Meet the Women Behind the Academy
We’re dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs in the waxing industry by providing comprehensive training that equips individuals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed.
Get To Know The Founders
WAX PRO CO-FOUNDER
Meet Erica!
I was born in Tucson, raised in Nogales, and have been in Phoenix since 2002. I love being an Arizona native for so many reasons, but specifically the opportunities a big city like Phoenix has provided me. After high school, I dabbled in some random jobs like hostessing, dispatching, and working for retail while I attended junior college in Glendale.
In 2009, I got hired as a front desk coordinator for a brand new franchise and referred my best pal Rachael to come over and work with me. While she took the path of waxing, I quickly climbed the ranks of management wearing many titles. By the end of my career with that waxing franchise, I had accomplished managing 6 locations and a call center while simultaneously managing the regional training for 7 territories. After 8 years, I parted ways to start my first business in the personal training space while I also managed a well known fitness franchise. I enjoyed my time building my business and also learning how to grow a boutique gym. My path led me back to my love for waxing at a different waxing franchise which I was able to increase revenue by 100% simply by applying all of my knowledge from my experience in other brands. I loved being able to provide new estheticians a safe place to work and grounds for professional growth, but my entrepreneurial spirit was tugging at me more and more by the day. Before anyone knew it, the pandemic was among us and I decided it was the perfect time to reinvent myself. I chose to go to esthetics school to get licensed because I knew I already possessed all the knowledge necessary to be successful as I had contributed to multi millions for all of these franchises. My first salon concept was ignited and as destiny would have it, my first suite was inside of Rachael’s salon. We were finally back under the same roof doing what we loved! During this time working next to each other again, we had several meaningful conversations about our past lives in the corporate world, analyzed the state of the current market, and identified the need for continued education post beauty school, specifically around business and waxing. In turn, Wax Pro Academy was born.
WAX PRO CO-FOUNDER
Meet Rachael!
I’m a Phoenix native, born and raised. I’ve been in the beauty industry for 15 years, and ended up here by somewhat of an accident. Post high school, I attended ASU studying elementary education, thinking being a teacher was my passion. While going to college, I got hired as a front desk coordinator working with Erica for a big name waxing franchise. At the time, I looked at it like it was just a “job” to get me through my time at ASU, but realized shortly after that I was overwhelmed by joining the education system and decided to halt my studies. It was suggested to explore a career in the beauty industry by my store owners. The idea was attractive as I knew I would have a job the moment my hours were completed and license was obtained. I went for it on a whim, feeling stuck and had a lack of direction otherwise, deciding I could go back to my degree if I changed my mind later on. I was completely surprised to find I loved the world of esthetics, and the flexibility a vocational license allowed. I have never looked back since. I was able to cultivate my craft in waxing, climbing the ranks and being the top producing wax technician at my store and even my region. I became our in house wax trainer, and even started traveling to launch new stores around the country. It was through this time of training I felt my original passion for wanting to teach was finally being nurtured, and was so happy to be in a place where my love for waxing and teaching could intersect and be combined. I now own a salon in central Phoenix, the place that houses my own waxing business that I’ve worked years perfecting and growing. As Erica was starting her first waxing business, I had a suite for rent and organically, we were working together again. We had many conversations about a need for training in the industry as I had many esthetician friends reaching out for help. I started compiling an informal document with notes, sharing my thoughts with Erica who often would advise on the business side of things. Before you knew it, we were creating this training program and it became our passion. Together, we combined our skills through the years with our love for the industry, and wrapped it up into a comprehensive program that we hope serves you with all the knowledge you’ll need to be successful. Enjoy. 🙂
