WAX’s Awesome Team




Leela’s Addictions

Photo by Jason Travis

So much has gone on at WAX this past January with all of the exciting new renovations that it’s a relief to find ourselves starting anew.  New month, new outlook, new addictions!  Typically February is all about boxed chocolates and stuffy winter wear, but this year I feel it’s much different.  Don’t get me wrong, I still get excited about a box of chocolates and a good peacoat, but this time it’s all about planning ahead for spring.  You could even say, I’m addicted to it….

Here are some things that have been (and will continue to be) on my list for the month of February:

1.)  Vintage Brown Ankle Boots:  I could easily forecast this as a life-long addiction at this point, but it started when I found the most comfortable flat, brown, lace up vintage ankle boots on Etsy.  My overly obsessive shopping days are over (along with my early twenties), so now when I find something I like, I like it to death.  Here’s where I bought mine:  Granny’s Bootery

2.)  Tanglewood Farms:  Three words:  Miniature, farm, animals.  ’Nuff said.  Google it.  Go there and get blind sighted by cuteness.

3.)  Éminence Strawberry Rhubarb Masque:  I love to use this as either a mask, or as a bi-weekly scrub.  The texture is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and has saved my skin from break outs on many occasions.

 

4.)  Organic Gardening:  With all of this premature spring weather, I have been itching to get my raised bed plans all in order.  Never having made a true attempt at cultivating a successful garden, this year feels like my year (to not be so lazy).  Along with my planning, I have been perusing the Georgia Organics website regularly for tips, organic seed resources, and updates on the local food movement in Georgia.

5.)  Turquoise, bones, and feathers:  I realize the Native American, bohemian vibe is a bit of a trend right now, but I seriously can’t get enough of these natural elements.  Whether it’s in jewelry, art, or used as an embellishment, I’m into it.  However, as with all things, I feel it’s important to be conscious of ethics over vanity.  If you’re looking for awesome cruelty-free feathers, check out the Friendly Feather Shop.  They make great gift wrapping flair!

Latanya Mumford

We are very happy to introduce Latanya as the newest member of the WAX family!  Latanya has many years of salon and spa experience, and we feel super lucky to have her take charge of the front desk. Originally from Massachusetts, she has made her way to Atlanta where she lives with her daughter, Latatiana.  A master cosmetologist herself, Latanya is skilled in many aspects of the beauty industry, including hair, nails, and facials.  Welcome, Latanya!

1)  3 things that people wouldn’t necessarily know about you:  I am an identical twin, I enjoy skating, and I was born in Massachusetts.

 

2)  Favorite indulgences:  Chocolate, merlot, and a good movie.

3)  Your spirit animal, and why?  Rabbits,  because they are quiet and loving.

4)  Favorite meal:  Thai, or Japanese Katsu.

5)  If you could have anyone be your personal stylist, who would it be, and why?  Serena Williams because I really like that you can see her strength through her style.

6)  Personal Soundtrack:  Grease.

Raney’s Addictions

 Some of you WAX regulars out there may or may not have met Raney, our exceptionally talented lash extension specialist and makeup artist.  She works by appointment, and she is the BOMB.  Check out her work here.  Always professional (but not without good jokes), Raney is great for brides looking for lashes, makeup or hair (or all three…)for their big day.  Find out what she’s addicted to for the month of November!
1.)  My gray cashmere Grandpa sweater:  I’ve already sewn up holes in the armpits once, but seeing as it still has all the original buttons I think it has many more years on the favorites list.
2.)  Moisture Rich Body Lotion from Clarins:  This body lotion is greasy in SUCH a good way.  It smells good, feels good.  Hint:  Go see Gorganne at Bloomie’s Lenox-she’s the bomb-diggity and the only person I buy Clarins products from.  Thank God they make an economy size of this stuff!
3.)  Haribo Gummy Bears:   I shouldn’t even have to justify this one.  These have the best flavor of any gummy bear-hands down.  They’re an aerobic workout for your jaw, but mmm….those clear ones?  Wha??
4.)  Pandora Radio:  since I’m too lazy and cheap for iTunes, this is a staple in the O’Keefe abode.  I rock a power shuffle of Air Supply, Hall and Oates (poor Oates), and The Pretenders one night.  The next night I’ll cut a rug to Kermit Ruffins or the Rebirth Brass Band.  Then there’s the random Rocky Horror night…
5.)  Rosebud Salve:  Cheap and just left of Vaseline.  You are SO lying if you’ve never dipped into the big tub for a little lip love.
6.)  My sweetheart’s foot rubs:  He has strong hands and can’t resist my pleas.  I should probably return the favor sometime…er…
7.)  Ibuprofen:  My motto-  when in doubt, just take a few ibuprofen.  It’s bound to make SOMETHING feel better.

Roza Leon

Originally from Russia, Roza graduated from the International School of Skin and Nail Care in 1999 and has been on a skin care journey ever since.  Gaining experience in many realms of the industry, her areas of expertise include:  management, training, and image consulting.  However, her specialty continues to remain in the practice of hair removal.  While she is very passionate about waxing, she believes a true hair removal specialist should not only be able to remove the hair with proper technique, but also educate the client on proper skin and hair health.  When she’s not at WAX, you can find Roza running, fishing, or exploring the outdoors, but when it’s time to unwind, she’s all about dinner and a movie.

Book that has most influenced you: Rich Dad Poor Dad

Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Jacob.  He would be a good wax client ;)

Your spirit animal and why? Panther because I love black, they have body flexibility, and they are a very proud animal.

Dream Job: Other than what I do now, I would love to be a private investigator, and/or specialize in infant massage.

Three things you can’t live without: Learning, sharing, and clothes!

Myka’s Addictions

According to my husband I am addicted to a lot of things: constant rearranging of our furniture, vintage Italian ceramics, compulsive eBay bidding & talking while he’s watching something “important” on TV. I, however, do not consider those addictions – they are called passions and these are a few of the things that I am passionate about this month.

 1. Indian headresses. Please see adjacent photo. I would wear this to the grocery store just for kicks. No, really….I would….

2. Fiddleleaf Fig Trees. They’re so sculptural and pretty. Mine is only about 3 ft but I’m hoping it will soon look like one of the one’s in this picture.

3. Eating for my blood type. Dr. D’Adamo’s medical and genetic research reveals that blood type is the key to your biochemical uniqueness. When you eat right for your type, your body responds the way nature intended. I am Type A and should be mostly vegetarian and avoid wheat. I should also drink coffee (yay!) and avoid black tea. The list goes on and on but fortunately for me most of what I should be eating I already do with a few exceptions of things that need to be avoided: cheese from cows, capers, olives & peppers. Cue me sobbing into my cup of coffee. Can’t yet say if I’ll be a life long convert, but I have lost a few pounds, have more energy and a lingering cough is now gone. Check out the book here.

4. Plums. ‘Nuf said. Nothing makes me happier than fresh plums in the summer. LOVE them. And they’re on my list of blood type approved foods.

5. Adara coconut oil. It works great for everything, from dry skin to dry hair and leaves me smelling all beachy. Perfect for summer. Find it here.

6. Vintage Fiat 500. I am so in love with this little car. I constantly search for the       perfect one on eBay.

Regina Fleming

A California native, Regina made the trek to Atlanta in 2007, only to later become a graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics in 2010.  Regina has always had a passion for esthetics.  As far back as she can remember, this California girl has always loved to beautify; whether it’s through fashion, styling, make-up, or waxing… Regina believes that the best way to take care of her WAX clients is by taking care of herself.  When she’s not busy giving the best waxing experience she can to her clients, Regina enjoys spending her precious free time either reading books or playing outside with her adorable toddler, Damon (and hopefully squeezing in a massage!).  She’s sweet, funny, SUPER skilled, and loves providing the immediate satisfaction of a great wax to her clients.

Childhood ambition: I wanted to be a monkey trainer…because I love them!

If you could have anyone be your personal stylist, who would it be, and why?

Kim Kardashian.  I LOVE her style!

Personal skincare routine: Wash, tone, and moisturize (plus I do a mask and exfoliate weekly).

Favorite meal: Chimichanga, rice, beans, chips, salsa and a cherry coke.

Three things you can’t live without: My son, lipgloss, and water!

Find out more about Regina here.

 

 

 

Myka Jene Barbato

Myka is the owner here at WAX and you can usually find her in one of the following places: upstairs in the office or mainlining espresso at our coffee machine….She is a beauty, design and fashion junkie. From the time she was a little girl at the age of 3 “putting on her jewelry” before she went to nursery, she has been enamored with beautiful things and making things beautiful. That is what led her to Paris to study Fashion Marketing and also what landed her in the marketing department at Diane Von Furstenberg in NY. Her desire to move beyond clothing pushed her to work as a stylist – creating beautiful environments for magazines and video shoots. Opening WAX is a combination of the things she loves and does best – creating the perfect space to bring beauty, energy and style into other people’s lives. In the tradition of sharing here are a few things that maybe you didn’t know about her:

Things you would save in a fire: Letters from my hubby, childhood photos and my cherished Curtis Jere Urchin sculpture.

Book that has most influenced you: The Celestine Prophecy

First job: Front desk at a hair salon on N. Highland.

Personal style in 3 words. Evolving. Vintagey. Inconsistent.

If you could have anyone be your personal stylist, who would it be, and why? Lou Dillion….the whole Parisian messy chic thing. Or Kate Moss…the whole messy chic British thing.

3 things that people wouldn’t necessarily know about you: I meditate daily, speak 3 languages and once got stranded overnight on a sailboat with no wind, no water and no food. Fun.

Find out more about Myka here.

Lane Reid

Lane is a graduate of the International School of Skin and Nails and has worked in many areas of the esthetics field over the past 10 years.  She specializes in Brazilians and brows as they are the most challenging in waxing services.  Lane believes that true beauty comes from within, and because of that, she is also a certified nutritionist as well as an accomplished organic food chef.  She believes in the importance of customer service and appreciates client relationships that are created through making people more beautiful than they really are. She hails all the way from Canada so keep reading to find out more about our latest import!

Ideal vacation: A beach where you can see through the water for miles.

Book that has most influenced you: How To Create The Perfect Eyebrow

Things you can’t live without: Chapstick & my shoe collection

Team Edward or Team Jacob? Team Edward. Vampires probably have less body hair.

If you could have anyone be your personal stylist who would it by and why? Kim Kardashian because she always looks amazing!

Three things people wouldn’t know about you: I love tequila & sci-fi and have a designer sunglasses addiction!

Find out more about Lane here.

Raney December O’Keefe

Raney is our resident lash stylist. You’ll catch her in the back room with her super zoom glasses transforming short, lifeless lashes into long, natural looking, attention grabbing ones. Whether it’s applying make-up or lash extensions, her attention to detail exceeds clients’ expectations every time. In partnership with WAX Raney is offering her un-paralleled talent for lash extensions as one of only 35 certified stylists in the state of Georgia.  Applying eyelash extensions requires masterful skill, dedication, patience and talent. Xtreme Lash’s education and eyelash extension certification process is the strictest and most comprehensive in the industry. Outside of enhancing her clients natural beauty Raney enjoys spending time cooking, hiking, and exploring Atlanta with her husband John.   Check out her some examples of her uber-talented work at  www.raneyokeefe.com.

Things you would save in a fire: My two cats, shoes, KitchenAid Mixer…

First job: The morning shift at McDonalds.  (Sigh)

Skincare routine:   I have my bathroom stocked with pre-cleansing oil, face wash, toner, serums, day creams, night creams, eye creams, sunscreen, masks, and exfoliators.  One to three of these make it on my face morning and night.

Most embarrassing moment: This could not possibly be answered here and can be found in chapters 5-8 of my upcoming memoir.

Three things you can’t live without. My hubby’s shoulder rubs, long walks in the woods and ibuprofen.

Find out more about Raney here.