Talking with an Entrepreneur about the Importance of Small Business

Wanda Ziotek-Baddour started Let’s Get Waxing for women looking for a variety of waxing services in the comfortable setting of her home. She started her business as side job while she was on maternity leave, and through hard work, great customer service and dedication to her web site, she was able to build it into a full time business. She sat down with Schmooz to share her story of how she became an entrepreneur and how she maintains her work-life balance while running a waxing salon from her home.

Schmooz: So Wanda, let’s start with the story of how you started Let’s Get Waxing.

Wanda: Well, I didn’t intend to become waxer or run a waxing business; it wasn’t always a dream of mine. Originally, I was interested in fashion-arts and marketing. I was moving around a lot with my husband because of his career development, and we ended up moving to Ottawa. I eventually got into the spa sector and I was encouraged to get my Advanced Aesthetics Diploma. After that, I became employed as an aesthetician and did everything, including pedicures, manicures and more. I got to become really good with waxing and hair removal, then started getting into Brazilian waxes.

After being employed for some time, we came back to Toronto. I wanted to go back into fashion-arts, marketing or HR, which is what I was looking for when I started at the Brampton Court House, in customer service. I did that for 3 or 4 years, until I was pregnant. When I went on maternity leave, I extended it and did waxing on the side. When my second child arrived, I didn’t want to go back to the court house - it just wasn’t the right place for me anymore. So, I walked away and decided that I would continue doing waxing for a while.

Schmooz: So what made you decide to continue working for yourself?

Wanda: Sometimes, it feels like there’s lot greed in the work force - the average Canadian is in debt because people are getting laid off. But, when you start your own business, it is amazing the encouragement and support you can get from your network. I didn’t go into business because I wanted to, it just happened, and I’m 200% happy that I have my business. It’s a big reward for me.

What I love most is the flexibility. I run my business from my home, which also allows me to be full-time stay at home mom. When I was doing this part time, my kids were around it and they get what the business is like. My youngest even started saying, “Are you here to wax now?” to my clients.

Schmooz: That is adorable! So how did you get your little ones to understand when you were working?

Wanda: It’s not about shutting out your kids; you have to talk to them. I explain to them that when Mommy is working, they can’t be demanding. They understand now that when I have clients, I have to work.

When you run a small business, you’re accountable for the work you put in. You have to be consistently persistent, well organized and disciplined. I have to create hours and a time frame for my clients and stick to it. With customer service, you are constantly accommodating, but you can still take time for yourself. Sundays and Mondays are my time off with my family. My children and family understand this and they know how hard I work to make sure I am there for everyone.

Schmooz: As we both know as entrepreneurs, there can be many opportunities to make a business bigger and more lucrative. Would you ever take your business out of the house and incorporate it?

Wanda: If I wanted to, I could do it no problem. But, if I wanted to play the money game, that means I would have to say I will see my kids much less, and work much more. I’m happy with my balance. Money doesn’t replace humanity and I’m already very busy working to maintain a certain lifestyle. I already have a part time nanny so I can focus on my business.

When I started, I just wanted to see what I could do. I told myself I would only focus on waxing and gave myself a couple of years to put my blood and guts and soul into this business – and guess what? It worked and keeps getting better! But I have my boundaries.

Schmooz: So how to you promote your business to clients?

Wanda: For a while, I tried paying for advertising, but that didn’t work out for me. My business is about people and referrals. Then, when I started my website, that helped out so much – things just took off! Clients are able to look at it for information and refer their friends and family to the site. Now, I work on the web site EVERY day, and I’ve been working full time with my business for 6 years.

Schmooz: It sounds like that dedication paid off! On top of hard work, what else makes your business a success?

Wanda: Definitely to have good rapport and relationship with all my customers. My customers built my business – without them, I’d be in the dirt! When they come back or make a referral, they are my bread and butter, and that’s what I’m looking for. Some people just want to make money without caring about the people you are involved in, but you have to know how important it is to treat your customers well. I love all of my clients and they don’t give me any problems – they know my hours and boundaries. I try to live my life by treating others as they would want to be treated.

Wanda shows that sometimes the inspiration for business can best come from experiences and drive. Contact Wanda at Let’s Get Waxing to learn more about her services and pricing or to book an appointment today. Want to read about how other Schmoozworthy Entrepreneurs started their businesses? Check out the blogs for Agouti and Beauty & The Bod’s Christie Preston.