Meet Victoria Barnes of North Scottsdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Barnes

Hi Victoria, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From Psych Nurse Dreams to Waxing Wonders: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Eight years ago, I was a wandering soul, a vagabond in search of purpose. My journey began in the frosty plains of North Dakota, where I worked as a psych tech for two years, passionately supporting others in their mental health journeys. I’d been toying with the idea of becoming a psych nurse and dedicating my life to helping people. Yet, during my quiet moments, I found myself drawn to the world of beauty—pouring over skincare routines and perfecting makeup techniques. It was as if my heart was whispering to me to chart a new path.

The biting winters and lack of diversity in North Dakota only amplified my longing for a fresh start. On a leap of faith, my best friend, my fluffy Husky, and I packed our lives into two cars and made a 22-hour pilgrimage to Arizona. We arrived on the sunlit sands of the desert on the morning of my 23rd birthday—a symbolic rebirth of sorts.

Humbled and eager, I took a job at Walmart while waiting for my medical license to transfer. Life was unpredictable, but serendipity stepped in. I met an incredible woman who saw my potential and chose to invest in my dreams. She supported me as I enrolled in cosmetology school, funding my education until I could take over after graduation. Her belief in me became the foundation upon which I built my confidence.

Initially, I dreamed of becoming a makeup artist, but self-doubt crept in. I battled imposter syndrome and uncertainty as I worked grueling shifts at a geriatric psychiatric facility and attended school five nights a week. Exhausted yet resolute, I didn’t miss a single day of school or work, keeping my grades high despite the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

The turning point came during “wax week” in cosmetology school. The moment I held that wax applicator, it felt like destiny had been waiting for me to discover it. The human body had always been part of my professional world, but waxing offered something uniquely empowering—it was precise, transformative, and deeply personal. For the first time, I felt aligned with my purpose.

After graduation, I eagerly searched for work, landing my first job at a wax center. I moved my life within walking distance since I didn’t have a car. Over time, I honed my skills and quickly built a loyal clientele. A year later, I took the bold step of applying for my LLC, though I wasn’t yet ready to leap into entrepreneurship. For the next three years, I poured my heart into a waxing studio that I adored—until I no longer did.

The turning point came when my clients, the heartbeat of my work, began urging me to take the plunge and open my own business. Their belief in me felt like the universe was giving me permission to embrace my destiny. I had already laid the groundwork by securing my LLC; all that remained was to find the perfect space and take the leap.

Looking back, I’ve always known I wasn’t meant to work for someone else. My first job at 17 sparked that realization, but it wasn’t until now that I could truly bring my vision to life. Here I stand today, a dreamer turned doer, striving to create a space that empowers, transforms, and celebrates individuality.

Arizona gave me a home, but The Wax Pro gave me a purpose.

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?
Turning Struggles into Strengths: The Challenges of Building My Dream

When I originally started my LLC, I did it out of desperation. I had left a job in hopes of expanding my knowledge and skillset, but I quickly realized that building a business from a place of urgency wasn’t the foundation I wanted for my dream. So, I pivoted. I found another job and spent the next five years saving and preparing. But no amount of planning could have truly prepared me for the reality of entrepreneurship.

Transitioning from employee to business owner was a whirlwind. The steady paycheck I had grown accustomed to was gone, replaced by the unpredictability of fluctuating income. Competing with established, big-name companies proved to be far more challenging than I’d imagined. Marketing was a whole new world for me—learning how to let people know I even existed, let alone building and growing my clientele, was a steep hill to climb.

I quickly learned that while word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool, we live in a different world now. Social media has become indispensable, and for someone who had intentionally distanced herself from it, stepping back into that space was daunting. Creating reels, crafting engaging posts, and staying consistent with content was a massive learning curve. Thankfully, I had accounted for this in my savings and hired help to guide me through the process.

Despite the obstacles, I’ve held onto the unwavering belief that I’m exceptional at what I do. I’ve always trusted that if someone meets me and experiences my work just once, they’ll want to stay with me for years. That belief fuels me every single day.

Starting a business is something anyone can do, but only the strong can sustain it. It’s a test of resilience, adaptability, and trust in yourself. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come, even on the hardest days.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Crafting Confidence Through Waxing: What I Do and What Sets Me Apart

At The Wax Pro, I specialize in full-body waxing services, with a focus on creating a comfortable, personalized, and empowering experience for every client. My expertise extends to waxing both male and female anatomy, making me a trusted professional for anyone seeking high-quality, inclusive waxing services.

What sets me apart is the meticulous attention I bring to every session. I’ve refined my technique to ensure each service is as efficient and painless as possible while maintaining exceptional results. I take pride in customizing each appointment to my client’s unique needs, offering a level of care and precision that’s hard to find elsewhere.

My background in psychology and working with diverse individuals has also given me a unique ability to connect with my clients on a personal level. I understand that waxing—especially for those new to it—can feel vulnerable. I’ve made it my mission to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where people feel completely at ease, regardless of gender or anatomy.

Another thing that distinguishes me is my commitment to education and transparency. I take the time to explain the process, share aftercare tips, and ensure that my clients leave feeling knowledgeable and empowered about their skincare and waxing routine.

In a world dominated by corporate waxing centers, The Wax Pro offers a boutique experience rooted in trust, quality, and connection. My clients aren’t just appointments on a schedule—they’re individuals whose confidence and comfort I value deeply.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
The Thrill and Vulnerability of Taking Risks

I’ve been a risk taker my entire life—it’s woven into the fabric of who I am. As a self-proclaimed vagabond, I’ve lived in five states and attended two elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools. To say I’m adaptable would be an understatement. Change has been my constant companion, and I’ve learned to embrace the unknown with open arms.

I inherited my fearless approach to life from my mom, who orchestrated all those moves. She taught me to never feel trapped or locked into one path. Because of her, I’ve always known that when life seems to narrow, there’s always another road waiting to be discovered—even if you have to pave it yourself.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about risk-taking, it’s that we never truly know whether something is “good” or “bad” in the moment. Every decision, no matter how terrifying, leads to new opportunities. When one door closes, it’s not the end—it’s just the beginning of a hallway full of others waiting to be opened.

Taking risks doesn’t mean I’m fearless. In fact, many of the risks I’ve taken have been accompanied by immense fear. Moving across the country, starting a business, walking away from stability—all of it came with uncertainty and doubt. But I’ve never let fear paralyze me. Instead, I’ve learned to move through it, trusting that growth lies on the other side.

I’ve taken risks that have reshaped my life in ways I never could have predicted. Each one has strengthened my resolve and reminded me that we only grow when we step out of our comfort zones. For me, risk-taking is both thrilling and deeply vulnerable—a dance between daring to dream and being brave enough to act.

Pricing:

• Eyebrows $20
• Brazilian $50
• Brazilian(P) $65
• Upper lip $10
• Underarms $20

Contact Info:

• Website: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/l5q5uy7h2uvumd/location/L4YMXVNKTNWN2/services
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewaxpro.llc/profilecard/?igsh=Z2MzczAyOGhkaDE0

Image Credits
@spiralsmoments

https://www.instagram.com/spiralsmoments?igsh=M3M3N2c3eTdsYmk2

@melissacresceria

https://www.instagram.com/melissacrescentia/profilecard/?igsh=eWpodDkwZ2Fvbng0