Hidden Gems: Meet Tatiana Castanon of Waxx Me Badd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatiana Castanon.

Hi Tatiana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Tatiana, a full-time claims analyst to our Veterans, the owner and Wax Specialist of Waxx Me Badd in Peoria, Arizona. I was born in Compton, CA, raised in Phoenix, AZ. Arizona has been my home since I was a girl, so by default, this is my city!! I am a FIRECRACKER! Being Latina and African American gives me this sense of confidence beyond words! I always joke and say that it’s the best of both worlds, and I truly mean that! I am who I am because of my ancestors, cultures, and values, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. I’m a daughter of an immigrant. My father is from Mexico, Guadalajara, to be exact. He was brought to America by his parents as a young boy to live the American dream. Growing up, he always worked hard and never allowed anyone to limit him or his future. I’ve watched him go through many highs and lows, but it never changed his perspective on life. He is truly my hero, and so blessed to have him as my father. He is one of the reasons why I am so driven and hardworking. I am a momma of two boys and 25+ plants and counting. 

My sons are another reason behind my dedication, hard work, and resilience. I go HARD for them and our future! I am a FOODIE, SNEAKER HEAD, AND MUSIC LOVER. I found my love for skin in 2013 when I enrolled in Beauty School at Paul Mitchell in SLC, UT. That had to be one of the best decisions of my life. Especially since it was also a season of transition in my life. As children of God, we aren’t promised that life will be easy or smooth, but we must trust God in the process. And to be honest, before enrolling in school, I was looking for a change. At that moment, I didn’t know what that looked like. I was going through a lot in my life emotionally, physically, and mentally. However, esthetics school changed my life and was really what I needed at that moment in that season of my life. The peace I felt in the treatment room was unexplainable and felt like home. I gained so much knowledge, built friendships with so many women, and most importantly, found one of my passions in life. Never in a million years did I ever think I would go to esthetics school but so thankful that I did. Life is funny sometimes… The most unexpected things are some of the most life-changing and beautiful things in our lives. I’ve always been optimistic about life, so I am grabbing the bull by the horns and am hopeful about my future! We all have God-given gifts and purposes in life. I honestly can say that serving others is one of mine! My heart and passion for being my best is something that I take pride in. I LOVE taking any opportunity to pour into others, especially women. That is why I love creating a positive vibe for women to feel comfortable and confident in their skin!!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Hell, no, it hasn’t! Anything worth doing or having is never easy. I am a firm believer that how we handle roadblocks or setbacks really says a lot about who we are. Are we going to use those tough times to build our character, or are we going to let those times get the best of us?! I will admit, at times, I do get overwhelmed with balancing being a full-time mom, employee, and business owner. Still, I like to think that I handle it pretty damn well most days!

My biggest struggle now is to navigate the business/legal side of my business. Of course, in esthetics school, they don’t prepare us for running a business. So, I’m learning as I go and have amazing friends in the industry that also help me. I remind myself in those moments that “I can do all things through Christ,” and whatever I am going through, God already has finished it and has made a way. Knowing that I have a father who has equipped me to handle anything I endure is a beautiful feeling. It also helps me stay calm during my most anxious moments. So, to answer the question, it has not been a smooth road, but I am here for the ride!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Waxx Me Badd was actually started during COVID 19 in the summer of July of 2020. Some people thought I was crazy wanting to follow my passion during a pandemic, and honestly, there were times that I thought I was as well. LOL Waxing is something that I am very passionate about. I’ve been waxing for many years but had to put it on hold due to personal reasons. I thank God for bringing certain people into my life in early 2020 to speak life into me and remind me that I can always start over and don’t have to have it all together to get back into my passion. The things I’ve experienced in the past are also learning stones to help me not make the same mistakes and be more prepared and smarter as a business owner. I started renting out space a couple times during the week just to get my feet wet.

After a few months in business, I decided that I needed to have my own studio to offer more availability, provide more services, and make the space match my vibe. I opened my own studio in January 2021 at The River Walk Salon Suites II in Peoria. I’m so glad that I decided to do so. It has been, for the most part, a very smooth transition. Of course, with owning your own business, there are so many things that come with it. That is where my girl gang, family, and friends have been a huge help and blessing. I have the biggest support system. Everything thus far wouldn’t be possible without God, my support system, and of course, my drive. I honestly wasn’t too sure what to expect when I started Waxx Me Badd. The beauty industry is very saturated, so you really have to stand out and also find your niche. My JAM is brazilian waxing. The empowerment that women get from the service is so rewarding. Plus, you also get amazing benefits.

I’ve specialized in brazilians for many years. I like to think my technique, personality, and vibe are what sets me apart. Of course, I may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that is okay with me. LOL The industry is over statured, so there is a wax specialist for everyone. At Waxx Me Badd, we listen to 00’s Hip Hop & R&B or whatever our mood is during the wax session. I always allow my clients to make their music choice to make them feel comfortable and relax and feel at home. Getting a brazilian wax can already be nerve-wracking for many first-timers, which I get a lot of. The service has been so sexualized, and I want to cancel that! As women, we shouldn’t be uncomfortable getting intimate services. Body hair is natural, and as women, we should decide for ourselves to keep it or go hair-free. It’s their body, and I am here for whatever decision they make. As a Wax Specialist and business owner, I am trying to use my platform to normalize intimate services. There is a huge stigma with intimate waxing, and to be honest, it’s unfortunate. Women come into my studio saying things like this is “weird, awkward, and uncomfortable.” By the end of the service, they are so happy they decided to try the service and continue to come back!! The confidence they leave with and empowerment is my WHY! I am here to hype women up during and after their service. I don’t just see these women as my clients. I see them as my friends and sisters. They share their life stories with me, accomplishments, and even the saddest moments in their lives. It’s such an honor to be trusted with their skin and have a deeper connection with them. Not only am I providing a service, but I’m also building lifelong relationships.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Getting shipped off to my grandparents for the summer in L.A. sounds bad when I say it like that. LOL Summers in L.A. had to be where I felt like a kid the most. I was really able to leave the responsibilities of being an older sister and my dad’s helper in Phoenix for a few months out of the year. My grandmother, who had a huge impact on my life, was one of the strongest women I knew. She taught me so much and really allowed me to be a kid. She was such a hard worker and loved her family so much. There will never be anyone like her. I would watch her cook, sew and garden all the time. She was so passionate about everything she did. It was always done with LOVE. I experienced many “first times” with her and so thankful I had her in my life to share those moments. My grandmother is one of the reasons I love to cook. She isn’t with us any longer, and I wish I could tell her that I started my business and I’m following my dreams. I know she is watching over me and so proud of her favorite granddaughter (inside joke). LOL

Pricing:

• Brazilian $60
• Underarm $20
• Express Dermaplaning Facial $60

Contact Info:

• Email: waxxmebadd@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/waxxmebadd?igshid=11ejuzoy0jqdx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waxxmebadd
• Other: https://www.vagaro.com/waxxmebadd

Image Credits
Individual photos – Skye Wilson @ IG so_creativeco Family photo – Maarcus Hall @ IG madmaarcus