Foxy Box: The bold new face of franchising

Thirteen years ago, Kyla Dufresne was bartending in Victoria, B.C., juggling late nights, hustling hard, and dreaming even harder. Little did she know that trying to book a waxing appointment could change her life

Foxy Box: The bold new face of franchising

When Kyla couldn’t get an appointment, it sparked an idea that would eventually grow into one of Canada’s most exciting franchise success stories.

“I remember thinking, why isn’t there a place that focuses on waxing and does it really well? Somewhere fun, welcoming, and not clinical or spa-like,” she says.

That idea became Foxy Box – a bold, unapologetic, empowering, community-driven wax bar that now boasts over 24 locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, with more on the way.

From side hustle to a national beauty franchise

Kyla didn’t come from a formal business background or a skincare career. In fact, she launched Foxy Box with nothing but bartending tips, a waxing course, and a setup in the dining room of her shared house.

“I’ve always been a hustler and entrepreneur at heart. I had zero formal training but jumped in heart-first, with passion, purpose, and a deep drive to create something different. And that’s been the secret sauce ever since.”

Over time, she surrounded herself with skilled estheticians and business mentors, learned everything she could about the industry, and poured all that knowledge back into the business.

“Hair removal might sound like a funny industry to land in, but to me, it made perfect sense. It’s personal, intimate, and empowering when done right. I wanted to take something that was often awkward or clinical and flip it on its head—make it bold, cheeky, and empowering. I always knew I wanted to start a wax bar, call it Foxy Box, and take over the world one box at a time.”

A brand with heart and purpose

Foxy Box is known for being fast, friendly, and fiercely inclusive. From its no-judgment vibe to cheeky branding and gender-neutral service menu, the brand has carved out a space that feels empowering for clients and franchisees alike.

What started as a side hustle has turned into a full-blown franchise, with Foxy Box locations popping up across the country. But for Kyla, it’s always been about more than just growth.

“I wanted to create something that felt real. A place where people could show up exactly as they are and leave feeling confident and celebrated,” she says.

Foxy Box is the first and only hair removal franchise in North America to be Green Circle Certified, meaning our waste is sent to a facility where it is converted into clean, renewable energy, and the leftover ash can be used as filler in ashphalt. 95% of our waste is diverted from landfill and the remainder is recycled.

It’s also one of the first in Canada to go fully gender-neutral, removing labels from its services so everyone feels safe and included no matter how they identify.

“Sustainability and inclusivity aren’t just buzzwords for us. It’s at the heart of everything we do. We want our clients to feel welcomed and safe, while also leaving with smooth skin and a clean conscience.”

Foxy Box: The bold new face of franchising

Helping entrepreneurial dreams through franchising

Foxy Box was built on a culture rooted in inclusivity, connection, and community, along with a vision to help other entrepreneurs, especially women, to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.

Like many Millennial and Gen Z entrepreneurs, Kyla’s business dream was about building a fulfilling, flexible career. In 2020, she began franchising Foxy Box to help others do just that.

“I didn’t just want one location, I wanted to scale it, franchise it, and give other entrepreneurs, especially women, the opportunity to build successful businesses under the Foxy Box umbrella.”

Foxy Box is an active member of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) and is committed to the Association’s purpose of helping everyday Canadians achieve their dream of business ownership through the power of franchising. By harnessing franchising to grow her business, Kyla is giving small business owners across the country the opportunity to grow and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams—just like she did.

Like every member of the CFA, Foxy Box has shown its commitment to excellence in franchising by signing on to the CFA’s Code of Ethics. Potential franchisees can Look for the Logo—find the CFA member logos on franchise brands’ websites, marketing materials, and tradeshow booths and rest assured that it’s a qualified opportunity.

“Franchising can be an amazing way to scale your vision and empower other entrepreneurs along the way,” says Kyla. “I always knew I wanted Foxy Box to be a platform for that.”

Advice for aspiring franchisors

When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking about franchising their business, Kyla shares, “business isn’t for the faint of heart. You’ve got to be gritty, resilient, and honestly, a little obsessed with helping other people succeed.”

Her advice?

  • Get plugged into communities like the Canadian Franchise Association, which offers legal guidance, mentorship, and a wealth of resources.
  • Attend conferences and networking events and build your support system early.
  • And most importantly—make sure your business is scalable.

“Ask yourself: Can someone else run this and still make money? Can it be taught? And does it still feel like you when it’s grown? If yes, then go for it.”

Looking ahead

From a rented room in Victoria to a national franchise brand, Kyla’s journey is anything but typical. She dropped out of high school, worked her way through multiple jobs, and now balances business ownership with family life.

“At the heart of it, the vision was simple: empower people through hair removal, create an experience they’d actually look forward to, and build a culture where everyone—from clients to staff and franchisees—feels like they belong. And now, seeing that vision come to life across the country? It’s wild, humbling, and just the beginning.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Patil
Akanksha Patil
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