Meet Annalisa Mungia

Meet Annalisa Mungia (@strippedtweeze), a passionate esthetician, viral content creator with over 92 million views, and successful entrepreneur based in Orange County, California. With 5 years in the beauty industry, Annalisa has built her dream business, Stripped Tweeze, where she specializes in Brazilian waxing and brows—her favorite services for the confidence and connection they bring her clients.

From following her heart into esthetics school to launching her own brand, Annalisa embodies creativity, resilience, and community. She’s not only committed to delivering results in the treatment room, but also to expanding into education, growing her online presence, and inspiring other estheticians to chase their dreams.

For Annalisa, this career is about more than just waxing—it’s about building relationships, empowering others, and creating a brand that reflects her vision.

What inspired you to become an esthetician?

As a young girl and teenager, I always loved all things beauty. In high school, I became especially passionate about makeup and even dreamed of becoming a makeup artist. My mom, who is a teacher, encouraged me to pursue a more traditional college path because she didn’t believe the beauty industry offered financial stability. Out of respect for her advice, I went to college, but I felt lost and unsure of what I truly wanted to do with my life.

During that time, I worked as a receptionist in several salons and spas. It was in those roles that I was surrounded by estheticians and other women in the industry. I admired their confidence, the way they made clients feel, and the independence they carried. Being in that environment inspired me deeply.

Eventually, I had to be honest with myself—I wasn’t passionate about what I was studying in college, but every time I stepped into a salon, I felt energized and at home. That realization gave me the courage to take a leap of faith. I decided to step away from college and enroll in esthetics school, despite the outside pressures and doubts. It was a bold decision, but it was also the first time I felt like I was truly following the path I was meant to be on.

Why did you decide to start your own business?

From the very beginning, I’ve had an entrepreneurial mindset. I always envisioned having my own space where I could create a brand and client experience that truly reflected who I am.

After graduating from esthetics school, I started my career at European Wax Center. That experience gave me a strong foundation—it taught me speed, consistency, and confidence, as well as the importance of client communication and professionalism. While I was grateful for everything I learned there, I also knew I wanted more. I craved the freedom to express my creativity, set my own standards, and grow beyond simply performing services.

Launching Stripped Tweeze was the turning point. It allowed me to take everything I had learned—both from school and from EWC—and pour it into building a business of my own. My vision wasn’t just to offer waxing services, but to create a brand that could expand into education, social media, and community building. Being my own boss gave me the freedom to explore those avenues and build something bigger than just myself behind the treatment table.

What is your favorite service to perform and why?

Brazilian waxing and brows are, hands down, both my favorite and most requested services. They’re quick, 30-minute appointments that create a huge impact on how someone feels. For me, they’re also incredibly satisfying to perform. I love the process—the way the wax applies in a clean strip, the velcro-like sound as it’s removed—it puts me completely in my element and brings me a sense of calm and focus.

But what I love most about any service goes beyond the technique—it’s the connection I get to build with my clients. I cherish our conversations, learning about their lives, and making them feel cared for. My clients genuinely feel like my besties. Those moments of connection, combined with the transformation they see in the mirror, are what make this career so meaningful and rewarding for me.

Tell us about the biggest challenge you've faced while running your own business. How do you cope?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was transitioning from a structured, corporate environment to running my own business entirely on my own. At EWC, everything was provided—the wax, the scripts, the clients, even the training. But when I decided to go solo, all of those responsibilities suddenly fell on me. I had to figure out how to source my own products, build a clientele from scratch, manage scheduling, market my services, and handle the financial side of things.

At first, it felt overwhelming. I wasn’t just the waxer anymore—I was also the receptionist, the bookkeeper, the content creator, and the business owner all rolled into one. What helped me navigate that shift was creating systems and routines to stay organized, and reminding myself to give grace when things didn’t go perfectly. I leaned on the skills I had developed at EWC—like efficiency and strong client communication—and adapted them to the business I was building.

Over time, I realized that “wearing all the hats” wasn’t just a challenge—it was my biggest growth opportunity. It pushed me to become resourceful, self-reliant, and creative. Those qualities are exactly what have allowed my business to thrive today.

What business goals have you set for yourself this year, and how do you plan to achieve them?

One of my biggest goals this year is to expand into education. I’m currently developing my in-person Brazilian wax class, designed to help other estheticians refine their technique and build confidence. Over time, I’ve realized I have just as much passion for teaching as I do for waxing itself, and I’m excited to pour that into creating a valuable learning experience.

Another major goal is to continue growing my online presence. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have already allowed me to reach so many people, and I want to keep building on that momentum. My plan is to stay consistent with posting educational content, collaborating with brands, and sharing more behind-the-scenes moments so people can see the real life of a solo esthetician. At the core of it all, I’m relying on two things: consistency and authenticity.

What is one business tool you can't live without?

Without a doubt—social media. It’s been the foundation of my growth. Not only has it brought in so many clients who discover me through my TikToks or Instagram, but it has also opened doors to brand collaborations and industry opportunities I never could have imagined. Social media allows me to educate, showcase my techniques, and build a community, all while marketing my services for free. It’s a tool I can’t imagine running my business without!

How and when did you discover Bushbalm? Why did you choose to carry us?

I first discovered Bushbalm through an episode of The Waxing Podcast. Not long after, Bushbalm actually found me on TikTok and reached out for a collaboration—that’s how our professional relationship began. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to create content for them and even work alongside the brand at IECSC Las Vegas, which was an incredible highlight for me this year!

Once I tried the products myself, I was completely hooked. They fit seamlessly into the services I provide, not only enhancing client results in the treatment room but also giving clients an easy, effective way to care for their skin at home. I chose to carry Bushbalm because I trust the ingredients, I love the results, and I know my clients genuinely benefit from them.

Which Bushbalm product is most popular at your salon? Why do you think that is?

The Nude Ingrown Hair Oil is by far the most popular product with my clients. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and perfect for sensitive skin, which makes it an easy recommendation after Brazilians. My clients love that it prevents ingrowns, reduces irritation, and keeps their skin smooth between appointments. It’s popular because it’s effective, simple to use, and provides visible results quickly—which builds trust and keeps clients coming back for more.

What do you enjoy most about the Bushbalm Pro community?

I love how collaborative and uplifting the Bushbalm Pro community is. Being surrounded by other estheticians who are so open to sharing their experiences, celebrating each other’s successes, and offering advice creates such a strong sense of belonging. It’s not competitive—it’s supportive. That kind of community makes the industry feel less lonely, especially as a solo esthetician. It’s inspiring to know that we’re all growing together and rooting for each other.

What advice would you give to new estheticians entering the field?

My advice is to practice as much as possible and never stop learning. Take every opportunity to build your skills—whether it’s on friends, family, models, or even yourself. Don’t be afraid of mistakes; they’re some of the best teachers you’ll ever have.

Invest in continuing education by taking classes, attending trade shows, and soaking up as much knowledge as you can. I always recommend working for someone else before going solo—the experience you gain will prepare you far better for the challenges of running a business.

Most importantly, stay passionate and persistent. This industry rewards those who put in the work, stay committed, and remain true to their vision.