Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Oehler.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from the Aveda Frederic’s Institute in 2011.
I worked for a big, corporate chain wax center for many years and always felt like they valued quantity over quality and I hated that. I am grateful for the skill that I learned and perfected there, but I was ready to do things my way.
Fast forward to April of 2020, my husband’s job was relocated to San Antonio. It was the beginning of the COVID pandemic, and the whole world felt uncertain.
Add that to the fact that we didn’t know a single person in San Antonio and I needed to build a clientele from the ground up – I was terrified, but I knew I couldn’t work for anyone but myself going forward. I had to bet on myself.
I found a great space inside of Salons by JC on Culebra and signed a lease the same day so I had to commit. In October of 2020, Ritual Wax Studio was born.
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?
Building a business and clientele from scratch during a pandemic was a giant undertaking. In the beginning, I was open five days per week and there were many days that I had one client if any.
I struggle a lot with imposter syndrome and while I’m confident in my skill, it is so hard not to compare myself to everyone in my industry that is killing it on social media. Comparison can be a motivator, but it can also tear you down. I have to remind myself that social media is the highlight reel and that struggles are strengthening.
For the first few months, I cried a lot. And considered quitting a lot. But after about six months, I was growing so much week over week. After a year, I had a decent clientele and was able to relax a bit. Now after a year and a half, I have a big, amazing clientele, I’m booked two weeks out, and sometimes, I even have a waitlist.
I’ve had to learn that it is okay to be scared about the fate of your business as long as you use fear as a motivator to keep moving forward.
We’ve been impressed with Ritual Wax Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I pride myself on making Ritual Wax Studio a comfortable and welcoming space for everyone.
My motto is “come as you are” and know that you’re entering a judgment-free zone. I absolutely love coming to work every day and making people feel more confident and beautiful! Body waxing is a taboo topic for so many people, so I like to use my social media platform to educate, entertain and normalize it.
Waxing is self-care for everyone, so aside from leaving you hair-free, client comfort is my number one goal. I am a speed waxer, but I never make anyone feel rushed or pressured. I really enjoy talking to my clients and learning about them while at the same time distracting them from the discomfort.
I am so proud to have built a thriving business in the midst of a global pandemic. love the relationships that I’ve cultivated in San Antonio and I’m so grateful to everyone that has helped me to make my business successful.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Because I started my business during the pandemic, I think that I’ve had to learn and adapt on the fly.
Recently, inflation has caused all of my supplies to nearly double in price and my rent has increased. I’ve had to learn better inventory management strategies so that I can still provide the best possible service with the highest quality supplies and still keep my doors open. The struggle keeps me humble and hustling every day!
Rather than offering lots of different services to try and appeal to every demographic, I learned that it is okay to be great at just one thing and focus my energy on marketing and perfecting it. For me, that service is Brazilian waxes which account for 95% of my business.
Pricing:
- Brazilian – $55
- Underarms – $20
- Full Legs – $75
- Full Back – $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/RitualWaxStudio
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ritualwaxstudio
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdnqGfv3/
