Marilyn Landes, owner and founder of Clean Slate Waxing Lounge, has been a driving force in the beauty and wellness industry since 2005. With three thriving locations, including the newest addition in Liberty Hill, Landes’ journey is a testament to of her passion for exceptional service and her deep roots in entrepreneurship.
Landes’ career as a licensed esthetician began in 2005, but her entrepreneurial spirit has been a constant in her life, inspired by a family of business owners. She also has a background in nursing, becoming a registered nurse in 2014 and balancing her work in healthcare with her love of aesthetics. In 2016, after a pivotal moment during her wedding, Landes and her husband took a leap of faith.
“It was after a layoff,” Landes said of Clean Slate’s origins. “We decided to fulfill a long-held dream of opening a spa, which led us to the birth of Austin’s First Clean Slate Hair Salon.”
Over the past eight years, Landes has expanded her business to Georgetown in 2022 and most recently, to Liberty Hill just two months ago. She and her family moved to Liberty Hill from Leander six months ago, bringing their commitment to high-quality service to their new community. The Liberty Hill location—housed in the old Viridian Rowe building—reflects Landes’ vision and creativity, transforming the space into a welcoming environment for customers.
Despite managing three locations, Landes is a hands-on owner, splitting her time between all three on a weekly basis. The larger Georgetown location offers a full range of day spa services, including nails, massage therapy and eyelash extensions. The Austin and Liberty Hill locations offer similar services, except for the hydrafacials at Liberty Hill.
“I grew up in a family of business owners,” Landes added. “I always aspired to run my own company and my grandparents who owned their own business for 53 years were a huge inspiration.” Her journey is deeply influenced by her desire to provide top-notch service and a positive and supportive work environment for her team.
The decision to open a Liberty Hill location was driven by convenience and a love of community. Originally from Houston, she has lived in the area for 22 years and appreciates the small-town atmosphere and sense of community that Liberty Hill offers.
One of the most memorable aspects Landes has experienced so far at Liberty Hill has been the overwhelming support of the community. She speaks warmly of the locals who have stopped by to offer their encouragement and the positive impact this has had on her business.
Clean Slate Waxing Lounge offers a variety of packages, including Buy 6 Get 1 Free and Buy 9 Get 2 Free, as well as bi-annual and semi-annual specials. Face memberships and other promotions are also available, making their services accessible to a wide range of customers. The most popular services at all locations are Brazilian waxing and eyebrow treatments, with the Liberty Hill location seeing increased demand for facials and lash lifts.
Clean Slate’s core values and principles focus on clear communication, exceeding customer expectations and going the extra mile to make every service personal and memorable. Landes believes in the importance of a positive work culture, starting with strong management and ongoing education to ensure her staff is always up-to-date in the ever-changing skin care industry. She is also a strong advocate for understanding and supporting her team through life’s challenges, always striving to be a good listener and consider different perspectives.
Landes offers this advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Give it 100 percent commitment every day and put your whole heart into it,” she said. “You have to be passionate about what you’re doing, especially in a business that offers peace and relaxation and makes people feel better – a caring mindset is essential.”
Traveling with Clean Slate Waxing Lounge is an incredible example of a dream becoming a reality. When not at work, Landes enjoys traveling with her husband and their two children, relaxing and recharging for the next chapter of her successful business journey.