Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Benard.
Hi Shelby, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for beauty started early. Back in high school, before the first bell rang, I’d have a line of girls in the bathroom asking me to shape their brows with my tweezers. Soon, I was charging $5 a pop. Even then, I knew I loved helping people feel like their most enchanted selves.
My mom, a lifelong cosmetologist (she was actually pregnant with me while in cosmetology school), gave me a front-row seat to the beauty world. I almost went to fashion design school, but at 21, I chose cosmetology. I knew I needed a career that could support me quickly.
I started out as a hairstylist and worked behind the chair for a few years. But in 2018, after leaving a long-term relationship, I felt a pull toward change. Six months later, I was in Maryland. The move from NC was a leap that felt terrifying and thrilling all at once. I instantly fell in love with the energy of Baltimore.
A few months in, I picked up a second job at a local wax salon. I had no idea that waxing would become my passion—but I was hooked. When COVID hit, the hair salon I worked for didn’t survive, so I went full-time with waxing. After 3.5 years, I knew I had outgrown that space, so in July 2022, I built my own studio—then called Bare Bunny Beauty & Brows—in just three weeks. It was chaotic, exhilarating, but it was exactly what I needed.
By January 2025, I knew it was time to evolve. My original branding, though cute, wasn’t me. It didn’t reflect the luxury or the moody elegance of the services I offer. For years, I’d worried that if I didn’t match the bubbly, girly vibe of my old workplace, clients wouldn’t follow. I couldn’t have been more wrong—they were following me. When I rebranded to Elysium Esthetics, my clients immediately said, “Shelby, this is SO you.”
Now, every inch of my business feels aligned with who I am—dark, timeless, and devoted to the kind of beauty that makes clients feel enchanted. My journey has been full of trials, late nights, many tears and lessons learned, but I wouldn’t trade it. I love my craft, I love my clients, and I love that I get to create a space where people can come in, shed the outside world, and leave feeling like pure magic
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life wasn’t without its storms—I grew up with divorced parents and bounced between schools until graduation. My late teens/early adulthood was a grind. I worked two jobs, had no car, and relied on public transportation for years. That meant leaving the house at 5:30 a.m. and not stepping back through the door until after midnight. Looking back, my life didn’t truly start to bloom until I moved to Maryland. That leap was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. People sometimes say, “You’re so lucky—you turned your hobby into a career.” But waxing is not a hobby. It’s how I make my living, keep my bills paid, and support my life. Clients who view it as “just fun” often have a harder time respecting the value of what I do—and that can make the job more difficult.
The road hasn’t been easy whatsoever. I’m not just the waxer; I’m the marketing manager, receptionist, janitor, social media strategist, and everything in between. There’s no such thing as a true day off. Even if it’s late at night on my day off, if a client texts me about moving their appointment or anything else, I can’t just let it sit unanswered. Running this business means wearing every crown and carrying every sword—because in the end, it’s all on me.
As you know, we’re big fans of Elysium Esthetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Elysium Esthetics is an appointment-only salon specializing in brazilian and brow treatments. Our service menu is intentionally curated to focus on these areas, along with other client favorites such as leg, underarm, and facial waxing.
Elysium Esthetics isn’t just a wax studio—it’s an experience. We’re Maryland’s only vintage goth wax studio, blending luxury service with an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another realm. My clients don’t just come here to get smooth skin—they come for the energy, the connection, and the meticulous attention to detail.
I specialize in Brazilian waxing and brows, but it’s more than technique—it’s how I make people feel. My space is intentionally intimate and welcoming, so guests feel safe, comfortable, and cared for, no matter who they are or what they look like.
While many salons focus on quick turnover, I focus on artistry, precision, and creating a moment of escape. The dark, romantic vibe of Elysium is a reflection of who I am, and my clients feel that authenticity. They know they’re not just another appointment—they’re part of the magic I’ve built here.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You can’t please everyone—and you shouldn’t try. Boundaries are a core part of professionalism; you set the standard for how people treat your business by the way you run it. Your brand should be a true reflection of who you are, because when your business mirrors your personality and values, everything falls into place. When you step fully into your authentic self, the right clients will find you. Not every client will value your craft, and that’s okay—and stay, lastly, there’s no such thing as overnight success; growth is slow, steady, and built on consistency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://elysiumwaxesthetics.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elysiumesthetics
