Austin Peay alum Jasmine Miller’s people-first approach leads to business expansion

By: Elaina Russell February 25, 2025

APSU alum Jasmine Miller at The Wax House. | Photo by Sean McCully

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Jasmine Miller earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Austin Peay State University (APSU) in 2015. Since then, she has climbed the ranks as an accountant for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, balancing her professional career with entrepreneurial ambitions.

In 2020, Miller successfully launched The Wax House, a thriving self-care business born from her passion for skincare and commitment to community. The venture that began primarily as a waxing studio has experienced rapid growth, now offering a multitude of services and a team of 15.

As Miller prepares to open a second location in Nashville in the summer of 2025, she reflects on her journey from APSU graduate to business owner. Her story offers valuable insights on mentorship, community support, and the challenges of entrepreneurship.

This feature is part of an ongoing series highlighting alumni-owned businesses in Clarksville, Tennessee. These stories showcase the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of College of Business graduates and their contributions to the local community and economy.

Meet Jasmine

You’re an APSU alum, business owner, entrepreneur and more. Help us get to know you better. Who is Jasmine Miller at her core?

At my core, I am a very passionate entrepreneur who loves people and skincare. I love to see people at their best. People come in feeling some type of way and each one leaves feeling like a new person. I love that we provide a safe, therapeutic place for people of all ages.

What inspired you to start The Wax House?

I was talking to one of my mentors one day as I was out having one of my self-care days in Nashville, and I realized I was in the waiting area with a couple of people who also drove in from other areas. I wanted to be able to bring those services to Clarksville. I originally started out focused solely on waxing, but then once I started, my girls wanted to add skincare and other services they had been trained in. Next thing you know, we’ve got a full-service salon offering more services and I started adding more people to the team. I wanted to be able to offer all kinds of services to support what people wanted. You have to be able to adapt and change.

Who have been your mentors or role models in business, and how have they influenced your approach?

One of my biggest influences is Jessica Johnson. She works for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. We talk a lot about my business and was one of the people who encouraged me to take the leap into starting The Wax House. She speaks life into me - she pushes me to be better.

I also still reach out to Dr. [Susan] Cockrell. Her and Dr. [Pennye] Brown, I remember she was awesome. Last time I was on campus, I let Dr. Cockrell know I was doing well and she remembers me as a student. She said she was proud of me.

What keeps you going?

My kids and my girls at The Wax House. With entrepreneurship, there's a lot of times when you don't know your next move, you don't know what the next day will look like. You just gotta keep rolling with the punches and following your purpose. It's kind of like - If I'm not here, who is gonna help my girls and my kids? So we have to be successful in order for them to continue to live the life that they want to live.

I also tell other entrepreneurs - if you want to get into this business, you have to pour into your people, you have to make sure you’re treating them great. They’ll turn around and do the same for your business. It’s a team.

Members of the team at The Wax House, from right to left: Jasmine, Latrice, Tionda, Torianna, Justice, Teresa, Tamara and Jasper. | Photo by Sean McCully

The Business

What is most important for people to know about your business? What unique services or experiences does The Wax House offer?

This is a one-stop-shop for self-care. I want people to know that this is a space where you are welcome no matter who you are, we welcome everyone and have something to offer everyone.

Why Clarksville? How has the community supported your venture?

I was born and raised here in Clarksville and I felt like we needed a space like ours here in the community. We’ve had a lot of support through different networking events. A lot of people come in from Austin Peay and Fort Campbell, so we get a lot of referrals.

Can you walk us through the growth of The Wax House from its initial location?

That’s why I chose to expand to Nashville - to keep meeting customers where they’re at. We want to stay ahead and make sure we’re serving our community by being close by. Our Nashville location on East Trinity Lane is undergoing renovations and we expect to open June 1 of this year.

How has your vision for The Wax House evolved since you first started? Were there any pivotal moments that changed your direction?

I started the business with five people and now there are 15. I quickly realized how big the industry is and how much potential there is. I am always asking customers for feedback - what they like and want to see. We’re always adapting to meet customer demand. We are open seven days a week now, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., to make sure my girls can make their own schedules while meeting the needs of the customers, too.

The Wax House is a full-service luxury spa that offers waxing, skincare, and other services for customers. | Photo by Sean McCully

Were there any specific courses, professors, or experiences at APSU that you feel were particularly valuable in preparing you for business ownership?

Governmental Accounting. It was the reason I ultimately decided to work for the state of Tennessee.

The Future

If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

Keep going. It might seem like it’s hard now, but it’s definitely going to pay off later. Sometimes you get into these moments where you can’t see what’s next and it’s scary. It will try to deter you, so even when it feels like you can’t, keep going. That’s usually when you have a breakthrough.

When you think about the future of The Wax House, what excites you the most?

I look at what The Wax House has become, and I could cry. It's like I'm becoming the person I always hoped I could be; I'm going to be this person who makes it. Knowing that The Wax House is thriving, it's exciting and humbling.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Come and see us! We are all about empowering each other and offering a one-stop shop for all self-care needs. We also offer discounts for Austin Peay students and military members.

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Business Profile

The Wax House

Owner: Jasmine Miller

Location: 2237 Lowes Dr. Suite G, Clarksville, TN 37040

Website: https://thewaxhouse.net/

Social: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok @thewaxhouse

For more information about the alumni series, email Elaina Russell at russelle@apsu.edu.