Sinwaxing

Who: Samantha Robertson (37) 

Company: Sinwaxing 

In the wings: Thurston (9), Corgan (2) and Husband Joe (37)  

Where: Edinburgh 

What: Specialist waxing particularly aimed at men 

Previous Life: Anything from human resources to sound engineering 

The elevator Pitch: I only use hot wax which is a technique where specialist wax is applied and hair is removed without any strips. It is 100% less painful than strip wax and I offer the most relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I will wax anything. It doesn’t matter which part of the anatomy, it‘s all just waxing.  

Your light-bulb moment was: Sitting at my job in Human Resources, staring at a pensions spreadsheet and I wondered…….. where do the men go for waxing? 

Heroes and Villains? I moved here from South Africa 14 years ago as my dad is English. I hate to get political, but Gordon Brown is my hero. I was a single mom for two years and if it wasn’t for Gordon’s Tax Credits I could never have worked and this would have had a knock on effect on who I met-my future, my confidence, my son’s outlook and values of money and where it comes from. Villains = No Shows. I am continuously surprised by the number of people who do not show for appointments and do not even ring, text or e-mail to excuse themselves. Villains, I tell you.  

Pass on your best bit of advice: Learn to separate. It takes a while and sometimes it may feel like work is taking over, but look at your own situation and your children’s needs and it will fall into place with some discipline. 

Kids, work, life.....how do you juggle? A brilliant nursery, supportive husband and an understanding 9 year-old who realises that 'if I can’t now' it is because I am working so that we can for example go camping one weekend next month….. that’s the kids and work. The social life has taken a knock, but it is short lived and that is how I deal with that one. The time will come again for me, I call these the head down years…. young children and young business, I will get back to rock ‘n roll. 

What is the secret to your success? Treating everyone equally, and offering the service that I would expect to receive. This is a rarity these days with people far too concerned about numbers and cash. People like to be liked and I am fortunate that I have some great clients. 

Hedge fund, Cash in the attic or the kid's piggy bank? Starting very small and slowly was the only way to go for me. A little outlay and a lot of hard work. Starting up 3 months after a c-section would not be my choice next time, but it got the ball rolling. Very strict budgets for everything (still)…. in hind site I could have raided the swear box! 

If you had your time again you would: I would have done something sooner if for no other reason but to get a grant. Once you are over 30 there is little financial help! I would also try and worry less.  

Wealth or comfort... how does it pay? Comfort is coming, not one to worry about wealth. Want to see my kids grow up and get by and this way works best for us. 

You'd like to thank: My friend Sheri for helping me start a new life in Edinburgh and my husband Joe for being the mom, nurse, cook, cleaner, mechanic, taxi, dad, security service etc. - without him none of it would have been possible. Thirdly I have to thank my clients who have shown amazing loyalty. 

For my next trick: Meet more and more people and when the money is right I will branch into laser treatment, the ultimate hair removal.   

To tame your unwanted hair whether it's your legs or his big hairy back wig, make an appointment at www.sinwaxing.com

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