We had the good fortune of connecting with Claudine Cuenca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claudine, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was always scared to work for myself. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 18 years, having gotten my cosmetology license back in 2006. Prior to opening Bikini Body Wax, I always worked for other people, I was always an employee. Last year, I battled with breast cancer. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. It took such a toll on me(and my family). It was challenging physically, emotionally, mentally, financially. There were days is didn’t know how I even survived and how I was still alive. By the grace of God, I survived and was declared no evidence of disease end of September 2023. As I pieced my life back together, I decided to take some of it back. When it was time for me to go back to work, I knew I needed to work for myself. As scary as it was doing something new, and essentially starting from scratch since I had not been working for a while, I knew this was the right move. If I could survive something as terrifying as cancer, I could open my own business. That’s when I decided to open Bikini Body Wax.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own Bikini Body Wax, a waxing studio in Chandler, AZ. Although I’ve been in the industry for a long time, I am new to owning my own business. I bring nearly 2 decades of experience to the table and pride myself in providing exceptional service. I realize that there are many others who provide the same services I do, including large corporate chains. What sets me apart in addition to my experience is the quality of work I provide. I hear all the horror stories of hair left behind, wax left on skin and clothing and all around bad service. I will make sure each client leaves happy and hairless! I’m still in the first few months of my business, so none of this has been easy. I’m starting over since I was out for some time due to illness. Getting word out there and getting busy has been a challenge, but business is growing and I am thrilled with my progress thus far. I’m excited for this new adventure and everything it brings!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

I have a few favorite places. For coffee, Dulce Vida Coffee and Sozo Coffee House both in Chandler are some hidden gems. Joe’s Farm Grill in Gilbert is one of my favorite places to eat for American type food. I’m Filipino, and love Filipino food, At My Place Cafe in Chandler is Amazing!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner Nick. Even though I was the one battling cancer, he was the one by my side caring for me. He was (and is) my biggest supporter in opening my business and starting this new chapter in my life. Whenever I doubt myself, he reminds me of who I am, what I’ve accomplished, and what I’m capable of.

Website: bikinibodywax.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/bikinibodywax

Facebook: facebook.com/bikinibodywax

Youtube: youtube.com/@bikinibodywax

Image Credits
All photos are my own taken by myself

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.