Woman arrested after social media post shows 5-year-old daughter waxing older clients, police say

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A mother has been criminally charged after posting a photo to social media allegedly showing her 5-year-old daughter waxing older women, according to the Memphis Police Department.

Jasmine Moss is charged with child neglect.

WMC spoke with Melanie Saulsbury, the owner of the Memphis Skin Academy in Bartlett, for her input as a licensed esthetician.

“Myself, being a mother, I probably would not have my child as young as 5 doing a service such as that,” said Saulsbury.

On Wednesday, officers received a series of complaints regarding social media posts showing disturbing images involving a young girl.

The reported images were uploaded to Moss’ Instagram account, which she used to promote her hair removal service. Police say three images posted by Moss show the young girl applying hot wax to the nude pubic area of adults.

“In Tennessee, you have to be at least 16 years old to actually get hours to obtain a license to become an esthetician,” said Saulsbury.

To become a licensed esthetician in the state of Tennessee, you must also complete 750 hours of training and pass written and physical examinations.

Moss identified the young child as her daughter in the Instagram post, which also boasts that the child waxed 24 clients for more than eight hours, according to the affidavit.

Saulsbury said waxing is too dangerous for a child.

“Even as an adult professional, you can get burned,” said Saulsbury.

Allegedly, Moss also operates her business out of her home. Saulsbury said although it’s not illegal to have an esthetician business in your home, there are laws and regulations.

“As long as it’s inspected by the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology, they come through and inspect the premises and other things surrounding your local code enforcement,” said Saulsbury, “For the safety of the public, I always tell my students to work in a professional setting.”

Moss will face a judge Tuesday morning.