Bush Whacked Laser is a popular spot along Whyte Avenue, not only for its laser hair and tattoo removal services, but because of its name. “A lot of people take pictures in front of the place just because of our name,” says co-owner Cathy Wong. When Cathy and her sister, Cheryl, came up with the name they knew the double meaning would raise eyebrows. “There’s the figurative meaning where people clear a path in the bush. Then there’s the slang term for the pubic region,” says Cathy. “So, we’re like why not? Let’s go for the shock value. Someone will remember a name like Bush Whacked. It’s going to stick in someone’s head.”
The name may be a conversation starter, but the success of Bush Whacked Laser has more to do with their technology, central location and the business savvy of the two sisters. Cathy and Cheryl had started an eyelash extension business in 2009, and were so successful they expanded to a bigger spot across the hall in their building. “We had caught the business bug and saw the success of it. Our original small spot was available and we wondered what to put in there,” says Cathy. “The idea of pain-free hair removal would sell more than the alternative, so that was our main focal point.”
