When Clay Haley, CEO and co-founder of L.A. Bikini, discovered sugaring, he was surprised by the number of benefits the sugaring process had over the standard waxing experience. “I just couldn’t believe that a product of any kind could claim that many benefits over a rival product,” he said. By Kelsi Trinidad
When Clay Haley, CEO and co-founder of L.A. Bikini, discovered sugaring, he was surprised by the number of benefits the sugaring process had over the standard waxing experience. “I just couldn’t believe that a product of any kind could claim that many benefits over a rival product,” he said. “Usually, you’re looking for one or two things that you can say are different, and I discovered that sugaring over waxing had six to eight things that make it better.”
Sugaring is intended to be a less aggressive process for removing hair and is an emerging and growing business in the hair-removal space. It is noticeably less painful and less irritating to the skin. The sugar mixture is completely natural, simply made of 100% organic sugar, lemon juice and water. This organic mixture allows customers to avoid the chemical-based wax that typically is used in other hair-removal methods. The paste is so natural and safe that it’s completely edible. The mixture is applied at room temperature, so there is less chance of skin irritation or burning due to heat and only adheres to the hair follicle and not the skin. This can lead to less breakage, fewer ingrown hairs and less trauma to the skin. Sugaring can also eliminate the hair follicle at a much shorter size, which results in less wait time between appointments and ultimately leads to permanently reduced hair growth.
Haley designed L.A. Bikini around sugaring’s benefits and provides an unlimited six-month membership that gives clients a head-start on reducing hair growth in the future. After that six-month membership, clients have access to a lifetime membership that allows them to get touch-up maintenance whenever they want. This membership model builds a long-standing relationship with clients through an effective solution and a plan that makes sense for long-term hair reduction. This model benefits franchisees, allowing them to build a loyal customer base that trusts the product and method.
L.A. Bikini has a robust presence across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas and Utah. In the last year, the brand has expanded its franchise operations with new locations in New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida, and there are many projected for 2023. Franchisee candidates don’t require a background in sugaring or even hair removal, but experience in business management and a strong set of leadership skills will be great assets for a successful franchise.
At the heart of L.A. Bikini’s business is a desire to help people look and feel their best by providing an experience that is relaxing and convenient. Franchisees receive thorough training, experienced employees earn fair compensation and customers welcome a painless, stress-free change to their hair-removal routines.
Kelsi Trinidad