Esthetician and makeup artist Mikaela Fyfe wants to take the hair removal experience to a whole new level at her business Bring Your Own Vinyl (BYOV). Not only does she offer a fun, safe and non-judgmental space in her waxing and hair removal studio, she’s also fused the experience with an appreciation for music and highlighting mental health.
BYOV exists to bridge the gap between mental health services and to give back to the community–as well as help make you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. We sat down with Mikaela to learn more about what she does and why she does it.
What sets you apart from other hair studios?
What sets me apart from other spas and waxing studios is BYOV combines waxing and hair removal with vinyl appreciation and mental health. I believe in treating others well and being a good listener. I also know that music is the one thing we universally love. Self-care, connection and music all go hand-in-hand. BYOV wants to keep the love for vinyl going right round, baby right round!
Why is it important for you to provide people with a safe & non-judgemental space?
Because I know what the opposite feels like–I’ve definitely been there. Through my perspective and lived experiences, I’ve developed a natural ability to help others feel good about themselves, while creating moments of calm for their well-being. I’ve created a space that I yearned for throughout my lifetime. I couldn’t find it, so I created it.
What was your ah-ha moment when you decided this was something you should pursue?
My aha moment was noticing that my previous employers in this industry were only 3 years older than myself! If they could do it, maybe I could too! I admired the fact that they could run their own business and provide a comfortable life for themselves and their team.
How does it feel to be your own boss?
Being my own boss is one of the greatest gifts I have ever given myself. If you told me 10 years ago that I’d be my own boss, I never would have believed it.
How does it make you feel when you help someone feel good about themselves emotionally and physically?
When I help someone feel good about themselves emotionally and physically, it allows me to get outside of myself and make sense of this fast-paced world that we live in. In all honesty, it’s difficult to put into words how wonderful it truly feels!
What are the next steps for you and this business you’ve built?
The next step for me in BYOV Mental Health Esthetic Studio is to connect! BYOV wants to bridge the gap between mental health services, and give back to the community.
Promotion, marketing & building genuine connections are the next building blocks. It feels very surreal to bring an idea to life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
