Meet Kacey Boivin | Aesthetician/Body Waxing & Brow Specialist

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

Hi Kacey, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I spent five years working for corporate beauty and waxing companies and another three and a half years in a small, locally owned business. Over that time, I saw what I loved about this industry, and also what I wanted to do differently. I realized the only way to truly bring my vision to life was to create my own space.

When I started my business, one of my biggest intentions was to make it a place where every body feels welcome, safe, and comfortable. While timing and efficiency are important, they’re not my top priority — connection and care are. My focus is making sure each client feels heard, understood, and leaves with the results they came for.

I wanted to redefine the beauty experience into something more mindful and human — where people could actually exhale and feel cared for. It’s about creating an experience that feels genuine, not transactional. For me, beauty and wellness go hand-in-hand, and my goal has always been to reflect that in every service and interaction.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Papaya Beauty Co., what truly sets me apart is the connection I share with my clients. Over time, many of them have become like family to me. My goal is to give you the brows (and wax experience) of your dreams — but also to hear about the wins, challenges, and moments that make up your life. I think now more than ever, human connection matters deeply, and it’s my favorite part of what I do.

I’m also extremely detail-oriented and gentle in my approach. One of my main goals as a body waxer is to make the experience as comfortable and minimally painful as possible. I use only the gentlest, most effective products and pair them with good technique, care, and education so every client feels at ease.

From the time I was young, I knew I wanted to own my own business. I earned my associate degree in business before going to school for aesthetics, and that foundation helped me understand both the creative and practical sides of running a business. During my years working in different studios — especially in small business settings — I learned what kind of environment I wanted to create and how I wanted clients to feel. Over time, I built a loyal clientele and carefully saved and planned until I was ready to open my own space.

It definitely wasn’t easy. Starting a business was one of the scariest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. It took a lot of courage to take that leap and believe in myself. I leaned on support from other small business owners, therapy, and a lot of research to help me figure things out along the way.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are to follow your heart, take lots of deep breaths, and stay true to yourself — even when things feel uncertain. It takes a lot of heart to go after what you want, but it’s always worth it.

More than anything, I want people to know that Papaya Beauty Co. is a space to feel safe, seen, and cared for. My hope is that everyone who walks through the door leaves feeling better than when they came in — both inside and out.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d want to give them the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and all my favorite local spots.

We’d start the week with a day trip to Sedona which is one of my favorite places to recharge. We’d go for a morning hike surrounded by the red rocks, then head to Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for a chai from The Chai Spot and lunch at Pump House Station across the street. We’d finish the day wandering through a few crystal shops before heading home — it’s the perfect balance of nature, creativity, and good energy.

Another day, we’d explore Downtown Phoenix. We’d start with coffee at Valley Coffee Company, grab a late lunch or early dinner at First & Last or Cornish Pasty , and end the night with a show at Valley Bar — my favorite cozy, underground spot for live music.

We’d also have a relaxed food-and-drink day with stops at some of my favorite local gems — buttery croissants from JL Patisserie, matcha from Light Heart Coffee, and a sandwich and massive iced tea from AJ’s Fine Foods.

And to round it all out, we’d visit Pip Coffee + Clay — a spot that combines two of my favorite things: coffee and creativity. We’d sip lattes while taking a ceramics class together, which feels like the perfect way to slow down and make a memory before the trip ends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and experiences that have shaped my journey. I’m grateful for everyone who has taken the time to teach, mentor, and guide me over the years — every job and training experience helped me grow into the esthetician and business owner I am today.

A special shoutout goes to my therapist, Karen Williams, and Kseniya, owner of Abundant Space. Both of them played such important roles in helping me believe in myself and take the leap to start my business. Their guidance, support, and perspective came at exactly the right time.

And a huge thank-you to Carlee Austin, owner of Peach Fuzz Beauty Co. I truly wouldn’t have been able to start my business without her. Her support, encouragement, and partnership meant everything during that transition, and I’m so grateful for all we have built together.

Lastly, I want to thank my amazing clients and fellow estheticians and small business owners who have rooted for me from the start. Their trust, encouragement, and community mean everything — I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://papayabeautyco.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: Papayabeautyco

Other: TikTok: Papayabeautyco

Image Credits
Kacey Boivin