REEL CASE STUDY 2: Waxing Edition – House of Marah
1. Planning & Concept Development
Goal: Create scroll-stopping Reels that show waxing as less “pain” and more power move. The aim was to highlight the service in a way that feels chic, confident, and real, while still making viewers go, “Wait… waxing can look like that?”
How I Did It:
1. Initial Brand Chat: I hopped on a WhatsApp call with the team to lock in the vibe: classy, calm, and slightly cheeky (because… waxing ). We agreed on a “glow-up confidence” storyline rather than just showing wax strips.
2. Audience Focus: Ladies (and gents) who want to feel smooth, pampered, and less like a cactus. Think: self-care girlies, new brides, body-positivity queens.
3. Outline & Objectives Doc: Mapped out a reel arc:
(Initial close-up of skin pre-wax)
(Soft reveal of waxing process, minimal pain shown, more comfort vibes)
(Post-wax glow + confident strut or smile + booking link overlay)
4. Why This Matters: This ain’t your regular “scream and rip” wax content. The plan makes the experience look elevated- something worth looking forward to.
2. Scripting & Storyboard
Reel 1: “Smooth Like That” Script Style: Minimal text, maximum mood. Used a flow of: Hook → Emotion → Result → CTA
Storyboard Sketch (3 panels):
Panel 1: Zoom-in of underarms with gentle music and process.
Panel 2: The wax strip press (no scream, just calm, clean motions).
Shot 1 (0–3s): Soft focus on model’s leg/arm/underarm area – unfiltered “Before” moment. Shot 2 (3–5s): Therapist holds wax strip up like a tool of transformation. Shot 3 (5–7s): Aesthetic close-up of strip being placed on skin. Shot 4 (7–9s): Gentle pull (cut before we see discomfort), then immediate oil application. Shot 5 (9–10s): Close-up of skin now, smooth, moisturized, glowing. Shot 6 (10–11s): Therapist runs fingers over smooth area gently. Shot 7 (11–12s): Mirror shot of model admiring the results (confidence moment).
Why This Matters: This makes it foolproof, anyone helping out on set can follow this. No stress, no forgotten angles, no basic footage.
4. Filming Guidance & Direction
Goal: Direct remotely like a beauty conductor.
How: 1. Pre-Shoot Call: Shared visual references of luxury waxing spas (think soft lighting, fluffy towels, gold-trimmed trays). Advised client on: Lighting: warm, soft lighting, not harsh or fluorescent. Tools: clean wax sticks, and disposable gloves.
2. On-Shoot Chat Support: Live-reviewed shots: Think “Let’s re-do Shot 6 but with more oil shine on the skin, it’ll pop.”
3. Tech Specs: Resolution: 1080×1920 (vertical). FrameRate: 30fps. Format: MP4 or MOV. Lighting: Use natural light + ring light combo if indoors
Why This Matters: When waxing is filmed well, it becomes less intimidating. Direction makes it artistic, not awkward. Every second counts in a reel. The smoother the direction, the more confident the edit.
5. Editing & Post-Production
Goal: Highlight smooth skin, client comfort, and brand professionalism, while keeping it upbeat. Deliver a Reel that feels like a glam commercial shot on an iPhone, with pro polish.
How I Did It:
Chose a playful but chic sound.
Synced transitions to beat drops (especially during wax pull → glow reveal).
Enhanced color grading to make skin tones pop and look nourished.
Visuals that demonstrate: “Before ➝ After” “Quality experience.”
Edited for tempo: slow-mo wax pull → quick transitions after.
Final reel featured soft upbeat music and gliding transitions.
Ensured the client branding popped without feeling forced.
Uploaded preview, got team’s input, made final tweaks to text timing.
Why This Matters: Editing is where the magic happens. It’s what turns “just waxing” into a story of self-love in motion. It’s not just about views, it’s about bookings.
End Result:
A clean, cheeky, confidence-boosting Reel that shows waxing isn’t scary- it’s self-care. Clear storytelling Luxe brand aesthetic Shot, directed, and edited virtually from start to finish.