Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenya (KayB) Ringgold.
Kenya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Years ago I would’ve never thought I would be an esthetician, I couldn’t even tell you what an esthetician was, lol. Back in 2012 while attending Coppin State University my grandmother passed away. That was one of the most devastating moments in my life. I never saw myself losing her as she was the glue to our family, my biggest motivation in life. I became depressed shortly afterward even seeing a therapist for help, and that’s when I was diagnosed.
While in college, I tried my best to stay focused but one of my professors at the time was going through chemo cause she had cancer and that’s one of the reasons my grandmother passed besides dementia; and she would wear all types of cancer paraphernalia. I couldn’t stand seeing it all the time so I ended up dropping out of college. I remember sitting at home looking in the mirror trying to figure out life and I heard my grandmother say, “I didn’t raise you to just give up and be lazy, you gotta make something of yourself.” I didn’t know where that would lead me, but fast forward to 2014, I ended up modeling, and the girl who was doing my makeup (who is now my best friend) asked her how she got into makeup, as I too was interested in the field.
She told me about Steiner Institute (now Cortiva Institute). Needless to say, I signed up and joined two weeks later. From there Steiner has taught me so much of myself, how to become a better person, and has surprisingly introduced me to my now passion in life; waxing. I had a job with European Wax Center just before I graduated in 2015 and gave them 4 years of my life. Waxing gave me a reason to live. I had finally found my purpose in life, but EWC was slowly making me lose myself. Getting fired from EWC was the best thing ever it allowed me to reinvent myself, it was such a relief like a burden had finally been lifted.
Starting KayB Waxing was like me being reborn again, I could breathe finally. I was able to do what I love with a smile and with such excitement! Owning my own business allowed me to be free and give my guests the best customer service I see fit, and have that connection and create that bond that I’ve always wanted to have. KayB Waxing is me and I am HER!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an entrepreneur has not been easy, but what is it nowadays? I started my business in 2019 with just $250 in my bank account. With bills piling high I didn’t care cause I was destined to make it. With hard work, dedication, and consistency within 6 months my business took off. People see all the glitz and glamor on the outside but they don’t see the countless sleepless nights, gaining guests, losing guests, the pressure of trying to please everyone; learning shortly after that you can’t.
But one of my biggest hurdles was an unprecedented event when Covid hit. I had just moved both to a new home and also my business to a storefront and I didn’t know how I was gonna make it. Let’s just say my faith in God and with the help of my community KayB Waxing stayed afloat and came back bigger and better than ever. They always say that God doesn’t want you to be comfortable and stagnant, but sure enough, here comes another hurdle. Later in 2020, God gifted me not one but two beautiful blessings. The biggest blessing of them all and it was the best feeling ever but who would’ve predicted that I would soon be forced to be a single mother and a business owner all at the same time?
I don’t regret my kids at all, they are my motivation to keep going. However, having my kids early, going on maternity leave early, and not being prepared on top of making business mistakes along the way put my business in such a challenging phase. Working nonstop, and bringing my kids back and forth to work with me, life was just really weighing heavy on me, and I wanted to give up. But through it all my faith in God, consistency, and the help of my support system and KayB Waxing supporters I am still standing and I’m continuing to fight!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
KayB Waxing is a proud full-body waxing salon with an urban atmosphere. Walking into KayB Waxing is like visiting an old friend, where you feel welcomed, comfortable, and judge-free. KayB Waxing specializes in both female and male Brazilians along with an area of other areas. We welcome all walks of life no matter your background, age, or gender.
KayB Waxing is for the community making waxing more affordable and less of a burden on your pockets, by offering afterpay for your services and products, and service packages with payment options so that you can pay upfront and be set for later. Do you get more than just a bikini wax? Try one of our famous bundle options like The Best of Both Worlds where you can get a bikini wax and an underarm wax for one discounted price. Want to add eyebrows to the mix try I’m Feeling Myself for an even bigger discounted price. KayB Waxing also specializes in eyebrow tinting.
Other services that we offer are spa parties for birthdays, wedding parties, girls’ night out, or just because. Along with offering Vaginal steaming (v-steam). What sets KayB Waxing aside from others doing what I do is the environment that I create for my guests. I make it less corporate and more friendly. Everyone who walks in experiences the “Girlfriend Experience”. You’re coming to visit your home girl, your friend who’s gonna be there to listen yet tell you what you need to hear (your skincare regimen). I bring the “It” factor to waxing.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I learned that everyone is not for you and that’s ok. You can’t please everyone. What is meant for you will be.
Pricing:
- Brazilian as low as $75
- The best of both worlds (bikini, underarm) $80
- I’m feeling myself (eyebrow, bikini, underarm) $95
- Wax’d That Wednesday brazilian/manzilian $60/$70
Contact Info:
- Website: Vagaro.com/kaybwaxing
- Instagram: Instagram.com/kaybwaxes
