Sarrah Hazari is a Communications Specialist at the Foundation of Goodness, where she also leads the Sustainable Income Generation Unit. With a BSc in International Development and professional experience since the age of 17, she combines her skills in communications and community empowerment to drive meaningful change. 

She also serves as Community Service Director of the Rotaract Club of Colombo and co-founded Wax Works, a passion project with her mother.

What inspired you to start Wax Works and how did the idea of chemical-free, artisanal wax come about?

Wax Works was born during Covid, when life slowed down and I suddenly had more time on my hands with university moving online. My mother had been making this natural wax for years, sharing it only with friends and family. I saw the potential to take something authentic and effective and give it a proper brand identity. 

That’s how our Instagram page began and today we have grown to a community of over 5,000 followers. Keeping it chemical-free was never a question; my mother has eczema and this product was originally created for her. We wanted it to be safe, gentle, and accessible for everyone with any type of skin.

Your mom has been a key part of this journey; can you tell us what it’s like to build a business together?

My mother is the heart behind Wax Works; she has been making this wax at home since she was 17. In fact, my parents refined the recipe in its early days, experimenting with natural ingredients to get it just right. Working with her has been a very special experience. 

Of course, like any creative partnership, we sometimes have different ideas; she tends to be more traditional while I’m always pushing for innovation. But over time, we have found a balance. For example, after a lot of convincing, she agreed to experiment with scented versions by adding essential oils to our original recipe. That mix of her experience and my fresh perspective has made Wax Works what it is today.

What makes Wax Works different from traditional waxing products on the market?

What sets Wax Works apart is its simplicity and purity. Our recipe is completely natural, so natural that it’s actually edible and incredibly gentle on the skin. Unlike many commercial products, there are no harsh chemicals, which makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types. 

We also focus on accessibility. At just Rs. 900 for a 300 ml jar, Wax Works is designed to be affordable without compromising on quality. Our goal isn’t to compete with high-end salons, but to give people, especially those who prefer to wax at home, a safe, effective and budget-friendly alternative. And of course, it’s a mother-daughter venture, which makes every jar a reflection of family, care, and small-business spirit.

As a young entrepreneur, what have been your biggest hurdles in launching and scaling Wax Works?

The launch was surprisingly smooth; I gave the brand a name and created a basic logo at first and later my sister redesigned it into the one we proudly use today. With that and an Instagram page, we quickly built an initial following. 

The real challenge has been scaling. Since many people don’t even realise that a product like ours exists, the biggest hurdle has been awareness. We have invested in paid advertising to get our name out there, but the real breakthrough comes when someone tries it for the first time. 

Almost every new customer tells us they didn’t expect it to be this easy or effective and they become repeat buyers. The challenge is getting over that first barrier and convincing people to give it a try.

Why was ‘chemical-free’ such a non-negotiable for you and how do you see Wax Works contributing to healthier beauty standards?

From the very beginning, keeping Wax Works chemical-free was non-negotiable. My mother has eczema, which meant we needed a product that was gentle and safe even for sensitive skin. 

Over time, I realised that so many people face similar skin concerns and there’s really no reason to add unnecessary chemicals when natural ingredients work beautifully on their own. By staying true to this principle, I believe Wax Works is helping shift beauty standards towards safer, more inclusive products that prioritise skin health just as much as results.

How has the response been from your early customers and what feedback has shaped the brand so far?

The response has been really encouraging. Once someone tries Wax Works, they almost always come back, especially if they already prefer waxing as a hair removal method. Customers often tell us it’s less painful than other waxing products, leaves their skin smooth, and is surprisingly easy to use. 

We have also been praised for offering great value for money. At the same time, we take feedback seriously. The main suggestions we receive are about improving delivery services, which can be tricky since we outsource that aspect, but we’re always looking for ways to make the customer experience smoother from start to finish.

What’s the most valuable lesson your mom has taught you in this journey of entrepreneurship?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learnt from my mother is to always stay grounded. Even as Wax Works grows, our production still happens in our home kitchen, made with the same love and care it always has been. That keeps me focused on why we started in the first place, creating something simple and natural.

Where do you see the brand in the next 3-5 years? Are there plans to expand beyond body wax?

Our vision is for Wax Works to be known as more than a body wax brand – a small, family-run company making natural skincare easy, accessible, and reliable for all. Every part of the business is a family effort: my mum creates the wax, my dad handles packaging, my sister takes care of all the design work, and I manage social media, operations, and finance. 

We’re also exploring new products, like an aloe vera gel, though it requires careful testing to ensure quality and stability. Together, we hope to grow Wax Works into a brand that people trust for natural, effective skincare.

What advice would you give to others, especially young women, who want to start a passion-driven business?

Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you. Don’t fear failure, it’s all part of learning. Work hard, stay creative, and celebrate the small wins along the way.