If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to start over in your 40s and build something big, Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO is the proof that you can. In this episode of Palm Harbor Local, Palm Harbor’s #1 podcast, Donnie Hathaway sits down with Christina Delgado, owner of Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal and author of Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO, to talk about how she turned years of “failed” ideas into a six-figure business and a growing personal brand in Tampa Bay.

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Six-Figure CEO

Christina spent 15 years as a stay-at-home mom. She tried different business ideas along the way, but nothing really stuck. Behind the scenes, that took a toll on her confidence. She loved being a mom, but she also wanted something of her own – a business where she could use her voice, connect with people, and build a lasting impact.

Everything shifted when she launched Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal in Oldsmar. What started as a single device and a simple idea turned into a six-figure business that allows her to support her family, serve clients across Tampa Bay, and step fully into the role of CEO.

Today, Christina runs a thriving laser hair removal studio, regularly reinvests back into the business, and has expanded her impact through speaking, social media, and her new book, Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO.

Why Laser Hair Removal Was the Perfect Pivot

Christina is honest about one big reason her business works: she chose a service people genuinely want.

Laser hair removal:

• Solves a real, everyday problem (constant shaving and skin irritation)

• Appeals to men and women of all ages

• Fits naturally into the booming beauty and wellness industry

On top of that, she invested in high-quality technology and focused on creating a great client experience – comfortable treatments, real results, and a space where people feel heard and seen.

Clients don’t just leave with smoother skin. They leave feeling more confident and less stressed about one more thing on their to-do list.

“It might sound like it’s just about hair, but for a lot of women this is life-changing.”

You can learn more about her studio at Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal.

Building a Brand Through Social Media

Christina will be the first to tell you she’s “just one person” running the show – marketing, client care, content, and everything in between. One of the biggest drivers of her growth has been social media.

Her strategy is simple:

• Show up consistently

• Talk about the business every day

• Mix educational content with behind-the-scenes and personal stories

• Use tools like a teleprompter app to keep informational videos clear and concise

• Stop chasing virality and focus on visibility and consistency

Instead of obsessing over likes or views, she treats each post as one more touchpoint with her local audience. That mindset has helped her build a loyal following, generate steady new clients, and stay top-of-mind in the Tampa Bay area.

Owning “Failures” and Trusting Divine Timing

Before Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal, Christina and her husband tried several other businesses – including running multiple Airbnbs. Some worked for a season, but eventually they had to shut them down and move on.

At the time, that wasn’t easy. People would ask, “How are the Airbnbs going?” and she’d have to say, “We don’t have them anymore.”

Instead of letting that define her, she reframed it. In her book Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO, she talks about divine timing – the idea that certain opportunities don’t work out because you (or your family) simply aren’t ready yet.

When her kids were younger, she couldn’t have run a busy in-person studio without sacrificing time she wasn’t willing to give up. Now that they’re older and more independent, she has the space to fully lean into her business, write a book, and take on speaking opportunities.

You can grab her book on Amazon here: Laser Focused: From Mom Life to CEO – How I Pivoted at 40 and Built a Six-Figure Laser Hair Removal Business.

Learning to Think Like a CEO

One of the biggest mindset shifts Christina shares in this conversation is learning to treat the business like a true CEO – not just a busy technician.

That looks like:

• Reinvesting profits into marketing, better systems, and stronger tools instead of splurging on herself

• Tracking the return on things like Meta ads and content

• Understanding that “on paper” revenue means nothing if you’re not managing cash flow wisely

• Being honest about what she can’t do alone and where she needs a team around her

She also talks about the emotional side of hiring. No one will ever care about the business as much as the owner, and finding the right people is hard. She’s had technicians who were great fits and others who realized quickly the work wasn’t for them.

It’s all part of the process – experiment, adjust, and keep going.

Keeping the Service Personal and Simple

Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal could easily expand into a full med spa. But for now, Christina’s committed to keeping it simple and specialized.

Her focus is on:

• Doing one thing exceptionally well – laser hair removal

• Creating a personal, intimate experience in each session

• Building long-term client relationships through trust and results

She likes being both the CEO and the technician, but she also knows that in the future she may need to step back from treatments so she can focus more on speaking, writing, and growing the brand.

The Book, the Brand, and What’s Next

With Laser Focused from Mom Life to CEO, Christina wanted to take her story beyond the treatment room. The book is part memoir, part real-talk guide for anyone – especially moms – who feel like they’re starting late or starting over.

Through the book, speaking engagements, and social media, she can reach people far beyond Tampa Bay while still keeping Soft Touch Laser Hair Removal rooted here in our local community.

You can learn more about Christina’s work, speaking, and resources at christina-delgado.com.

Listen to the Full Conversation

To hear the full story straight from Christina, tune into Episode 208 of Palm Harbor Local.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Christina went from 15 years as a stay-at-home mom to running a six-figure laser hair removal business

• Why “failed” businesses, including multiple Airbnbs, ended up being the best training ground

• The exact mindset shifts that helped her finally go all-in and stay consistent

• How she uses social media to drive real, local clients – without obsessing over going viral

• What she’s learned about hiring, leadership, and trusting divine timing

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