Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Entrepreneurship runs in my blood. My father was a hustler since the day he was born, always finding side hustles to make money. My mother was an entrepreneur at heart. She always knew she wanted to own a business and found her calling when she took over a local bakery. This gave me my first taste of business and hard work. Watching her manage and grow her business instilled in me the values of determination and resilience. When I later discovered a recipe for success with Foxy Box, I knew I wanted to inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. My first business venture was creating and selling t-shirts at festivals. After doing this for 2 years and having no idea how to scale this concept, I burned ‘Lyrik’ to the ground and went back to the drawing board. The year was 2012. I used to go to a lady who waxed out of her basement for my Brazilians. Booking an appointment was a challenge, if I didn’t pre-book every 3 weeks in advance it was next to impossible to get an appointment. My alternatives were either high-end spas, where I would have to pay $100 for a service often begrudgingly performed by the esthetician, or the back rooms of nail salons with questionable hygiene standards. This stark contrast highlighted a glaring gap in the market, sparking the idea that would become Foxy Box Wax Bar. Recognizing the need for a convenient, affordable, and fun Brazilian waxing experience, I set out to fill this niche. I used my bartending tips to put myself through school and started mastering the art of waxing. Foxy Box was born from a desire to transform a routine beauty service into something fun and empowering. My bartending job turned out to be the perfect springboard for my budding business. Every customer who enjoyed a drink at the bar would wake up the next morning with a Foxy Box business card in their pocket, sparking curiosity and interest. As I honed my skills in Brazilian waxing, I transformed the dining room of my shared house into an impromptu waxing studio. To make the experience more comfortable, I’d offer my clients a shot of tequila or whiskey before their service, blending my bartending expertise with my newfound passion. This unique approach got the town talking and also laid the foundation for Foxy Boxes eventual success.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Foxy Box Wax Bar, community support is the heart of our mission. We believe in giving back and fostering a sense of belonging among our clients and community. Here’s how we achieve this: Each year we facilitate a Client Appreciation Day , which is one of our favorite traditions. This annual event is our way of saying thank you to our loyal clients. We offer free services all day long, discounts on packages, and special giveaways. It's our way of expressing gratitude to our customers for their continued loyalty, especially with the growing number of waxing options available. Our clients appreciate the gesture, and the turnout grows each year, with each new community we pop up in. We also throw a party on International Women's Day each year called Foxy Fest. It's our flagship community event, designed to celebrate our clients and the broader community. It's a vibrant festival featuring live music, local vendors, and interactive activities. The event not only promotes local businesses but also raises funds for charitable causes. Last year, Foxy Fest was in many different cities and raised over $10,000 for local charities including women's shelters and youth outreach. This success showcases the strong support we receive from our community and our commitment to making a positive impact. We also dedicate May to our members. We launch special campaigns to encourage and reward our members. We offer exclusive perks, discounts, and even surprise gifts. This initiative has been instrumental in building a loyal customer base, with a record in 956 membership sign-ups this past May. Our members' ongoing support is a testament to the value they find in our services and community-focused approach. The feedback we receive from our community is overwhelmingly positive. Clients often express their appreciation for our inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Many have shared stories of how Foxy Box has empowered them, boosted their confidence, and provided a sense of belonging. In conclusion, our dedication to community support is evident through our various initiatives. Foxy Box Wax Bar is not just a business; it’s a community hub where clients feel valued and supported. The mutual appreciation between Foxy Box and our community is the foundation of our success and continues to drive us forward. Winning this award would be a testament to the strength of our community and the positive difference we strive to make every day.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

The growth of Foxy Box Wax Bar has been nothing short of phenomenal. What began as a single location has now blossomed into a thriving franchise with 18 stores (and counting) across three provinces, boasting over 10 million in system wide revenues in 2023. Our business model, which features recurring revenue and a robust membership structure, has proven both scalable and resilient. This success is a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to grow, one of our most significant accomplishments has been maintaining our unique culture. The essence of Foxy Box—our commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and fun—remains intact across all locations. This consistency is vital to our identity and success, ensuring that every client, regardless of which store they visit, experiences the same welcoming and empowering environment. At the heart of Foxy Box is a mission to empower women. Our franchise support group, which consists of female entrepreneurs, meets monthly to share experiences, offer support, and grow together. This community has been a constant source of inspiration and strength, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment. By providing a platform for women to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, we are not just building a business; we are building a movement. Our dedication to inclusivity and sustainability sets us apart. As a gender-neutral and green-certified salon, we are committed to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Our efforts to use eco-friendly practices and promote gender-neutral language reflect our commitment to social and environmental responsibility. These initiatives not only make a positive impact on our community but also set a standard for the beauty industry. My journey from bartender to business has been fueled by passion, innovation, and a desire to uplift others. Foxy Box Wax Bar is more than just a business; it’s a movement towards a better, more inclusive, and empowering beauty experience. Winning this award would be a personal achievement and also a recognition of the incredible community of women who have supported and inspired me along the way. Foxy Box Wax Bar deserves the Business Impact Award because of our proven business model, commitment to empowering women, innovative and inclusive practices, and strong community support. Together, we are redefining beauty standards and empowering women to chase their dreams.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Foxy Box Wax Bar, our culture is rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and creating a welcoming environment for all. We proudly embrace our identity as a gender-neutral and green-certified salon, reflecting our commitment to diversity and environmental responsibility. Inclusivity is central to our ethos. We aim to create a space where everyone feels welcome, regardless of gender. Our commitment to gender-neutral language in all communications ensures that everyone, no matter their identity, feels respected and valued. This approach not only fosters an inclusive atmosphere but also sets a standard within the industry for equitable beauty services. Our dedication to sustainability is evident in our green-certified practices. We implement eco-friendly procedures across all locations, recycling all of our single use items using Green Circle Salons. This certification demonstrates our ongoing efforts to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to a healthier planet. We prioritize the well-being of our staff by promoting a healthy work-life balance and providing a supportive environment. Our team enjoys flexible scheduling, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities, which reduce stress and burnout, fostering a happier, more productive workforce. Our leadership shines in client interactions. Every client is made to feel comfortable and respected from the moment they walk through our doors. Our trained staff emphasizes empathy and understanding, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere that has cultivated a loyal client base. We extend our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability to our relationships with vendors and contractors, prioritizing partners who share our values. This ensures our supply chain reflects our dedication to ethical and environmentally friendly practices, strengthening our business and reinforcing our core principles. We empower our staff to take initiative and contribute to our inclusive culture. Open communication and valuing feedback create a sense of ownership and pride among our team. Our monthly franchisee support group, consisting of female entrepreneurs, further fosters a sense of community and empowerment. In summary, Foxy Box Wax Bar is not just a waxing salon; it’s a community built on inclusivity, sustainability, and support. Our culture exemplifies our leadership and commitment to creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.