This story appears in the October issue of Utah Business. Subscribe.  Once a month, Utah Business hosts Founder Friday, a free event sponsored by BONCO, Kiln and Comma Copywriters that showcases the wisdom of Utah-based founders. In September, Kiln hosted the conversation between Utah Business Editor Mekenna Malan and Jenna White, owner of Empire Body Waxing. 1. Harness the power of empowerment. Rejecting stereotypical beauty norms, Empire’s advertising doesn’t feature the usual images of women in bikinis. “Empire is all about empowerment … Men also get waxed. Empire’s waxing is for every body,” White says. “Everyone is welcome.” White’s personal experiences with domestic violence have shaped her dedication to creating a safe, inclusive space. She passionately argues for shifting the shame from victims to perpetrators. “There’s no reason that anyone should be ashamed they’re in that situation. Let’s start embarrassing the perpetrators,” she asserts. By speaking out, White hopes to give others the courage to do the same. Mekenna Malan with Jenna White onstage at Founder Friday. | Photo by Amber Manning 2. Build a broad network. White also highlights the critical importance of networking beyond your immediate niche. “There is a bunch of untapped network [in beauty],” she says, advising against confining oneself to a homogenous circle, suggesting instead to “get to know the plumbers.” Her success lies in her unique ability to connect with clients on a personal level. In a profession that often sees clients in vulnerable positions, she emphasizes the importance of empathy and rapport. “You have to be able to make people feel comfortable in a very uncomfortable situation,” White says. “That’s a gift that I have.” 3. Prioritize giving back. “If we’re out making millions and we don’t help anyone else with it, what are we even doing it for?” White asks. Having once relied on community resources as a single mother, White uses her success to give back through initiatives like “Empire Empowers,” which allocates a portion of revenue to community support and awards year-long waxing scholarships. The scholarships specifically go to support the self-care of women in challenging circumstances. “Your life is in shambles, and now you feel ugly? That’s the worst. Even that little boost of confidence can change someone’s day and trajectory overall,” White says. “If we’re out making millions and we don’t help anyone else with it, what are we even doing it for?” 4. Just do it. White’s advice to budding entrepreneurs facing difficult personal circumstances is timeless: “Just do it.”  Her journey reflects a tenacity and willingness to dive into the unknown. White believes there is never a “right” time. Just do it, she says, and figure things out along the way. By following this bold ethos, White has transformed Empire Body Waxing into a sanctuary of empowerment, support and community strength. She embodies the belief that true success is measured by the positive impact left on others.  The post 4 business lessons from Jenna White, owner of Empire Body Waxing appeared first on Utah Business.