The Ed.
Well-Known Member
This week, just for you, we've got an interview with the true "Wax Queen". The fabulous Kim Lawless takes time out of her busy waxing schedule to chat to Salon Geek.
Enjoy...
You're described as 'the leading authority on waxing in the UK' how did that happen?
A: I really dont know as it was actually other people who described me as that so I jumped on the band wagon as I was kind of proud that people would say that. I really do just wax all day though and I dont do general beauty anymore.
I love your style. From your website I can see that you're forthright, honest, funny and bullish*t free. Is being able to say what you want a luxury now that you're the leading authority or have you always been that way?
A: No! Ive always been very direct and outspoken. Although I dont pull any punches, Im a softy at heart and I always look out for the underdog. Im fiercely protective of people who are not as strong as me and I hate bullies. I like to keep it real and honest.
Why intimate waxing? What was it about intimate waxing that made you think, 'That's my niche' so to speak?
A: I guess its because its what I do all day that made me good at what I do. I never stop thinking about ways to tweak or invent a new technique to make life easier for the therapist and more comfortable, safe and quicker for the client.
Intimate waxing no doubt lends itself to funny stories. Any funny tales that you can remember from your time as a waxer?
A: Well this was a self-fulfilling prophecy and something Id joked about happening one day and it did! I had a new guy booked in for an appointment and he walked in dead on his appointment time. Great! I chatted to put him at ease and I asked him about his physical health and I asked how he usually removed his pubic hair. He looked a little embarrassed (nerves I thought) and said he usually shaved. I then asked him asked him to complete a client record card which he did. I ignored the fact that hed given me a different first name when he booked as I just thought he was worried that someone would find out he got waxed (some do). Then I said OK John, so strip from the waist down and Id like you to get on all fours on the bed. The blood drained from his face and he said, "But Ive only come to read the meter". Note to self: Check that the guy walking in is actually a client and not from the gas company.
You wax men and women. Who are the biggest babies when it comes to waxing? Do you handle male clients differently to female clients (and I mean emotionally, not physically!)
A:None of them are babies and I treat all clients the same. Having a chat and a laugh takes their mind off it and before they know it, theyre done. All clients have a story to tell and you can never judge a book by its cover. I meet the most interesting people.
You describe unwanted hair on men and women as 'ageing and a turn off'. Isn't that a personal choice?
A: Yes it is a personal choice...........and so is nostril hair and a comb over hair do
Its about personal grooming, cleanliness and feeling sexy. The benefits are endless. A lot of women tell me they feel empowered once theyve had all the hair removed. The guys just strut out the door like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
Some people prefer some hair down there, no?
A: Well of course I only meet the ones that prefer no hair down there. Its almost unheard of for anyone to leave a landing strip these days; they all have it all off.
Who else in your industry do you admire?
A: Gigi Rouse and Marian Newman. Both women with balls! I also really admire Jo Wood (Organics). Were working in an industry dominated by youth and theyre still leading the way and dont give a damn. Love it!
What are you still hoping to achieve in the industry? You've already achieved so much .
A: There are huge plans ahead but Ive been sworn to secrecy (for now). One thing that I can tell you about is International Kim Lawless Training Schools. I get requests from around the world and of course the UK asking if they can run a training school for me and the time is right. The standard of training will be will be super high and will produce amazing specialist waxers.
What do you do when you're not waxing? What does The Wax Queen do to relax?
A: I love my telly. Sorry, I could pretend that Im at some trendy London restaurant or party but I love true crime and anything paranormal. Im also very creative and when I get time I like to make things for the home. My next project is to master distressed painted furniture.
What are you most proud of?
A: On a personal level its my daughter Amy who is the light of my life. Its always been just us two and she is my reason for living and why Ive always worked so hard. She feels the same about me too which is just wonderful. Only thing is that she refuses to be waxed as she cant stand pain. On a work level it has to be developing my own technique instead of copying somebody elses.
What would you rather forget?
A:My short career as a nail tech; I was rubbish. When the client asked for a French, I used to lie and tell them that it had gone out of fashion and that short one colour nails were in. They believed me every time (sorry lovely clients).
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Enjoy...
You're described as 'the leading authority on waxing in the UK' how did that happen?
A: I really dont know as it was actually other people who described me as that so I jumped on the band wagon as I was kind of proud that people would say that. I really do just wax all day though and I dont do general beauty anymore.
I love your style. From your website I can see that you're forthright, honest, funny and bullish*t free. Is being able to say what you want a luxury now that you're the leading authority or have you always been that way?
A: No! Ive always been very direct and outspoken. Although I dont pull any punches, Im a softy at heart and I always look out for the underdog. Im fiercely protective of people who are not as strong as me and I hate bullies. I like to keep it real and honest.
Why intimate waxing? What was it about intimate waxing that made you think, 'That's my niche' so to speak?
A: I guess its because its what I do all day that made me good at what I do. I never stop thinking about ways to tweak or invent a new technique to make life easier for the therapist and more comfortable, safe and quicker for the client.
Intimate waxing no doubt lends itself to funny stories. Any funny tales that you can remember from your time as a waxer?
A: Well this was a self-fulfilling prophecy and something Id joked about happening one day and it did! I had a new guy booked in for an appointment and he walked in dead on his appointment time. Great! I chatted to put him at ease and I asked him about his physical health and I asked how he usually removed his pubic hair. He looked a little embarrassed (nerves I thought) and said he usually shaved. I then asked him asked him to complete a client record card which he did. I ignored the fact that hed given me a different first name when he booked as I just thought he was worried that someone would find out he got waxed (some do). Then I said OK John, so strip from the waist down and Id like you to get on all fours on the bed. The blood drained from his face and he said, "But Ive only come to read the meter". Note to self: Check that the guy walking in is actually a client and not from the gas company.
You wax men and women. Who are the biggest babies when it comes to waxing? Do you handle male clients differently to female clients (and I mean emotionally, not physically!)
A:None of them are babies and I treat all clients the same. Having a chat and a laugh takes their mind off it and before they know it, theyre done. All clients have a story to tell and you can never judge a book by its cover. I meet the most interesting people.
You describe unwanted hair on men and women as 'ageing and a turn off'. Isn't that a personal choice?
A: Yes it is a personal choice...........and so is nostril hair and a comb over hair do
Its about personal grooming, cleanliness and feeling sexy. The benefits are endless. A lot of women tell me they feel empowered once theyve had all the hair removed. The guys just strut out the door like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Some people prefer some hair down there, no?
A: Well of course I only meet the ones that prefer no hair down there. Its almost unheard of for anyone to leave a landing strip these days; they all have it all off.
Who else in your industry do you admire?
A: Gigi Rouse and Marian Newman. Both women with balls! I also really admire Jo Wood (Organics). Were working in an industry dominated by youth and theyre still leading the way and dont give a damn. Love it!
What are you still hoping to achieve in the industry? You've already achieved so much .
A: There are huge plans ahead but Ive been sworn to secrecy (for now). One thing that I can tell you about is International Kim Lawless Training Schools. I get requests from around the world and of course the UK asking if they can run a training school for me and the time is right. The standard of training will be will be super high and will produce amazing specialist waxers.
What do you do when you're not waxing? What does The Wax Queen do to relax?
A: I love my telly. Sorry, I could pretend that Im at some trendy London restaurant or party but I love true crime and anything paranormal. Im also very creative and when I get time I like to make things for the home. My next project is to master distressed painted furniture.
What are you most proud of?
A: On a personal level its my daughter Amy who is the light of my life. Its always been just us two and she is my reason for living and why Ive always worked so hard. She feels the same about me too which is just wonderful. Only thing is that she refuses to be waxed as she cant stand pain. On a work level it has to be developing my own technique instead of copying somebody elses.
What would you rather forget?
A:My short career as a nail tech; I was rubbish. When the client asked for a French, I used to lie and tell them that it had gone out of fashion and that short one colour nails were in. They believed me every time (sorry lovely clients).
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
