue finned Mohawk shortly after the birth of my daughter. Then I completely lost my patience and shaved my head bald in January 2007. I was sick of my hair, and I could not figure out what to do with it.

We were on our way out to a U 0f D Womens Basketball game when I walked out of the bathroom. My head was shining like new money. I am pretty sure that my husband threw up in his mouth that day. He couldn't believe that I would cut my hair off like that. By the way we never made it to that game.

He immediately called my mother and asked for her advice. She said "oh she's at it again"? Again? Yes Again, I did this before after I was tired of my hair, I took the clippers to it and buzzed it off. It took me relaxing my own hair, two buzz cuts, and a pinky swear to my man that I would never cut my hair off like that again. To realize that I had no business doing my own hair.

All of this from a girl who's grandma Frances was an award winning stylist. I am not sure if I thought that my grandmother's God given talent would one day come to me like a Revelation, or that I would inherit her skills because she was my grandma, but inheritance, and God given talent does not work that way. I have accepted that I am an esthetician.

On my journey I have found the light. I am now allowing someone else to take care of my hair. Not do my hair, but take care of it. I have allowed her to suggest the products that I use on my hair, relax my hair, style it, and even trim my ends. I now have the assignment of combing my hair.

This has lifted a weight off of me. Might I add that I love my hair now. She is taking great care of it. What I've learned along the way is that my true sense of self does not come from how much I can do myself, but that I am taking great care of myself.


please feel free to share your hair care or DIY beauty stories.

WHO IS WAXING YOU?

Ok Just wanted to put it out there. Please know who is performing services on you. Be safe people.

JUST WHAT IS AN ESTHETICIAN? (ES-TAH-TISH-SHUN)

Well the Wikipedia definition of an esthetician is as follows:
"Cosmetology (from Greek κοσμητικός, kosmētikos, "skilled in adornment"[1]; and -λογία, -logia) is the study and application of beauty treatment. Branches of specialty including hairstyling, skin care, cosmetics, manicures/pedicures, and electrology".

In plain English an esthetician is a trained and licensed technician that provides limited services in the field of cosmetology. Including but not limited to Waxing,Lash Extensions, Facials, & Makeup Application.

With-in the Esthetician Community there also exists branches of specialty training. Medical Esthetician, Facialist, Wax Technician, Master Esthetician, and Aesthetician vs. Esthetician. In the U.S. each state's cosmetology board sets the rules and regulations for that individual state.

Medical Esthetician- Individual that has received minimum state requirements and additional training. They typically work in medical spas under the care of a licensed physician performing services such as: Laser Hair Removal, Chemical Peels, and Fraxel etc.

Facialist- Is an easier way to say esthetician. A person that performs facial and waxing services.

Wax Technician- Is an individual that is licensed by that state to perform waxing services only.

Master Esthetician- This is the creme-de-la-creme of estheticians. For example in the state of Virginia a master esthetician has to complete 1200 clock hours. This individual can practice chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, and other treatments that are typically practiced under the care of a licensed physician.

Aesthetician vs. Esthetician- Well they mean exactly the same thing and use of the A vs. E is a regional thing.

ARE THE POTS CLEAN?

The powers from the "Hall of Beauty" gave me the assignment to help clean up The Beauty Industry. Please be on the look-out for dirty wax pots. Lets work together to save the Professional Beauty Industry.

GETTING DOWN TO THE NITTY GRITTY!!!

So here is a little glimpse inside of my world. Here is an email that I received this week with the person's name removed...

Actual Email

"Hello, I had a question about brazillian waxing. I got my first brazillian waxing done at a waxing place and it hurt a lot so i only got it done halfway. I heard that its only supposed to hurt right when the strip is pulled off. But that day and the day after i was even avoiding to pee even bcoz it burned a lot and it still hurts. I wud have gone thru all the way but since waxing is supposed to take hair from the roots, when i looked the half side that was done had all the roots intact. so i stopped from doing the other side. I am wondering how long is it supposed to hurt? Right now i can't even touch the spot.
Thank You"
_____

Thank You, Anonymous email person. This email is exactly the point that I have been preaching. Thanks for giving me leeway. So now I am going to sit high atop my Ms. Esthy cutesy pink soap box and preach until I can't preach anymore.

When you are waxing your girl, or boy bits for that matter, precision, not speed, is the name of the game. I constantly hear of places pushing the time limit. "I can do a Brazilian wax in about 7-10 minutes." Well, don't ya know that "I can too." If I am just slapping on wax, using one nasty applicator (that will be dipped & re-dipped {possibly used on several folks} until it is broken), and just ripping like I have lost my natural mind.

Ripping what you might ask? Oh, let's see your skin, your skin and your skin. That is why this poor woman couldn't pee. Well, my question to the technician is "What the heck were you doing over there?"

There are one of two reasons that this happened to this poor unsuspecting soul. She was trying to save a buck and went to the cheapest place to get waxed, or the technician is not qualified to do Brazilian waxing. There is a possibility that both play a role in her horrible Brazilian bikini wax experience.

Please - do your homework when it comes to the person you are choosing to do your Brazilian bikini wax. The Internet is a great source, as well as asking their existing clients for their opinions.

Wishing you a happy and waxing this season.

xoxo
Ms. Esthetician

ESTHYS VS. STYLIST

When it comes to your skin care and waxing who should be doing it? Well I will say this cosmetologist in the great (using this term very loosely) State Of Michigan are required to have a minimum of 1500 clock hours before they qualify for their licensing. Estheticians have just 400 clock hours.

Typically Cos-students spend a week or so on skin care(facials,extractions, etc). Depending on the school they attend. For instance David Pressley has a full-time esthetic department while another school only offers cosmetology, leaving their students to provide facial and waxing services.

This my friends is the Jack of All Trades Master of None theory that I frequently discuss among peers. Students forced into doing things that they have no interest or specialized training in doing will lack passion. Is that the kind of person you want working on you? Someone that doesn't even care about what they are doing. Food for thought.

Henry Fernandez said it best. "Sometimes we bring people into our lives that end up costing us more than if we had just paid the big bucks and had it done right". What do you think?

BETTY'S COME IN ALL SHADES

Ok I get that as we age so does all of our body hair, and I get this question from women about what to do to cover the gray...Well one suggestion is waxing...I know waxing is my solution to most of the worlds problems, but there are other methods and one of them is coloring the pubic hair...

Hey un-frown your face you asked for options and I'm giving them to you. Actually the practice is not that uncommon and a lot of women are having great succes with coloring the hair down there...Betty Color makes a great product...Is Your Betty Ready?

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

This was waiting for me inbox this morning, and I laughed so hard that quite possibly could have peed my pants.

Whathadhappeneddwas. This very enthusiastic waxee moved to the other side of the state 2.5 hours away, and we'd put a plan of action into place (it is very important to stay on schedule). She moved, made a special trip to finish up some work related things, and come in for one last session with me.

Found a local spa, went in for a wax and then shot me an email. Detailing the her unsatisfactory experience. I enthusiastically got on line and looked up as many salons and spas in her area that did waxing, forwarded her the names and phone numbers to these places. Still nothing panned out.

So there was the road less traveled option, and this would involve me sharing my carefully guarded waxing magic secrets. She'd been such a great and Loyal client that I just had to try and help her out.

Here are the results:

"Holy Shit woman, I knew your job was hard...but wow! Attempted a "Wax it off Weekend" and realized just how much I miss you. I mean I knew I missed you, but I guess I didn't realize just how much!

I got everything all set up, ready to go. I made my man go first...yes he was the test dummy, I waxed his chest/belly. I guess that would be around the region, actually did not do chest but right underneath the pecs (I hear chest HURTS). So I was testing it out, things were going good. I Always like him to know what I go through as far as pain, so that was good.

Then it was time for me to try on myself. That is when things got a little hairy. First of all can I say that it is much easier when you don't know it is coming. Second of all that hard wax is tricky stuff!!! I don't know if it was too hot or if I was waiting too long or not long enough, but OUUUUCCCCHHHH! I even remembered that you usually use the stick and kinda catch it at the end, but I couldn't do that. What a disaster, when we got to the hard wax, we attempted one swipe, and after that my man was arranging for me to come down to see you. I couldn't see what I was doing and it was all hard and stuck all over. Funny now to think about it but man did it hurt.

Next day, my man had a blotchy belly with white bumps and he said it felt like a sunburn. I can't stop laughing as I type, what an experience! "

CLASSIC