Empowering Elegance: An Exclusive Interview With Beauty Maven Anna Wajs
Step into the exquisite universe of beauty and grace as we unravel the remarkable story of Anna Wajs – a pioneer in the world of aesthetics and the proud founder of a thriving spa. Anna isn’t just a beautician; she’s a maestro of transformation, turning every client’s visit into a personalized journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With an artistic touch and an entrepreneurial spirit, Anna has not only elevated the standards of beauty but has also become a beacon of inspiration for those aspiring to make their mark in the beauty industry.
Join us as we dive into the vibrant palette of Anna’s life, exploring her struggles, successes, and sheer brilliance that has made her a luminary in the beauty domain.
● Can you share a bit about your journey into the beauty industry and what inspired you to become a beautician and salon owner?
I have always dreamed of becoming a beauty therapist since my teenage years. However, in my home country, things were financially tough, and attending a private school seemed out of reach. About 16 or 17 years ago, I decided to pursue my dream and became a beauty therapist in the UK.
The journey was tough initially, especially because I was a single mother with a one-year-old baby. I believed that mothers like me couldn’t easily go to beauty salons because they lacked help and couldn’t leave their children behind. So, I became a mobile beauty therapist, taking my child with me to clients’ homes. It turned out to be a success – I was busy, the kids were happy, and I was able to earn some money. I started with a small room in my house, then rented a studio flat, and eventually, ten years ago, I rented my first salon in Watford. Over time, I moved to larger spaces, and now I’m happily settled in my fourth and current salon. That’s how my journey began, and I’m incredibly satisfied with where I am now.
● What were some of the challenges you faced when you first started your career in the beauty industry?
The challenge I faced was being a single mom and having to take my daughter everywhere with me. At first, I didn’t have many clients, so I had to work hard to advertise my services. It wasn’t as simple as people might think – becoming a beauty therapist involves learning a lot of things
beyond just doing treatments. So, it wasn’t easy in the beginning; there was a learning curve, but I had to manage everything.
● The beauty industry is dynamic with trends constantly changing. How do you stay updated on the latest beauty trends? How do you incorporate them into your salon services?
The beauty industry is so dynamic. It’s unbelievable. Every month, there are new products, machines, and treatments coming out – it’s really surprising. Honestly, I go for training very regularly, like every two or three months. I have to spend more money to learn new things and keep up with the latest products. I attend beauty shows and events, and this year, I’m even going to Italy for one of the biggest beauty shows in Europe. It’s been a dream come true for me since I became a beauty therapist. To stay updated, I have to be on top of things because my clients check everything on Instagram and Facebook. They know about lots of new treatments and trends, so I have to keep learning all the time. It’s like a never-ending process if you want to be at the forefront of beauty trends.
● We came to know that you also have a cosmetics business. Do you plan to introduce your range of cosmetics at your salon?
I don’t have my own range of cosmetics yet, and I’m a distributor of a Polish cosmetics brand in the UK. Precisely, I’m the only one from Chanterelle, selling their products. But I plan to have my own brand someday.
● How do you ensure that your beauty products align with the values and standards of your salon? How do you ensure that your cosmetics range caters to a diverse range of skin tones, types, and preferences?
Well, I use a really good brand of cosmetics, and it’s considered top-notch. These cosmetics are from Poland and are famous worldwide for their high quality. Whenever I give a client their first treatment using these products, I’m confident they’ll see results. Whether it’s dealing with acne, capillaries, wrinkles, or pigmentation, I can treat all types of skin. I have various lines of cosmetics designed for different skin types. I don’t use the same products for everyone – each person’s skin is treated in a unique way to get the best results.
● What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career as a beautician and salon owner?
I’m proud of my career because I achieved everything on my own. As I mentioned, I’m still a single mom, and it has been challenging, but this year, something exciting happened. I got nominated in two categories in the UK – one as a skin specialist and the other as an aesthetic practitioner. I made it to the final as a skin specialist, and I’m in the top 10 in the whole UK for that category. This is a huge accomplishment for me, and I feel proud of it.
● Building strong relationships with clients is crucial. How do you ensure a positive and personalized experience for each client in your salon?
I have a bunch of clients who have been with me for a long time – 17 years to be exact. No matter where I go, they stick with me, and this makes me utterly happy. It shows they are satisfied with my work. I also have new clients from the Watford area. I make sure each client receives the finest service, and I uniquely treat everyone. I believe they feel that, and it makes them happy. I always send them messages the day after to check on how their skin is doing and if everything is okay. Taking care of my clients is something I always do.
● What are your plans for the future?
I have many plans, but I don’t want to share all of them just yet. I don’t want to jinx anything. One thing I really want to do is provide training for younger beauticians, learning from other skin specialists. I want to teach them how to treat their skin well, continuing what I do best – making people happy and making their skin look nice. That’s my main goal.
● For aspiring beauticians looking to follow in your footsteps, what advice would you offer to help them succeed in both their craft and as business owners?
Working in a beauty salon is not easy; it requires a lot of effort. The hours are not just from 9 to 5 – sometimes, they are longer, extending into the evenings. You need to be flexible and try to schedule appointments when your clients can come, even at 8 or 9 in the evening. I understand that people have other commitments, like families or little kids, so it can be really hard work. If you own your business, it’s a 24/7 job. However, my advice is to do it with your heart. If you love this job, it won’t feel like work. I could easily say I’m not going to work, but for me, it’s a passion, my life, not just a job. I don’t see my salon as a workplace; I do it wholeheartedly.
Empowering Elegance: An Exclusive Interview With Beauty Maven Anna Wajs