The Owner’s Story

Hello, my name is Ayla, and I want to express my gratitude for your interest in my business. When I became an Esthetician 10 years ago in 2014, my biggest dream was working for the Bobbi Brown makeup counter at Nordstrom. Their emphasis on natural beauty resonated deeply with me, and I never imagined that it would continue to be one of my guiding principles into my thirties.

If you have a moment, I'd love to share my journey with you. It's been roughly 4 1/2 years since I started my own business in 2019. But to get here, in 2016, I took a bold risk and moved to Seattle, WA. At that time, I hadn't completed college, and apart from growing up in the Bay Area, I hadn't explored much. I found myself in Seattle, where sugaring was all the rage – it seemed like everyone was into it!

I needed a job, and I came across many sugaring job openings. One website, Darling Sugar in West Seattle, caught my eye. Although they weren't hiring, something about their website drew me in. I mustered the courage to contact them, and it turned out to be serendipitous. They had been wanting to hire someone but were hesitant, and my inquiry came at the perfect time. I went for an interview and got the job.

Everything that followed was a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. The team consisted of amazing women – some black, some half-black, my boss was a wonderfully witty Greek woman, and her business admin partner, was a tatted up Asian woman. Being around such a diverse group made me feel comforted and at home, being half black myself. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had found my place and purpose.

Sugaring has had a profound impact on me, and it‘ll always hold a special place in my heart. It has allowed me to utilize all the gifts that God has bestowed upon me and pay homage to the strong women in my family who have endured mistreatment. Providing a safe and nurturing space for others during such a vulnerable time feels like a privilege I could have never imagined.

I want to thank you for allowing me to be your sugarist. Just as sugaring can transform your hair, sugaring has transformed my life. It has grounded me and helped me grow into the person I am today. I am truly grateful for this incredible journey and the opportunity to share it with all of you.

Today, after 8 years of sugaring, I have performed over 7,000 bikini area sugaring sessions, not to mention countless other areas of the body. Along the way, I became a certified educator of sugaring, and my most requested service is the Brazilian. I used to work five days a week, serving 12-15 clients per day, feeling like I could conquer the world.

However, in the summer of 2023, something unexpected happened. I experienced a physical breakdown while sugaring and began seeing stars. It was a wake-up call for me, and I realized that I needed to make a change. I now only sugar two days a week, allowing ample time to dedicate to the neglected aspects of my business. It had been thriving on its own until it wasn't, and I am grateful for your continued support of our other sugarists. They are like extensions of myself, and I take pride in the team we have built.

I was fortunate to have my younger sister, Joleen, who had already shown interest in the skincare industry long before becoming an esthetician. COVID-19 forced her to put her university plans on hold, but it also provided her the opportunity to pursue her true passion. I am excited to have her on board, and I know she will do great things. And then there's Shelby, who started off as a client but we quickly formed a bond. We share a similar outlook on the world and a sense of childlike wonder.

In conclusion, you are in good hands with our team. We are all united in our passion for sugaring and providing exceptional service. I look forward to seeing you at our salon soon. Have a sweet day!