Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Standen.
Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After I graduated from college with an undergrad in Human Sciences and a minor in Gerontology, I struggled to find my place in the workforce. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my career. So I went into something somewhat related to my degree- property management in low income housing for elderly and disabled through the Rural Development housing program. I loved it, it emotionally fulfilled me but I couldn’t afford to continue that work if I ever wanted to achieve my goal of buying a home. So I moved on to HOA management- this did not fulfill me in any way, so I knew I needed to make a complete change. I decided to go to beauty school and get into aesthetics!
I called my friend who owned the first sugaring studio in Portland and asked her all the questions. She graciously offered me a job while I was still in school and taught me the fine art of sugaring! I worked there for several years, perfecting my craft, then COVID hit and all salons in Oregon were ordered to be shut down. I used that time to develop a business plan and worked to open my own sugaring studio. But I knew I wanted it to be more. So I developed a collective, where other beauty and wellness professionals could come and lease a space within my studio. Peace Love & Sugar opened in 2022 and has been thriving ever since!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. Coming out of COVID, there were a lot of unknowns and I wasn’t even sure people would want to get back into their beauty routines they had before. I was in a different area, Portland is quite different than the suburbs of Happy Valley, but I believed that I had a good idea and I really wanted to bring the art of sugaring to Happy Valley. When I first began developing my business plan, there were no other sugaring studios in town. Then, after I signed a lease on a lovely little spot, a large franchise announced they were also opening a sugaring studio a literal stones through from my studio. To say I was disheartened is an understatement. But since I also live in Happy Valley and I know I always prefer to support small business over a big box business. So I trusted the process and I trusted my own instinct, knowing what my friends and people around me were looking for. So I continued on and opened in 2022!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from being a business owner, I also work at my studio, performing sugaring hair removal. Sugaring is the oldest form of organic hair removal, similar to waxing. It is best for all skin and hair types. I see clients daily and sugar anything from brows to bikinis, to legs… I am most proud of creating a safe space for anyone to come in and have hair removed that makes them uncomfortable. And for creating a space for anyone!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was spending Christmas in Hawaii! My dad’s sister and her family lived on Maui for many years and one year, we all went there for Christmas! our first time! My Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all went, which was a very big deal. Being from Oregon, it was very different going from snow/ rain during the holidays, to sun and beach! A total weather shock and so fun!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.peaceloveandsugar.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/peaceloveandsugar
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/katie-standen
