( ENSPIRE She Did That ) From Brooklyn Roots to Long Island Growth, Sister-Owned Skincare Redefines Inclusivity
As an editor for ENSPIRE, I’ve witnessed countless entrepreneurial journeys, but few have resonated as deeply as the story of PeachFuzz Skin Studio. Recently, I attended the grand opening of their second location in Valley Stream, Long Island, and it was a moment that underscored the power of vision, dedication, and genuine community connection.
What began in Brooklyn in June 2020 as a laser hair removal studio, born from the genuine needs of women of color, has blossomed into a force for inclusive skincare. Sisters Keisha Wagner-Gaymon, CEO and Nurse Practitioner, and Kristin Wagner, COO, have opened a business and created a sanctuary.
“PeachFuzz Laser Studio started as a laser hair removal studio catering to women of color in June 2020. Our clients became our case study, and we realized their skin care needs for hair removal were unmet. There needed to be hair removal products dedicated to ethnic bodies and facial hair,” Keisha explained, and it was clear from the bustling energy of the new 2,000-square-foot studio at 425 Rockaway Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11581, that they’ve addressed that need with resounding success.
Kristin Wagner’s words echoed the sentiment of genuine care: “For us, this expansion is about more than just opening a new location—it’s about honoring the loyalty of our clients who travel from Queens and Long Island to visit us in Brooklyn. We’ve always been committed to creating a welcoming space where every client feels seen, cared for, and confident in the quality of our services. This new location brings us closer to our clients and allows us to continue delivering the customer service excellence we pride ourselves on.”
What truly struck me was the depth of their commitment to melanated skin. This isn’t just a marketing angle; it’s a mission. Keisha’s insights during our interview were enlightening: “Melanated skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation, scarring, and irritation, especially regarding hair removal. A lot of mainstream treatments don’t consider this, which is why so many people have had bad experiences. At PeachFuzz, we use laser technology that’s safe for darker skin tones, along with skincare that prevents and treats ingrown discoloration and sensitivity. We take a customized approach because one size does not fit all.”
The new “Founding Peach” annual membership program, offering “locked-in” pricing and exclusive discounts, is a testament to their dedication to building long-term relationships with their clients. It’s a smart move, but more importantly, it’s a gesture of appreciation.
Beyond the services, PeachFuzz’s commitment to the community is palpable. “Giving back is a huge part of what we do,” Keisha shared. “We hire and mentor local teens through the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development, giving them exposure to business ownership and careers in skincare and nursing. We’ve also helped employees gain new skills by covering tuition for laser certification. On top of that, we donate to P.S. 11 and support other local organizations whenever we can. It’s important to us that our success also helps build up our community.”
As a woman, the sisters’ emphasis particularly moved me on female empowerment. “Being a sister-owned business is at the heart of PeachFuzz,” Keisha said. “Kristin and I built this from the ground up, and we want to create opportunities for other women to do the same. We focus on hiring and mentoring women and support our clients in feeling empowered through self-care. The beauty industry hasn’t always prioritized women of color, so we ensure we do.”
Their expansion to Long Island isn’t just about growth but accessibility. “The demand for our services has been growing, and we knew it was time to expand,” Keisha explained. “Many of our Brooklyn clients were from Long Island, so opening a second location there made sense. We want PeachFuzz to be accessible to more people, and this is just the next step in our bigger vision.”
Walking through the new studio, feeling the warmth of the staff and the genuine excitement of the clients, I understood that PeachFuzz isn’t just a business; it’s a movement. It’s a movement towards inclusivity, empowerment, and genuine care. And as an advocate of positivity and meaningful connections, I’m honored to have witnessed its celebration and continued growth.
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