Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Cleveland.
Hi Aaliyah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in the beauty industry began in 2020 when I first started doing lash extensions. What initially started as an interest in beauty quickly turned into a passion for helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. At the time, I had no idea that taking that first step would eventually lead me to becoming a business owner, educator, and the woman behind WAXEDxALI.
In 2021, I decided to take my passion more seriously and enrolled in esthetics school. During that time, I also invested in additional hands-on training to expand my knowledge, especially in Brazilian and full-body waxing. I knew early on that I didn’t want to limit myself to just one area of the beauty industry. I wanted to continue learning, growing, and finding my own specialty.
In 2022, I officially became a licensed esthetician. I gained experience working in the industry, including at European Wax Center, where I was able to strengthen my waxing techniques, build my confidence, and develop the speed and precision that eventually became a major part of my brand.
Over the years, my business has gone through different phases, including rebranding, learning from mistakes, and figuring out exactly what kind of business owner I wanted to become. What started with lashes eventually evolved into specializing in Brazilian speed waxing, full-body waxing, brow services, Korean lash lifts, and professional beauty education.
One of my biggest milestones has been expanding my business from my hometown of Bakersfield, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada. Starting over in a new city and rebuilding a clientele has definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but it has also reminded me why I started. Building a business takes patience, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up, even when things don’t happen as quickly as you hoped.
Today, I’m proud to be a dual-licensed esthetician in California and Nevada, as well as an educator offering one-on-one training to aspiring and established beauty professionals. Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my career because I get to share the knowledge, techniques, and lessons I’ve gained throughout my own journey.
My goal with WAXEDxALI has always been bigger than simply providing beauty services. I want to create an environment where clients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for, while also helping other beauty professionals develop the skills and confidence to build successful careers of their own.
I’m still growing, still learning, and still working toward the bigger vision I have for myself and my business. If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that success doesn’t happen overnight. Sometimes you have to start over, reinvent yourself, and trust the process. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more excited about where I’m going.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would be lying if I said my journey has been a smooth road. Building a business, especially at a young age, comes with challenges that people don’t always see behind the scenes.
One of my biggest struggles has been learning how to navigate entrepreneurship while still figuring out life for myself. Being self-employed means wearing multiple hats. I’m not just the esthetician providing services. I’m also responsible for marketing, scheduling, finances, customer service, and making sure my business continues to grow. There have been times when I’ve questioned myself, felt overwhelmed, or wondered if I was making the right decisions.
Another major challenge has been building and rebuilding my clientele. Moving from Bakersfield to Las Vegas meant stepping outside of my comfort zone and essentially starting over in a market where people didn’t know me or my work. Going from having established relationships with clients to introducing myself to an entirely new community has been both humbling and motivating. It has taught me that no matter how experienced you are, growth sometimes requires you to become a beginner again.
I’ve also had to learn that being passionate about something doesn’t automatically make running a business easy. There are slow seasons, unexpected expenses, sacrifices, and moments when the amount of effort you’re putting in doesn’t immediately reflect in your results. I’ve invested a lot of time, money, and energy into continuing my education, improving my skills, and building a brand that I’m proud to stand behind.
One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is not to compare my journey to someone else’s. Social media makes it easy to see everyone’s accomplishments without seeing the struggles, setbacks, or sacrifices it took to get there. I’ve had to remind myself that everyone’s timeline is different and that progress is still progress, even when it’s happening slowly.
Through everything, I’ve learned to become more patient, disciplined, independent, and confident in myself. I’ve realized that setbacks don’t necessarily mean you’re failing. Sometimes they’re preparing you for the next chapter.
I’m still learning how to balance being a young woman, a business owner, and an educator while working toward the life I envision for myself. But every challenge has helped shape the person and entrepreneur I’m becoming. I’m proud that even during the difficult moments, I’ve continued to choose growth instead of giving up.
We’ve been impressed with WAXEDxALI, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
WAXEDxALI is my beauty and education brand, built around confidence, comfort, and empowering others through beauty. As a dual-licensed esthetician in California and Nevada, I proudly serve clients in Las Vegas and my hometown of Bakersfield, California.
I specialize in Brazilian speed waxing, full-body waxing, brow shaping, brow lamination and tinting, Korean lash lifts, and intimate skincare services. One of my signature specialties is Brazilian speed waxing, where I provide detailed, efficient services in approximately 10 to 15 minutes without compromising quality or comfort.
What sets WAXEDxALI apart is the experience I create for my clients. I strive to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment where everyone feels comfortable, respected, and confident. I want my clients to feel like they’re visiting someone they trust rather than simply coming in for an appointment.
Beyond providing beauty services, I’m also passionate about education. I offer personalized, one-on-one hands-on training to aspiring and established beauty professionals. My goal is not only to teach techniques but also to help my students build confidence, improve their skills, and understand the business side of the beauty industry.
What I’m most proud of is how much WAXEDxALI has grown and evolved alongside me. From starting my journey with lashes to becoming a dual-licensed esthetician, educator, and business owner operating in two states, every step has helped shape my vision.
Ultimately, WAXEDxALI is about more than beauty services. It’s about building confidence, creating genuine connections, and inspiring other beauty professionals to pursue their goals. My vision is to continue growing my brand while expanding into education, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation of estheticians.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor or networking is to put yourself out there, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who inspire you to grow. In the beauty industry, there’s always something new to learn, regardless of your experience.
Social media, continuing education, and connecting with other beauty professionals are great ways to build relationships and create opportunities. I believe networking should be about genuine connections, mutual support, and learning from one another.
As an educator, I want to encourage others the same way I would want to be encouraged. I truly believe there’s enough room for everyone to succeed, and the right connections can make a lasting impact on your journey.
Pricing:
- Brazilian Wax — $55
- Brazilian + Underarms — $65
- Brazilian + Vajacial — $110
- Korean Lash Lift + Tint — $90
- Brow Lamination + Wax + Tint — $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://waxedxali.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/waxedxali?xtok=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18aJnknjmo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Aaliyah Cleveland
or
WAXEDxALI
