Meet Emily White | Owner of “Star-X Body waxing and Skin retreat”

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

Hi Emily, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was shaped by a lifelong passion for the beauty industry and a desire to create a unique experience for my clients. After graduating high school in Ukraine in 2002, I explored various career paths, including customer service and administrative roles, but I always felt drawn back to beauty.

Over the years, I developed my skills in hair and nails, but it was my growing interest in skincare and waxing that truly ignited my passion. I realized that I wanted to dedicate myself fully to this area, so I decided to pivot my career and focus exclusively on skincare and waxing services.

Before launching my own business, I worked for a chain company, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of a larger organization. This experience helped me understand industry standards, customer service excellence, and effective techniques that I could bring to my own practice.

Ultimately, my decision to start my own business was driven by my desire to create a welcoming space where clients not only receive top-notch services but also feel valued and pampered. I wanted to combine my expertise with a personal touch, ensuring that every client leaves feeling their best. This journey has been about following my passion and creating a haven for self-care and beauty.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As I build my new business in the beauty industry, I am focused on creating a unique and personalized experience for my clients. What sets me apart is my commitment to understanding each client’s individual needs and providing tailored skincare and waxing services that enhance their well-being.

Starting this journey has been both exciting and challenging. I’ve learned that building a clientele takes time and persistence. I actively engage with my clients, seeking feedback and fostering relationships that encourage repeat visits. This personal connection is essential in an industry where trust and comfort are paramount.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the competitive landscape while establishing my brand identity. To overcome this, I’ve focused on continuous learning, staying updated with the latest techniques, and incorporating innovative practices into my services. This commitment to excellence not only elevates my skills but also shows my clients that I am dedicated to providing the best possible care.

The lessons I’ve learned so far revolve around patience, resilience, and the power of community. Surrounding myself with supportive peers and mentors has been invaluable, and I believe in the importance of collaboration within the industry.

As I continue to grow, I want the world to know that my brand is centered on authenticity and empowerment. It’s about more than just beauty treatments; it’s about helping individuals feel confident and valued in their own skin. I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of my clients.

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 were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d plan some fun activities while exploring the city together, especially since I’m still getting familiar with the area myself after living here for just two years.

We’d start with brunch at Great Maple for those delicious maple bacon doughnuts and then head to La Jolla Cove to enjoy the beach and maybe do some snorkeling with the sea lions. For dinner, we could check out George’s at the Cove for great food and views.

Next, I’d love to explore Balboa Park together, visiting the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Zoo. We could grab lunch at The Prado, and for dinner, Cucina Urbana would be a fantastic Italian option.

For some adventure, we could hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and then relax at Mission Beach. Lunch at The Cottage in La Jolla would be great, followed by seafood at Pacific Beach Fish Shop.

I’d also suggest visiting the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market to discover local goods, and we could stop by Caffe Italia for a meal. Biking around Coronado Island would be a fun way to see the area, and we could have dinner at Peohe’s with beautiful waterfront views.

If we’re feeling adventurous, a day trip to Temecula Valley for wine tasting at Wilson Creek Winery would be a nice escape, followed by a casual dinner at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens.

To wrap up the week, we’d enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Breakfast Republic, spend some time in Balboa Park, and end our trip with a sunset dinner at C Level Lounge to take in the skyline views. This itinerary would give us a great mix of experiences while I continue to discover all that San Diego has to offer!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and mentors who have been instrumental in my journey. My mom, a talented artist, has been a significant source of inspiration for me. Her creativity and passion for her craft have taught me the importance of pursuing one’s interests and expressing oneself through art, which I carry into my work in the beauty industry.

I also want to recognize my mentors in the beauty industry. Their guidance, expertise, and encouragement have been invaluable as I transitioned from a more general career path back into beauty. They helped me refine my skills in skincare and waxing, and their insights into running a successful business have shaped my approach.

Website: https://www.millestarx.com

Instagram: @millestarx