In this heartfelt episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, co-hosts Rebecca Monet and Tracy Kawa sit down with Kristi Levig, a rising franchise leader in the Waxing the City system. Kristi’s story is one of transformation, trust, and tenacity—and serves as a powerful reminder of how the right mix of mentorship, mindset, and heart can shape not just businesses, but lives.
Humble Beginnings with Big Dreams
Kristi didn’t start out as a franchisee or even envision herself as a business owner. In fact, after initially following a more “traditional” college path, Kristi made a bold pivot toward her real passion—the beauty industry.
Her journey began as a waxing specialist at Waxing the City in St. Cloud, Minnesota. She quickly rose through the ranks, thanks in part to the mentorship of the studio’s franchisee, who empowered her to step into a management role. Kristi learned every facet of the business hands-on—from client experience to team dynamics and operational leadership.
The Leap to Ownership
When her mentor and original studio owner began considering retirement, she approached Kristi with a bold idea: “You should buy it.”
Kristi was hesitant at first. “I told her no way,” she recalls. “Why would I spend that much money just to pay someone else?” But her mentor’s reply shifted everything: Then spend that same money figuring it out on your own.
That moment opened Kristi’s eyes to the value of franchising—not just in brand recognition, but in the support, systems, and shared knowledge it provided. Soon, she began building a relationship with the Waxing the City corporate team and saw what was possible.
With a leap of faith and growing confidence, she became the new owner of the studio where she had once started her career.
From Managing to Leading
Transitioning from manager to owner wasn’t seamless—especially with a team she had once worked alongside. Kristi had to implement new systems, follow franchise best practices, and make operational shifts that some team members resisted.
The result? A nearly full team turnover.
“That part was really hard,” Kristi says. “But I knew I had to create the culture I believed in. And the people who stayed—or joined later—thrived in that new environment.”
The good news? Kristi found her stride as a leader. Today, her team has remarkable longevity, with many employees staying for five years or more—a rarity in today’s labor market.
Scaling with Care
Kristi didn’t stop with one studio. She soon acquired a second existing location and is now preparing to open her third from scratch—this time with a longtime employee as her co-owner.
Her second location, while familiar, came with a new set of challenges. As someone not there daily, she had to rely on the strength of her manager and the franchise systems to make the transition work. And while there were bumps in the road, Kristi’s optimism and thoughtful approach once again created a thriving team culture.
For her third studio, she’s excited to experience the entire build-out process—everything from site selection to opening day. Even better? She’s sharing ownership with someone she mentored from the front desk all the way to co-ownership.
Franchising as a Guide, Not a Limiter
One of the biggest shifts in Kristi’s mindset came when she realized the power of franchising.
“I used to wonder, why would you work that hard just to pay someone else? But what I’ve learned is, franchising gives you this built-in support system. You’re not alone. You’re not guessing. And when something goes wrong, you have a team behind you.”
She now sees the franchise model as a partnership that offers freedom, not limitations—helping her grow with clarity, confidence, and community.
Leading with Empathy
What truly sets Kristi apart as a franchisee isn’t just her growth—it’s how she grows.
Kristi builds strong relationships with her team. She’s attended employee weddings, met their babies, and formed genuine connections beyond the walls of her studios. She doesn’t just care about job performance—she cares about people.
She leads with empathy, celebrates growth, and creates space for others to thrive. “If someone on my team wants more,” she says, “I want to help them get there—even if it means co-owning a location with me, like we’re doing now.”
Creating Future Leaders
Perhaps the most moving part of Kristi’s journey is how she’s paying it forward.
The employee she’s now partnering with on studio #3 started as a receptionist, then went to school to become a waxing specialist, and eventually told Kristi she dreamed of owning her own studio one day.
Rather than losing her to another opportunity, Kristi extended a hand and offered to build something together.
“It’s really special to see someone catch the passion you have—and want to grow because of what you modeled.”
The Power of Mindset
Despite the ups and downs, Kristi remains unshakably optimistic.
“I think failure is always a possibility,” she says. “But I don’t let fear stop me. If something doesn’t work one way, it’ll work another. I’ve learned to trust the process and trust myself.”
Her advice to future entrepreneurs?
“Go into business if it feels right. Do it with your heart. Love what you’re about to be doing, and try to put all your fears aside. They’ll only hold you back.”
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Whether you’re a current franchisee, a curious entrepreneur, or someone seeking encouragement, Kristi’s story will leave you inspired to lead with purpose, collaborate boldly, and embrace growth—even when it’s scary.
