For Amber Lawrence, owning a beauty studio is about much more than providing a service. It is about creating a place where clients can walk through the door, feel comfortable being themselves and leave with a little more confidence than when they arrived.

Amber is the owner and esthetician behind Waxed Buffalo, a beauty studio in Depew specializing in full body and brow waxing. From first-time clients who may be nervous about the experience to longtime waxers looking to get back into a routine, Amber’s goal is to make every appointment feel relaxed, welcoming and personal.

“What I love the most is every relationship I’ve built along the way and making each of you feel comfortable, welcomed and completely you,” she says.

Growing up in Alden, Amber didn’t necessarily have a perfectly mapped-out plan that would eventually lead to Waxed Buffalo. She did, however, always have an entrepreneurial side.

Before entering the beauty industry, Amber owned a candle business and enjoyed taking her creations to craft shows, meeting new people and finding ways to turn something she loved into a business.

“I was always finding ways to turn something I enjoy into a business,” she says. “Looking back, I think those experiences gave me the confidence and determination to eventually take the leap into something bigger.”

Amber initially went to college to become a dental assistant, but soon realized it wasn’t the right path for her. She decided to tap back into that entrepreneurial side and pursue her esthetics license. From there, Waxed Buffalo slowly began to take shape.

Eventually, she opened her own studio and was able to create the kind of environment she had envisioned.

“I’ve grown so much personally and professionally through the process, and seeing how far Waxed Buffalo has come is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

Taking the Intimidation Out of Waxing

Amber understands that making a waxing appointment, particularly for the first time, can come with some nerves. That is one of the reasons she puts as much emphasis on the experience as she does on the service itself.

“Waxing can feel intimidating or uncomfortable, especially if it’s your first time, and I never want anyone to feel judged or awkward in my studio,” she says.

Instead, Amber intentionally keeps the atmosphere relaxed. Clients can talk, laugh, ask questions and know that they are in a judgment-free space.

That personalized approach is also what Amber believes sets Waxed Buffalo apart.

“I create relationships with my clients rather than making them feel as if they’re a number.”

For someone who has been thinking about trying waxing but hasn't quite worked up the nerve, Amber says those are exactly the clients she wants to meet. The same goes for someone who has had an uncomfortable experience elsewhere or an experienced client who simply needs to get back into a regular routine.

She is happy to answer questions, explain what to expect and help each client establish a routine that works for them.

Local Business Supporting Local Business

Waxed isn't Amber's only entrepreneurial venture. She also owns The Link Society, and through both businesses she participates in pop-up events, collaborations and fundraisers.

Recently, The Link Society teamed up with 716 Paws for a fundraising event in Buffalo, combining Amber's love of local business with an opportunity to give back.

“Being a small local business means so much to me, and I love being able to support and work with other local businesses whenever I can,” she says.

That connection to the area is personal for Amber, too. Having grown up in Alden, she has always enjoyed the neighborhood and surrounding communities.

When Amber isn't working on one of her businesses, she enjoys the quieter things that allow her to recharge. She is a dog mom to her Pomsky, Laila, and also has a cat, Willow, who she says keeps her on her toes.

She can often be found getting lost in a good book, caring for her plants or simply spending time with her animals.

“Having those little things outside of work that help me slow down and recharge is so important to me,” she says.

As Amber looks at how Waxed Buffalo has grown, she credits the people around her for helping make it possible.

Her clients, family and friends, along with everyone who has recommended the business, shared a social media post, written a review or simply supported her along the way, have all played a role.

And those relationships remain at the center of what she wants Waxed to be: a local business where clients don't simply come in for an appointment, but feel known, welcomed and comfortable.

Whether someone is booking their very first wax or has been waxing for years, Amber wants them to know they have a place at Waxed Buffalo.