Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelica O’Neill.
Hi Angelica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started Raiz Beauty in 2021, shortly after COVID. At the time, the company I was working for changed its pay structure, and it made me really think about what I wanted for myself. I remember thinking, if I’m going to put in the work, I’d rather take a chance on myself and build something of my own than continue building someone else’s business.
In a way, I think I was always headed toward owning my own business. Even as a kid, I knew I wasn’t meant for the traditional 9-to-5. I never knew exactly what my business would be, but I knew I wanted to create something of my own.
My background in the beauty industry actually started long before Raiz Beauty. From 2011 to 2015, I worked in a salon doing hair. After that, I stepped away from the beauty industry for a short time and worked in a doctor’s office. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed to get back into beauty. In 2016, an opportunity to work in waxing came along, and I ended up finding my place in that side of the industry. I spent the next several years gaining experience and developing my skills before eventually starting Raiz Beauty.
I started Raiz Beauty in a small studio room and slowly built my clientele from there. As the business grew, my vision grew with it. I always knew I wanted a larger space that could eventually allow other beauty professionals to join Raiz Beauty, so moving into my own salon was a really important step for me.
Today, Raiz Beauty has grown from that small studio room into a salon. I’ve had to learn every side of being a business owner along the way, and while it hasn’t always been easy, I’m proud of how far Raiz Beauty has come and excited about where I can take it next.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. I knew from the beginning that I wouldn’t just be a service provider. I knew I would be wearing all the hats and that running a business meant being responsible for much more than the services I provided. I was also responsible for marketing, scheduling, bookkeeping, client communication, taxes, licensing, and all of the behind-the-scenes things that come with running a business.
I think one of the hardest parts for me has been understanding the business side, especially taxes and licensing. There’s so much that goes into owning and operating a business that you don’t necessarily learn when you’re focused on your craft. I feel like taxes and licensing in particular can be a very taboo subject. People don’t always talk openly about what you actually need to do, what you need to keep up with, or where to even start.
A lot of it has been learning as I go, figuring things out, asking questions, and making sure I’m doing things the right way. Those challenges have forced me to become a better business owner and understand every side of what it takes to run Raiz Beauty.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Raiz Beauty ?
Raiz Beauty is a beauty salon with waxing at the heart of the business. Brazilian, full body, and full leg services are some of my specialties. I also offer brow services, including waxing, tinting, and lamination, as well as hair services such as wash and blow-dry.
What I think sets Raiz Beauty apart is the experience I try to create for every client. I really want people to feel comfortable and accommodated when they’re with me. Waxing can be a very personal and intimate service, so trust is a huge part of what I do. During their appointment, I’m whoever my client needs me to be. I can be the person they vent to, the person they laugh with, the person who educates them about their skin and hair, or sometimes we can have a silent appointment. I want people to feel like they can come in and just be themselves.
One of the most fulfilling parts of what I do is knowing that someone can leave my salon feeling a little better about themselves than when they walked in. Whether it’s something as simple as feeling good about their brows or feeling more confident after a wax, I really enjoy being a part of that.
I’m proud that Raiz Beauty has grown into a business that people trust, especially when it comes to such a personal service. For me, that trust means just as much as the growth itself.
My goal is for Raiz Beauty to become a genuine and trusted one-stop shop for beauty services. Right now, it’s just me, but I have a bigger vision for the salon. I’d eventually like to bring in a lash technician, a nail technician, and a hairstylist who offers a full range of hair services. I want Raiz Beauty to be a place where clients can come for multiple beauty services while also creating opportunities for other beauty professionals to grow alongside me.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t always take doubt as a sign that you’re on the wrong path. I knew owning a business would be hard, but there’s a difference between knowing something will be difficult and actually living through the difficult parts.
Building Raiz Beauty has required a level of discipline and accountability that I don’t think I fully understood until I was in it. When you’re the owner, there’s no one else coming in to make the decisions, solve the problems, or make sure everything gets done. There have been long nights, mistakes, overthinking, and moments when I’ve questioned whether I made the right decision.
What I’ve learned is that making a mistake doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and not having all the answers doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of figuring them out. You learn, you adjust, and you keep moving forward. I’m still learning as Raiz Beauty grows, and I’m sure there will be more mistakes along the way, but even knowing what I know now, I would still choose this path every time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raizbeauty.com
- Instagram: @raizbeauty_
