After not being able to get the hair removal service she preferred in Chatham-Kent, one local woman took matters into her own hands and opened up her own business.
Stephanie Simmons is the owner of one of Chatham's newest businesses -- Sugar That Body Sugaring and Boutique. The business specializes in a unique form of hair removal using sugar.
Simmons said she was inspired after having to make constant trips to London and Toronto to get the service done on herself.
"When I was there visiting friends I would have it done because there are no local providers," she explained. "So I decided you know what, enough of this driving to have this done. I decided to open one."
Simmons described the process of body sugaring as an all-natural alternative to waxing and shaving that can be removed more easily.
"It's not similar to waxing really at all in terms of how it's done," she said. "It's a sugar paste, like a little ball of sugar you smooth on the skin and take it off. No wax strips, there's no fabric strips used, you just use a gloved hand."
Sugar That opened on Thursday at its location in Downtown Chatham. The business is somewhat of a family affair with Simmon's daughter and her daughter's friend working as two of the certified practitioners.
So far, Simmons said she's blown away by the support from the community.
"I have to say the reaction has been a little bit more than I expected. We have had a lot of bookings since the grand opening and it's very exciting," she said.
Simmons is no stranger to the entrepreneurial world. In addition to Sugar That, she owns Dimples Décor, a local home staging and interior decorating company. Simmons is also looking to shine a light on other area business owners by featuring their products in Sugar That's boutique.
"We're looking to open up the space, looking for some local artists to fill our walls as well," she explained. "I'll be reaching out to some local artists to try and help them along. The reaction to that has been great. They're excited to be part of our business."
Sugar That is located at 103 King Street West in Chatham and caters to both women and men.
-With files from Natalia Vega