Nicky Shore owner of OFF Wax & Laser and ON Browhouse started her business eight years ago, today she has four locations, with 40 staff. She also juggles home life on a farm outside of Auckland with two small boys and best gal pal, Flossie. Trudi Brewer caught up with Shore to find out how she does it all.
How did you dream up the concept of OFF Wax & Laser Bar?
I had been in the UK for some time and seen the rise of specialist waxing destinations worldwide. The Brazilian wax in New Zealand was still somewhat underground, and after some harrowing experiences, and a year of research, OFF was born.
And On Browhouse?
OFF started out as OFF Wax & Brow Bar. But as we grew it became clear we needed to split our services into two specialist brands. Our brow artists are the best in their field and there is an art to ‘seeing’ a brow not just now but where it needs to be. A year and a half ago we launched our Browography™ service (feather stroke brow tattoo) to truly be able to provide the full spectrum of brow solutions.
What services do you offer?
At OFF we only do one thing – take off, with laser and waxing. Brazilians are what we are renowned for - and we own the trademark for the Brozilian for men. While at ON we offer a range, from temporary to semi-permanent brows, brow shaping, colour, extensions, a Browography, as well as lash colour and lash lifts.
What is your career high to date?
Nothing would beat opening the doors of our Newmarket store on the first day. It was a huge feeling of having been brave enough to see it through and that that there was no going back. We made $22 that day... and spent a lot more than $22 on wine that day!
Working in this industry, what does beauty mean to you?
Beauty is about a sense of self, the kind of person you are and how that is all packaged in your style. That does come with age and figuring out who you are, including your imperfections - I guess being authentic.
You have a busy city business and live in the country, why?
I am at heart more at home in the country. When we moved back from overseas we made the conscious decision to come back for a kiwi lifestyle – that to us was land, animals (lots of animals), horses and the more rural life I knew as a child. I think living in the country keeps me grounded, provides the balance and gives clarity and perspective, I don’t think I would get if I lived in the city. I love simple things like physical labour that having a bit more land out here allows me to indulge – my happy place is mowing a paddock, horse riding or getting dirty with the kids.
What is your passion outside work?
I grew up with horses, however with my career, then the business and having children I hadn’t ridden for about 20 years. We chose where we live, always based on the idea that I would ride again as a hobby but the intensity and demands of work meant I couldn’t commit to it. Last year my husband Kelvin must have sensed that I missed it. He arranged, with my family, to get my horse Flossie, who is every girl's dream – gorgeous and kind and loves being the ‘one and only’.
How do you stay well and happy?
I wish I were more ‘health conscious’ but I confess I drink too much coffee and wine, too little water, and I don't get enough sleep! However the horse riding, and all the jobs around the farm keep me active. Even though I work long hours, and it can at times be very intense, the balance of home keeps it all in perspective.
What advice would you give other women juggling a business and family?
I was told that as soon as you have children you give birth to guilt as well. I struggle with a guilt complex but the key to making it work has been my husband Kelvin – we are a team. Also, I let go of the fact that I can't do everything or be everywhere, I am learning to say no. The balance constantly needs work, some days it tips one way more than the other but that is o.k.
What are you most proud of?
My kids... they are awesome little people and have made me a better person.
Photography Keryn Sweeney
Nicky wears Donatella gown, $1600 from Yvonne Bennetti