← Beauty with a Twist
Beauty with a Twist
Build Your Clientele by ALWAYS being Available, Pricing Your Lash Sets by the Hour & Bad Lash Trends
01:02:25
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- [00:00]
A
Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode and Season of Beauty with a Twist. I'm super excited for this week's episode because we have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself.
- [00:08]
B
Hi, my name is Wednesday, AKA Wednesday the Lasher on Instagram. I'm a lash artist. I own Wicked Esthetics outside of Houston, Texas, and I am so excited to be here in California.
- [00:21]
A
I'm excited for her to be here today. You guys, tell them about your fly. How she literally flew in not only for us, but also, you're going to Lash Con, right?
- [00:29]
B
Yes. I literally wheeled in here with my suitcase. Literally hopped off the plane. But, yeah, I'm going to be here for lashcon. So I'm so excited that it worked out for me to make this stop on my way down to Anaheim. I'm so excited. This will be my fifth year.
- [00:45]
A
I was just gonna ask you.
- [00:46]
B
Fifth year. I lost fifth year, which is.
- [00:47]
A
So how hectic is Lash? I've never gone to. I'm not a lash artist, so I don't know. But I know that there's more things than just lashes, right?
- [00:55]
B
Yes, 100. And they keep, like, expanding, too. So actually, like, I'm gonna be doing a wax demo this year, which. Yeah, I don't even know, like, if there's been a wax demo at lashcon. And. Yeah, I mean, we're gonna have. There's gonna be someone teaching brow lamination there and, like, lash lift stuff. So it is expanding, but I always tell people it's like the Coachella of, like, the lash industry. Like, it's kind of like a music festival. There's, like, a bunch of different things going on at once, and you kind of have to, like, pick and choose what you want to go to, but it's cool. I think even, like, people that don't do lashes would benefit from it because there's a lot about, like, business and marketing and stuff, too.
- [01:32]
A
Okay, where is that?
- [01:34]
B
It is in Anaheim. It's literally street from Disneyland.
- [01:37]
A
Oh, my gosh. I need. I want to go.
- [01:39]
B
You should go.
- [01:40]
A
I've only gone to, like, that convention in, like, Vegas and stuff. Or gone to, like, l. Because I'm like, I don't benefit from it.
- [01:49]
B
Like, it's not right.
- [01:50]
A
But then, now that I'm thinking about it, I'm like, I do know a lot of last.
- [01:53]
B
Yeah.
- [01:54]
A
People in the industry. I just want to go say hi to my friends.
- [01:56]
B
Exactly. And just, like, networking and stuff and, like, making. Especially because you're here in California, and I'm sure a lot of people from California go there. So I would be like, the hub to meet people.
- [02:06]
A
But you guys, when she walked in, I was like, is your name really Wednesday? She's like, I promise you, I would not give myself that nickname if. And if I wanted to give myself a nickname if I don't like the nickname. But I was like, Wednesday is a dope ass name.
- [02:18]
B
Thank you. I know. Yeah. I would say, like, my mom set me up for failure with that one, but no, she didn't.
- [02:25]
A
That's, like, the most iconic name ever. And then I feel like now that the Wednesday show on Netflix, it's just so.
- [02:31]
B
Yeah, definitely. My mom was, like, ahead of her time with that one. I know. But I will say which. It's funny because actually my main presentation at lashcon is about branding, and I would say I probably had, like, an upper hand with, like, starting my business and stuff, just because, like, my name. Well, when I first started, my business name was Winks by Wednesday. And so, yeah, it just made me, like, stand out, I guess. I don't know. Thanks, Mom. I guess.
- [02:57]
A
Tell me how you started then. So what year did you.
- [03:01]
B
So I got my esthetician license in 2014.
- [03:05]
A
Okay.
- [03:06]
B
I started. I was a brand new. Huh.
- [03:09]
A
Pretty new.
- [03:10]
B
2014.
- [03:11]
A
Oh, these are 20. Why am I mixing my numbers? 2024, 2014. So what? That's like, over 10 years ago.
- [03:17]
B
Yeah. Like, I'm a dinosaur in the esthetics world, so. Yeah, I got my license when I was 19, so, yeah, that just gives away my age right there. And I didn't. I only waxed at first, so I went to a decision school because I was obsessed with, like, eyebrows and waxing and not to shoot my own horn. I was the first person, I swear, like, in my area to, like, start, like, filling in my eyebrows in, like, 2012. Like, everyone was like, you look stupid. Like, what are you doing? But, yeah, because I'm from, like, a small town outside of Houston, and so I remember, like, going into Ulta one day and too Faced had, like, a brow palette. Like, something, you know, like an eyeshadow palette, but, like a brow palette. And it had, like, stencils and stuff like that. And so I got it, and I thought I knew what I was doing. Obviously I didn't, but, I mean, when anyone starts filling in their eyebrows, they have no idea what they're doing.
- [04:11]
A
So did you do, like, the huge light?
- [04:13]
B
Oh, yeah. Like, they looked horrible. And so, like, they did look horrible, but, like, I went through my, like, awkward phase before everyone else. Did. So, like, by the time everyone else started filling in their eyebrows, like, I already knew how. But, yeah, I thought I. Originally, I thought I wanted to do hair. So I became a receptionist at a hair salon when I was, like, 18. And then I saw that, I don't know, the hairdresser's just like, sorry, if you have hairdressers here. But I feel like they just, like, hated their lives.
- [04:42]
A
Like, I feel the same.
- [04:43]
B
Am I lying?
- [04:44]
A
No, I don't think you're lying about that.
- [04:46]
B
Right.
- [04:46]
A
So, like, sometimes they're like, I gotta bleach and tone and I gotta do this. They're there for hours, I think just on one client.
- [04:54]
B
They're kind of like. And that was the thing. So. Well, it's ironic now because they do lash extensions, which takes a long time, but it. First I was like, I don't want to do hair. Like, they have. Their clients are here for, like, three or four hours, and it's insane. And then there was a spa upstairs of the salon with estheticians, which I didn't even know the esthetician was. This isn't like, 2012 or 2013 back then.
- [05:16]
A
It was not big thing.
- [05:18]
B
No, but, like, they did, like, waxing and, like, facials and stuff. And, like, their clients were, like, in and out and, like, it just seems so much more, like, peaceful up there. And I was like, okay, maybe I could do something like that. I had, like, no idea where I was going with my life, by the way. Like, I almost didn't even finish high school. I had, like, very little, like, parental guidance. Like, growing up, I had, like, no direction or, like, goals in life, as sad as that sounds. I knew, like, I loved doing makeup and, like, I don't know, I wanted a job where I could, like, make a difference in someone's life. So I was like, maybe I'll be a teacher. Like, I don't know. I didn't really know what I was doing. So when I did stumble into, like, working in a salon, I was like, okay, maybe I'll do hair. No, it looks like they hate their lives. Okay, maybe I'll be an esthetician. I don't know. I was kind of all over the place. And then I started working as a receptionist at European Wax Center. And then I saw how quickly they were busting out clients and, like, how they're getting, like, a $20 tip every 15 minutes. And I was like, okay, sign me up. I'll go to school right now. I'm like, 750 hours. Okay, sign Me up and then I had my license, like, before I turned 20.
- [06:31]
A
Oh, my gosh. Wait, at European Waxer, they keep 100% of the tips, right?
- [06:36]
B
Yeah. I mean, the hourly in commission is like shitty, but the tips, I mean, if you're getting a tip every 15 minutes, like, that's pretty good.
- [06:44]
A
Yeah, yeah. So then you. At. When you were in estician school, did you lean more towards wax and you. Or you just knew lashes?
- [06:54]
B
I did. I didn't even know lashes were like a thing at the time. I mean, I think now it's included in the curriculum. But in 2013, 2014, like we lash extensions was not even something that was like, brought up, but I will say, like, everyone else was there because they wanted to do facials and like, I was the only one that wanted to do waxing. So, like, we would always like, switch people, like, like flip flop clients because I didn't want to do any facials and everyone else was scared to wax and like.
- [07:21]
A
So you were a Brazilian waxer for a little bit.
- [07:24]
B
For a long time, yes. So until I didn't start doing lashes until 2017 is when I took a lash course.
- [07:31]
A
Oh, shoot. For a minute you're waxing coochies.
- [07:35]
B
Yes.
- [07:36]
A
And then you took your first lash course. And how was that?
- [07:39]
B
It was scary.
- [07:40]
A
I was like, how long was your first lash set?
- [07:44]
B
Oh, like four hours. And I maybe got like 20 lashes on each eye, which by the way, like, I was broke. Like, I was like 22. I put the. I opened my first credit card to put the lash course on. The last course was probably like 500. Like, I didn't even have 500 to like take a lash course. So I got a credit card, took a lash course, and then I was like, this is like, what have I done? Like, this is horrible. Like, I don't want to do this ever again. But I was already. I was waxing at European Wax center and all my co workers were like, can you do my lashes? Like, I know you took a lash course. And so I would. And then like, their friends would see it, their families would see it. I was doing people's lashes out of my apartment. Like, yeah. So then.
- [08:26]
A
Okay, so then after you left European Wax center, and then you started doing lashes full time. So.
- [08:31]
B
Okay, so that's the thing with the European Wax center. If you want to leave. I mean, every, like, location is different, but most of the time, like, they'll try to, like, I don't know, like, sue you or something. Like, if you leave and you're like, within a certain distance, and you, like, have the same clients or whatever. So the reason I took a lash course was because I was like, I am going to lie and say that I'm quitting to open a lash business, but, like, I'm going to take all my waxing clients, basically. But what happened was more people wanted lash extensions than waxing, so it kind of just, like, sort of snowballed from there. So I was doing both for a while, like, when I first left. But, yeah, I was doing both for a while when I first left. But then eventually I just became known in the area for lash extensions, and I kind of, like, didn't even really have to do waxing anymore.
- [09:28]
A
So you opened up a.
- [09:30]
B
Okay. So I started renting a room out of a hair salon, which. This is actually a really good piece of advice if you do want to start doing lash extensions or, like, waxing and, like, go out on your own, I would say instead of renting, like, a suite, like, at a salon suite place where there's probably, like, 10 other people doing the same thing as you, go find, like, a hair salon and be the only person there doing that service, because then all of the hairdressers are going to send their clients to you.
- [10:00]
A
Smart.
- [10:02]
B
So that's what I did.
- [10:03]
A
You know, speaking of that, I have a friend that does nails, and she rents from a hair salon, and she's, like, always booked. Even in this, like, economy right now, it's like, everyone is, like, going through, you know, the slow season. She's booked.
- [10:19]
B
Exactly.
- [10:20]
A
That's so it's such good.
- [10:22]
B
One of my friends is a lash artist, and she rents out of a nail salon. And, yeah, she's the only lash artist. And, I mean, everyone sends their clients to her. I think that's a smarter move when you're first starting out, at least, and you need clients. Like, there's kind of no point in, like, going to work somewhere where there's already a bunch of other lash artists. Doesn't mean I don't know.
- [10:43]
A
So then you rent it out from someone.
- [10:44]
B
Yes, I was renting out of. Thanks for keeping me on track. I feel like I'm all over. Yeah. So I started out renting at a hair salon. I was there for, like, a year, and I just my on. Okay. This was a different time. Obviously. It was 2017, but, like, my books, like, filled up within, like, a couple months. Like, seriously, it was crazy. I also had way more time on my hands because I didn't have a kid yet. So, I mean, I was also very flexible in the beginning. I would work at literally any time because my apartment was like two minutes from the studio. I feel like you have to be flex.
- [11:18]
A
You have to be first. Yeah, first, like, absolutely.
- [11:21]
B
When people are first trying to get into the beauty industry and they're like, oh, I'm just going to work like 9 to 3, I'm like, how are you gonna get clients? Like, that's a true story. Like, I hear that all the time. I'm like, people are usually at work. Like, you have to stay like late. Like, I know it sucks, but you kind of have to at first and like work weekends and, you know, work.
- [11:40]
A
Be hungry, be hungry.
- [11:41]
B
You have to be driven, you have to be motivated.
- [11:44]
A
Yes.
- [11:45]
B
And so I was. I mean, I was young, I was hungry. Like, I wanted to live a nice life. I came from absolutely nothing. I know what it's like to have $0 in your bank account. So I never wanted that to happen again. So I was extremely hungry. I would work very late. Like sometimes I would be there till like 10pm you know, I would go there whenever, whenever I had time, anytime anyone wanted to get in. So, yeah, my books, I grew a lot. My books filled up. So then I was like, okay, I want to get something like kind of nicer. So then I went to a salon suite. I worked there for like a year, year and a half. And then I opened my first like storefront March 1, 2020, during COVID Literally the worst possible time because everything shut down March 20th. Yeah, 2020 in Texas, at least. So. And I had a nine month old child, so here I am.
- [12:42]
A
So you had a nine month old, a storefront, and then the world shut down. Yeah.
- [12:48]
B
So, yeah, I mean, I was, I knew I was like outgrowing my salon suite. I mean, you can only be in a 10 by 10 room for so long. Like, I just knew I wanted to do more. I knew I wanted more space. I knew I wanted something that I could call like 100 mine that was more like on brand for me and I could do like whatever I wanted. So, you know, I'm looking at beginning of 2020. I'm going around with a nine month old on my hip, looking at salon spaces. Found one that I fell in love with, got keys. And then like two weeks later, we had to close. Only for like two months though. I mean, that's like, you know, shout out to Texas for that one. Because we were not shut down for that long. Yeah.
- [13:30]
A
Was it already fixed or. We're kind of like, you had to, like, fix up the whole thing.
- [13:36]
B
Oh, okay. So the space that I moved in, it was literally moving. Ready?
- [13:41]
A
Which. The best.
- [13:42]
B
That's another piece of advice. Like, you don't have. I don't know. I don't know. Like, did you have to build this place out? Okay. Like, it is.
- [13:48]
A
I. I've said that multiple times. Like, make sure you find a space that's already, like, done.
- [13:54]
B
Okay. I didn't want to throw shade because I was gonna say that is like, the biggest.
- [13:57]
A
Like, throw some shit at me, girl.
- [14:00]
B
I know.
- [14:00]
A
I spent thousands.
- [14:02]
B
Okay. My new space that I'm in, I moved into a new space this year, March 1st of this year. It's five years later, I got a new space and I negotiated that. Like, they. They did the whole build out. They just made my rent, like, a couple hundred dollars more than they would have, but they paid for everything because I didn't want to pay for that out of pocket.
- [14:27]
A
Oh, my God. You can negotiate.
- [14:28]
B
You can negotiate anything. Always negotiate. Always look at your lease. I. Other things I wish I would have negotiated in my first space was like, if my, like, AC went out or something, I had to pay for, like, the first $500. Like, yeah, if my door. If something was wrong with my door, I had to pay for that. I just thought, like, oh, I'm leasing a space. Like, it'll be like living in an apartment. And, like, that's just not the case. And you can negotiate literally anything. Like, you can make up your own anything.
- [14:57]
A
I'm about to call my mother's and be like, listen, lower my rent. Okay. No, literally, that's a. Cause that's right after this. So then after that, you did that, you closed down your storefront. Did you realize it was hard? You just didn't want to work with. Did you want to do, like, booth renters or employees? Like, what was your plan?
- [15:20]
B
Okay, so I never, like. Like, I. I still had it for five years. Like, I never shut it down. Like, during COVID we were only closed for, like, two months. And then we just went back. Nothing. We just picked right back up and everything was fine. But yeah, I had renters. And then I transitioned to. I ended up getting employees, like, a couple years in. So then I had half and half. Like, I had half employees and half renters. And, like, another thing, like, that's very confusing. Like, I would say just pick one or the other. And then I ended up going back to just having renters. And in my current space, now I just have renters as well. I just got a bigger space space, and I have more renters. But, yeah, I would say, like, you. Everyone always asks me, like, is it best to have employees or want to know? And it's like, it's just up to you and your lifestyle and, like, what you're willing to do and the amount of work that you're willing to put in. Because, of course, obviously, having employees, you will make more money. Obviously. But it's like, do you want to work that hard? I don't. I don't want to be giving my son a bath. And, like, my employee is texting me that, like, something's wrong with her client. Like, I. I don't want to be held responsible for that. I don't want to fix other people's mistakes. I don't want to be out of town and someone's telling me that the WI fi is not working. Like, that's just. I don't want to deal with other people's businesses. So I like having renters because, I mean, yeah, I'm just. I have a cap on the income I make off of them, but I don't have to micromanage them. Like, I don't have the personality or the lifestyle to micromanage people. It's not worth the money.
- [16:57]
A
I had the same issue. Like, I was having, like, employees do this and help me do my classes and help me do, like, you know, services, and I just was, like, so drained.
- [17:07]
B
Yes.
- [17:07]
A
Like, because then it would be my responsibility to have them booked.
- [17:11]
B
Yes.
- [17:11]
A
And I just wanted to go home. Like, I just wanted to, like, shut everything off when I left, and that was it. So I said this multiple times on my podcast. I always like to have. I recommend booth renters more, only just because I know it's a steady income, but I know that my rent is paid.
- [17:30]
B
Exactly.
- [17:31]
A
And I know that the money that I'm making, I'm bringing that home. You know what I mean? Obviously, we have all this overhead, but I just know that me going through that whole situation of having employees was a lot.
- [17:41]
B
It is a lot. And another thing is, like, even though you are responsible for filling their books, technically, like, they still need to be motivated. And, like, you can teach someone how to do a service. Like, you can't teach them how to be motivated and be hungry. So it's like, that's something that I struggled with a lot, too.
- [17:58]
A
And not every employee is like, you.
- [18:00]
B
No.
- [18:00]
A
Oh, my gosh. She not even get me started.
- [18:04]
B
I know. I could talk about it for days.
- [18:06]
A
Yeah.
- [18:07]
B
But I would say Yeah, I mean, that's, that's a lesson I had to learn the hard way. I don't regret like bringing on employees because now at least I know that that's not something. I mean, how would I have known if I didn't try it? That it's not something that's for me? But I mean, I know I have friends that own salons and they have employees and like, they love it. They're killing it. They're made for that. It just wasn't for me. I can't like babysit someone and like try to force them to want to be motivated.
- [18:32]
A
Yeah. So let me ask you something. What was your like biggest what the hell moment in this slash industry when you first started? Like what? Like, was it meeting, for example, like you met other lash artists and they kind of do you have like spill the tea is what I'm saying.
- [18:51]
B
So like when I first started, it doesn't matter.
- [18:54]
A
What's the biggest what the hell moment joining this. Let me tell you something about this last industry. Y' all are drama, straight up. I mean, I live for it. You know what I mean? I just, every single time I've met. And not with me. Of course not. I'm just saying in your industry there's always like, there's just always beef, you know, it's just like the nails too. Like, I don't know why there's always drama. I, I don't, I don't like mean girl energy.
- [19:21]
B
Yeah.
- [19:21]
A
You know, when it should not be like that.
- [19:23]
B
We're all scared. I think what it is, is like actually I have two answers to that question. But for like now, like present day, I feel like what it is as far as like the lash industry and the nail industry and how it's a little different from like your hairdressers and your estheticians is like social media is like such a big thing. There's so many, like, I don't know, I guess influencers, you could say. And like people really put people on like a pedestal and then maybe like when they meet them in person, they're like, oh my God, like she's not how she was on social media. Like she's fake or like she wasn't this or she wasn't that or she didn't give me like basing someone's whole perception on someone based off like a 10 second interaction or something and just rolling with it when the reality is like, social media is different. Social media is different than real life. Like, it's one thing to like be Comfortable. I'm very introverted, believe it or not. Really, I'm extremely.
- [20:31]
A
You came in here with your suitcase all bubbly. I love you're like, hi. And I was like, no, I can't see that. I cannot see you being introverted.
- [20:38]
B
So, like, I would say it's. It's one thing talking to a camera by yourself, like, in a room with no one around, like, that's very easy for me to do. But like at lashcon, for example, or like at Lash events, like, I'm kind of. I'm just like, shy. I'm introverted. Like, all of my best friends are like, extroverts because they had to like, force me to be friends with them because I don't just like, go up to people and talk to them. Like.
- [21:03]
A
Yeah.
- [21:03]
B
And so I think people sometimes mistake, like, shy and introverted for like, standoffish and like, stuck up and stuff like that. I think social media has a lot to do with it. But I would say that's like the. The difference of like the lash industry versus, like, other industries, I guess.
- [21:23]
A
I think I just feel like when people. Social media is so fake, right? Like, there's so much people are like showing you and people are like, you know, believing it in a way. And then I just feel like it's kind of like meeting you're like, oh, my gosh. Like, she's a celebrity in my industry. Like, oh, my gosh, Like, I'm found girly right now. I'm telling you, like, every time I do an interview with somebody, deep inside of bricks, because I'm like, dude, I'm fangirling right now, right? But I'm not gonna show her that I'm gone. But I'm like, literally, because it's in my industry, right? So I feel like people have the misconception, like, when they meet them in person and that's why they talk so much, because they're like, they were actually really bitchy and really rude. But it's like, really not what it is. It's like, there's so many things going on around me right now.
- [22:06]
B
Anything.
- [22:07]
A
And if you've ever been to these, like, shows, they're crazy.
- [22:10]
B
So crazy. And like, what a lot of people don't realize too, is that, like, I mean, I'm just speaking for myself, but a lot of other people there, like, we're working, like, we're. I'm like, I'm gonna be so stressed. Like, I love lashcon, but I'm gonna be so stressed for like the next three days. Because I'm speaking three times. Like, I have to practice my presentations. I have to be on. I have to like, answer people's questions. And I'm also doing like a wax demo. And then I also have to, like, you know, there's so many different, like, parties and stuff like that. And so it's kind of just like I'm like, I don't know. There's just a lot that I'm plugged in right now. Yeah. Like, I'm clocked in. That's the best way to put it. Like, I'm clocked in. So, yeah, I'm not going to. I don't know. And you never know what, what someone's going through either. Yeah. Like, what's going on in their personal life or what they had to just like leave in their personal life to come to this event that you're at too. And you want to meet someone and fangirl over them or whatever. But it's like, I don't know, you never know what someone's going through.
- [23:08]
A
So do you feel like that was your biggest, what the hell moment? Like, when you started speaking lashcoin? Because that's a really big thing to be up there you're up with, against other people. I'm pretty sure that they're also really known in your industry. Right?
- [23:22]
B
Yeah, I would say. I don't think it ever. It's weird because I'm still a full time lash artist. Like, I'm still just doing the same thing as everyone else is doing. I just for some reason have a platform because, I don't know, I guess I'm good. I've made some good social media posts and, like, I've done, I don't know, I've aligned myself with the right people. And so, you know, I kind of have a little platform, but that doesn't make me different than like, anyone else. Like, I'm still just like a mom and a business owner and like, like I said, I did three clients before I got on a plane to come here. Like, I'm a little insane, but I'm a Gemini, so.
- [24:04]
A
Oh, my God. Gemini. I'm a Cancer.
- [24:07]
B
Oh, my goodness. Are you sens.
- [24:10]
A
No, because I'm last day of Gemini.
- [24:13]
B
Oh, okay.
- [24:14]
A
So we'll technically like first day of cancer.
- [24:16]
B
But wait, when's your birthday?
- [24:17]
A
I'm on the 24th.
- [24:19]
B
When is it? Of June?
- [24:20]
A
Yeah.
- [24:20]
B
Oh, on the 18th. Okay.
- [24:22]
A
I got a little jump line.
- [24:23]
B
Yeah.
- [24:24]
A
I don't cry over these, like, sensitive hoes. I don't know why they cry. All the time. Am I sensitive?
- [24:30]
B
A little bit.
- [24:31]
A
Oh, my God, no. He's a Pisces. Of course he's gonna say that.
- [24:34]
B
I would say, like, present day. Yeah. That's like my biggest what the hell moment is like, I don't like, what the hell is this life? Like, I can't believe I got here. I can't believe I'm on this podcast. Like, I. I know.
- [24:48]
A
You're like, what the hell? Like, what. What am I doing right now?
- [24:51]
B
She did this. Oh, my God.
- [24:52]
A
She really did. She wanted to reach out. When? February.
- [24:55]
B
I was gonna reach out to you in February. And I was like. And then I knew I was coming to washcon too. And I was like, should I reach out to her? Like, I'm scared. And so I didn't. Because I'm an introvert and I'm nervous. Talk to people.
- [25:06]
A
How are you introverted? But you're doing. I've seen. So what we do, we lurk on our guests. Okay. That's what we do. We make sure we check your profile. We kind of get like a gist of like, history about our guests. So I've seen photos of you when you've posted on there, and there's like so many people. How the hell are you introverted up there? You might. Are you taking a shot or something before you're like, okay, I need. I need to loosen up. Or like, are they okay? So what I'm asking is like, how, like, it's easy.
- [25:35]
B
How do you do that reading off a slideshow?
- [25:38]
A
Like, what you do?
- [25:39]
B
Like, it's a presentation. You know what I mean? So it's like, I have bullet points. Like, I know what I'm gonna say. Honestly, I feel like I would rather talk to a hundred people than like, be like one on one with someone.
- [25:50]
A
Like that hitting it right now is what she's.
- [25:53]
B
Yeah. Like, this makes me way more nervous. Or like when I. When I'm meeting a new client for the first time or like, if I have a one on one student or something, like, I would much rather have a class of 10 than like one. Like, that makes me more nervous. I feel like I don't know what it is.
- [26:09]
A
Yeah, I'm like. So you mentioned that one of your. You're talking about like branding, right? So give us a little gist of it. Like a little presentation about a little stink. I just want.
- [26:23]
B
I just want. Yeah, of course. Okay. So I would say a lot of people are always wanting to know, like, oh, like, what's the secret to like getting booked or, like, getting fully booked or like, I feel like I'm missing something or like, I mean, there are a lot of things that go into it, obviously, but I would say, like, the first thing you can do, like, right now that's like, easy to do right now is just like, lean into yourself and like, your personal branding and make sure, like, you have that everything is, like, as cohesive as possible. I would say, like, that cohesiveness and consistency, like, within your business and your branding that is going to take you, like, from your business looking like a hobby to your business looking legit and serious. Like, even if you're spending $0, you don't have to spend, like hundreds or thousands of dollars on, like, to hire someone to, like, do your branding or whatever. Like, you can start right now by just like, showing up as yourself on social media, having, like, consistent branding within, like, your social media. Your website, you should have a website. If you don't, your booking site. I'm just having, like, an online presence beyond social media and then just having, like, I mean, your salon to the way that you care for your clients. I go, like, really in depth into it. Basically, what I have, like, how I like to envision branding is like a cake. And like, that's how I have it on my slideshow. So I say, like, this is what most people think branding is, and it's like a cupcake. And then like, the icing on top is like logos, fonts, colors. But it's like your brand is really like a layered cake and there's different layers to it. And you have to figure out all those other elements before you can really figure out, like, your colors and your logos and, like, the fun stuff. So, like, you have to figure out, like, you have to dig deep into your story, what's your mission, what's your target audience, what's your client experience like? Yes, there's. I believe I have, like, nine bullet points. I was practicing my presentation on the plane.
- [28:25]
A
Oh, it shows.
- [28:27]
B
But really the whole point of the presentation is, like, branding is not just like, okay, these are what colors I'm going to use. Like, these are the fonts I'm going to use. That is, like, important, but you have to figure out everything else first. You have to dig deep. There's layers to your business. And honestly, like, once just doing that, that's going to set you apart from everyone else that's doing the same services around you because you're going to look like you're taking it a lot more seriously and then don't be afraid to like, you have to show your face and show up online like you just do. Because at the end of the day, like people aren't really just booking a service with you, they're booking like you and your vibe and like who do they want to hang out with for that? Who do they want to give their money to?
- [29:09]
A
Yeah. And that makes so much sense because in order for you to like, for example, I feel like my, I'm gonna give myself an example, like my brand, I feel like, like it's the way my aesthetic looks like my, the way it smells in here. Just every single detail, you know. And then at first, when I first came into an esthetician industry, I wanted to do so many things. I wanted to do. I was into lashes at one point for five seconds of my life and I was like into so many things and I wanted to be an all one stop shop. And that was going to be my story. Right. I just realized that doing that I wasn't making as much because I feel like, like when you focus on one thing and you're like, your expertise is in the one thing, that one thing, you're gonna get so much more knowledge, you're gonna like build so much more knowledge, you're gonna make the most money on that. So I exactly focus myself on skincare, wax and brows and that's it. You know what I mean?
- [30:02]
B
Because it's way it's easier to be like known for one thing. Like, like I said earlier, I just became known for lashes, like without even trying. So I was like, okay, I'm only gonna really like promote my lashes and just like be known for lashes. And then the other presentation that I'm doing is about waxing and add ons. And so basically the main premise of that is like it's okay to like just focus on lashes and like that be your main like pinpoint when you're marketing. But then those clients, you can like add on the other services that you offer and make more money from that. Especially waxing. Like it takes like no time once you get good at it.
- [30:39]
A
So do you think because I've had someone really big on this podcast, Cats, I'm not going to say names, but she's amazing. She's a waxer. Well, she doesn't even wax anymore. She owns a waxing company and she said that lash artists basically don't make shit. Okay, that's basically what she said in a way, but very much nicer.
- [30:59]
B
Okay.
- [31:01]
A
Because. And it also takes a toll on your back. Would you rather wax in seven minutes and make $65 or on a two hour lash set. Are you making $150 or whatever? She said, like you think as a lash artist because it does take a toll on your body. You should give advice on to add in waxing services.
- [31:26]
B
If lashing is taking a toll on your body, you do not have the correct setup. I have been lashing for nine years and I'm curious. I'm fine.
- [31:35]
A
Yeah.
- [31:36]
B
Waxing. You're standing up all day like that. I love waxing. Like, I'm not shading waxing. Would I make more money if I only did waxing? Yeah, probably I would if I only did waxing and I was doing a Brazilian every 15 minutes. Like, but again, it's like now that I do lashes, like, I don't want to do a Brazilian in 15 minutes. Like, I want to book it for 30 minutes. Like, I want to take my time. Like, can I do a Brazilian in seven minutes? Yes. And like, if that's what works best for you, like, that's fine. Definitely do it. Always do what works best for you. What works best for me is I would rather book it for 30 minutes and like, that's me have the time. Do you book yours for 30 minutes? I would just rather do that. And like, I don't want to rut. Like, first of all, my room is upstairs. So it's like if someone, let's say their appointment time is 15 minutes and they come in and they have to go to the bathroom and then they have to come upstairs and then they have to undress. By the time they get on my bed, like, I only have like five minutes left. And like, how am I going to talk to them and check them out and pre book them and tell them about products? Books and like, I don't know, I just don't like want to be. I'm in my 30s. Like, I don't want to be rushed anymore. Like, seriously, I don't want to be rushed. I just want to like take my time. I want to charge a lot so that I'm giving the value of it too. And then. Okay, so second bullet point on that is if you're not making that much money as a lash artist, you're not charging correctly. So I changed my pricing to hourly, so my prices are 95 an hour. So like, no matter what you're getting, so if you're getting classic mega volume, whatever, it's 95 an hour. Because like I said, I've been doing this for a long time. I Can do anything in the same amount of time. And also I feel like I could talk about that for days.
- [33:17]
A
That is amazing. I'm about to tell my lash tech here. No, literally, that is amazing to do.
- [33:22]
B
Because also, like, here's the thing is if someone's never gone lashes before, they don't know if they want classic or hybrid or mega volume. They don't even know what that means. Like my service menu is literally full set fill, extended fill. Like that's my service menu.
- [33:39]
A
Also you don't do like classics, hybrids, wet set volume.
- [33:45]
B
Oh no. Because it's not up to the client to tell me what they want. Like I'm gonna tell you what looks best on you.
- [33:52]
A
Love that.
- [33:52]
B
Based on, I mean obviously based on their inspo. But it's like if someone has a ton of lashes, they can get away with getting like classic or like a wet lash look and like it still look really full. But if someone like, let's say a six year old lady comes in and she's like, I just want something natural, I just want classic, that's going to look crazy on her because she probably only has 10 natural lashes on each eye. So like she's going to need like mega volume. Not mega volume, like what you're thinking. Like not crazy, but it's just like mega volume fans like in a tasteful way to suit what she's wanting and what her natural lashes are like. You know what I mean? So it's like as a lash artist, emphasis on the artist, your client can tell you like what they want, but it's up to you to determine what's going to look best on them. Like you should be able to tailor based on their natural lashes, their eye shape. There, there's classes that show you like face shape and like how to tailor lashes based on that. So it's like I don't really, you know. And again, clients don't know what they want either. If they're going to book with you and you have five different lash options. They don't, they're going to get confused. Like that's information overload.
- [35:10]
A
So let me ask you if I. Okay, I'm the client and let's say you went over 15 minutes with me.
- [35:16]
B
What over?
- [35:17]
A
Is that still the 95?
- [35:20]
B
Well, that, that just like doesn't happen. Like I don't.
- [35:23]
A
What if it's like an hour and 15 minutes? I'm asking for myself if it's an hour and 15 minutes.
- [35:29]
B
Like, and I charge $95 an hour. Like I just, I mean I just, if. If I'm going over, it's because I want to go.
- [35:37]
A
I love it.
- [35:37]
B
She said with her prices, like, yeah, no, because. And I mean, they can book an extended fill, which is an hour and a half, but it's like I'm booking, like, like when you're booking an appointment with me, like, you're requesting that time. So it's like you're. You're booking an hour with me, so you're getting an hour with me. If you come in to your 2 week fill and you only have 10 extensions on your lashes, like, you should have known to book longer. My clients know, like, how upset does it make you?
- [36:06]
A
Because I know it makes my. My lash tech that works here, she was like, she's like. She came in for a fill. There was two lashes on longer.
- [36:15]
B
Real quick. See, that's another thing is like, it says you have a one hour fill appointment with Wednesday. So, like, if you are coming in and you have two lashes, like you're getting an hour, like, because that's what you booked. So it makes it easier, you know, like, so clients don't take advantage of you as well. And then also if someone wants classic. But it takes me the same amount of time to do volume. Like, why should I make less? Because you want something more natural. Like, it takes me the same amount of time. And the product. Products cost the same. Like, you know what I mean? That's what works best for me.
- [36:48]
A
So that brings me to my next question. What's one of the lash trends that you secretly can't stand right now when someone shows you an inspo picture? Oh, well, I know there's that Korean lash.
- [37:00]
B
Oh, Lash lives.
- [37:02]
A
No, like, oh, like, they're like spikes.
- [37:04]
B
Oh, like anime Lash.
- [37:06]
A
Yeah.
- [37:06]
B
Oh, like that. Like, okay, be real because you're already.
- [37:10]
A
Beating around the bush.
- [37:11]
B
Can I just say really quick before.
- [37:12]
A
You answer, I low key, like, like it.
- [37:16]
B
You do, but not for me. See, like, that's the thing. That's what I was gonna say is, like, it looks cute. But I've never had a client ask for that, so I'm not gonna pay money to take a class for that. Which. That's not my clientele. If, if your clients. I mean, my clientele is like, more older, like established, have, like, serious jobs.
- [37:36]
A
Like lawyers, doctors, all that.
- [37:39]
B
Okay, so, I mean. Yeah, I mean, they're not asking for that. Does it look cool? I mean, I guess, but like, when I've done a couple, like, for like, model sets, like for content, like for brands and what do you feel. I mean, it doesn't. When they start shedding, like, it just looks crazy. So, I mean, it looks cute, but, like, is it wearable? I don't think so. I don't know. I don't.
- [38:04]
A
Is that one of the trends I, like, you secretly don't like right now.
- [38:07]
B
Or that's, like, the only trend? Like, okay, what other lash trends have you seen? I'm trying to think, like, of lash.
- [38:14]
A
Trends, like, adding color.
- [38:15]
B
Colored lashes are cool. I would say it's not even like a. Like a specific, like, lash extension trend that I think that I'm tired of. I'm gonna kind of go like, a different direction with this question. But I would say, like, one trend that I would like to stop seeing is, like, people posting. Like, see, like, what? Come with me and, like, see how much I make in a day. And like, like, stop posting how much you make on social media.
- [38:44]
A
I used to do that. Can I tell you?
- [38:46]
B
I have to. No.
- [38:47]
A
Yeah, I. I did this probably like four or five years ago.
- [38:50]
B
Yeah.
- [38:51]
A
That was my last video, and I felt like I stopped not only to one. I didn't want to show people how much I really make. I think that was such a personal issue, but I feel like it was such a big trend five years ago. That's why I didn't. But another reason why is because I don't want to downgrade other people in my industry. Like, why is she making a thousand dollars in a day and I'm making zero? And I don't want to seem like a mean girl.
- [39:14]
B
Yeah.
- [39:15]
A
And we can get into like, the whole mean girl industry about that, but I. I just didn't want to seem like that. And I felt like people would actually comment on my tick tock and then be like, we don't care or we don't want to see that. Like, we're struggling out here, girl. Like, you know, because it was such a big trend, but I still see people doing that.
- [39:32]
B
Yeah. I would say I did it once, like, a couple years again, just because, like, I thought, like, I don't know, I just wanted to be like, okay, this is what's trending. And, like, I did it and I just felt icky. I mean, I know I did just say on here that, like, I charge 95 an hour, but it's like, you don't know what my overhead is. Like, you don't know how much I have to pay for things. You don't know, like, how much my mortgage is. Like, how much money having a kid costs.
- [39:55]
A
Like, heavy on the kid part. Exactly.
- [39:59]
B
So it's like, yeah, you can. I mean, and that doesn't even include, like, taxes. Oh, my God. And stuff like that. So anyways, yeah. And I think it just kind of like down grades, like the beauty industry in general and, like, kind of. I mean, you don't see, like, lawyers posting, like, how much they make. How much. How much I made today as a lawyer. Like, I don't know. I just think, like, we should stop.
- [40:22]
A
I think, oh, my God, they give me the ick.
- [40:24]
B
Yeah.
- [40:24]
A
Because I used to do that.
- [40:25]
B
Me too. But it's like, that's why I can say, like, like, you know, you don't want to do that. And then, Then here's the thing is, like, then in turn, you know, people want to say, like, oh, the lash industry's dying. This, that and the other. Like, I hear that on Tick tock and stuff, which. The lash industry is not dying.
- [40:42]
A
Is it?
- [40:43]
B
Not dying the way it is not dying. You're just. I'll get into that in a second. But I was gonna say it's like, if maybe clients aren't coming to you because you're, like, flexing how much money you're making. And then they're like, oh, like, I don't want to, you know, I don't want to fund, like, fund your lifestyle. Maybe they're, like, jealous of you. I don't know. That's a real thing. Like, people being jeal and like, whatever. At first they thought, like, oh, I'm doing this girl a favor by, like, coming to her and, like, booking with her and stuff. But now you're like, flexing how much you make.
- [41:12]
A
And I feel like they wouldn't even go to, like, she has enough money, she don't need me to come see.
- [41:17]
B
Which, like, again, isn't the case because. Yeah, let's say you're like, oh, I made this much. I mean, this much. Like that is it. You're not. You're not showing, like, where that money is actually going. It's not all going in your pocket.
- [41:27]
A
And you're not making that tomorrow. You're making that right now. Know.
- [41:30]
B
Yeah. Like, maybe that's the only day you were booked this week.
- [41:33]
A
Yeah.
- [41:33]
B
And tomorrow you only have a brow wax and that's it.
- [41:37]
A
Yeah.
- [41:37]
B
Which is fine.
- [41:38]
A
But how about clusters? Maybe that's why they're saying the lash industry is dying, because we're gonna DIY it from tick tock and we're gonna do it at home and we're gonna save ourselves the 95 an hour. And we're gonna do it ourselves at home.
- [41:53]
B
I mean, yeah. Good. Good luck. You can try. I will say I tried to do my own nails this morning. It was very bad. Like, and it wasn't even, like, a money thing. It was just like, I don't have time. I'm like, oh, damn. Like, I'm about to be in California. I don't even have my nails done. So I tried to do them this morning, and they just looked bad. Like, there's a difference between, like, getting something done by someone that actually knows what they're doing than you, like, diying at home. And, like, there's absolutely nothing wrong with diying at home. Like, if that's what's in your budget and you don't see lashes or nails as a, like, as something, you need luxury, that's totally fine. As a luxury. Yeah. Like, I don't see, like, I don't want to buy a designer bag. I never have and I never will. And I know a lot of people that do, and, like, that's fine, but it's like, I'm going to spend money on, like, lashes and nails and hair. You know what I mean? So I don't think it's right to, like, shame someone for, like, what they want to spend their money on. Like, for example, like, like, oh, I would never spend that much on lashes. Or, like, I was listening to your episode with the tattoo artist, and, like, her prices are, like, really high.
- [42:59]
A
Yeah.
- [42:59]
B
Tattoos. And it's like, there are people that, like, that's, like, nothing to them. Like, they don't mind spending that on a tattoo, but. Because they know, yeah, there are people that would spend that on a purse, and, like, that's fine. And, like, I'm not one of those people.
- [43:12]
A
So then why do you think they say the loss industry is dying? What is it that they is for me, I. I can't live without my lashes.
- [43:19]
B
Same.
- [43:19]
A
Like, I get my. Don't look at them right now. I know she's judging me. How about feel tomorrow? But I, I, I can't. I have to have my lashes. I've tried clusters. I'm not even gonna lie to you. And I don't. I. I cannot do them. I cannot.
- [43:34]
B
I. Exactly.
- [43:35]
A
I literally struggled.
- [43:38]
B
They're just uncomfortable. They're uncomfortable. Like, you cannot feel lash extensions.
- [43:42]
A
Yeah.
- [43:43]
B
I would say if people really do think the industry is dying, which, first of all, I see more, like, lash artists posting that than, like, people that aren't lash artists. Like, it's lash Artists that I see on Tick Tock, like, I think this industry is dying, or like, I'm really slow and, like, I've never been this slow. And first of all, mindset is everything. If you are speaking it into existence, then that's going to be the reality. So if your business, it's is slow, that's because you're, you're saying it's slow and you're thinking it's slow. Like, you kind of have to gaslight yourself a little bit.
- [44:16]
A
I'm fully booked for the rest of the year. You can't get in with me.
- [44:18]
B
I am fully booked. I'm so busy. Because here's the thing. Even if you're not busy with clients, like, you're still a business owner. Like, use that time to do other things. Even if you're not taking clients. Like, instead of saying. Because I will say at the beginning of this year, like, my calendar, like, I did not have very many clients on my book looks, especially when I was, like, transitioning into moving into my new studio, but I switched my mindset into being like, okay, like, I have plenty of time to decorate my new salon. I have plenty of time to redo my website, to update my Google business account, to market more, to, like, do some photo shoots for my business, to do things that I normally don't have time to do. So it's all about shifting your mindset. The Lash industry isn't dying. You're just maybe not. Not spending enough time on your business for it to grow. That all goes back to branding as well, honestly.
- [45:10]
A
And I love that you were so vulnerable right now and said that. Yeah, at the beginning, I was. Because people think, like, we're so booked, we're so busy. And like, how can she have this? Like, how is she again, the social media is all a lie. There are some people that have, they say six Lash sets in a day. That's great for them if they do. But it's like, like, it. It's so nice to hear that someone that's so big in the industry not busy.
- [45:36]
B
Yeah.
- [45:36]
A
You know, because I know other people, baby. Lash artists that are barely joining the industry, they're like, I'm taking four hours on a set. Maybe that's why. But it's like, no, you're just starting, like, exactly.
- [45:47]
B
That's totally normal to take four hours on a set, especially, like, when you're first starting. But yeah, I would say also that's the thing about, like, owning a business is like, you are going to have slow seasons and that's fine. That's something that you're gonna have to accept if you want to be a business owner. Like. Like, you have to accept you're not going to be booked 24 7. I've been doing this, like I said, since 2014. And, like, I'm always gonna have, you know, ebbs and flows, but I'm never not, like, completely dead. Like, I have clients that have been coming every two weeks for, like, the past seven years. Like, I see them more than I see my family, basically, at this point, like, every two weeks. So it's like, I don't know, really just like. Like, like I said, it all goes back to branding. Just, like, making sure you're delivering, like, the best experience possible to your clients, because they're looking. They're going to be looking forward to come to you every two weeks, every three weeks. And that's something that they're not going to take out of their budget.
- [46:43]
A
Yeah. And you know, another thing, too, which I really want to get into some tea someone, a baby SD in the lash industry, she wants to do lashes. Like, she's going to be joining these lash cons, right? Is there, like, clicks at these events? Because, you know, when I, for example, for me, when I go to these big shows, right, I see, like. So I see, like, this brand with this people, and, like, they're only with their people.
- [47:10]
B
They don't kind of.
- [47:11]
A
Let me give it one example. I was gonna buy one of my dream machines and I wanted it so bad. And I went to their booth and they treated me like, like, absolute garbage. Like, didn't think they knew why. Like, and that's what I'm saying. Like, I. I'm not nobody, you know, but it's kind of, like, mean girl energy in a way, you know, like, because I didn't have a platform in a way, to them.
- [47:36]
B
Yeah.
- [47:37]
A
And I think that, like, broke my heart because I'm like, dude, I really was going to be a customer.
- [47:42]
B
But now I would say, like, okay, so I can't speak, like, for everyone, because I know there are definitely, like, some, like, bad apples that, like, definitely are, like, maybe, like, entitled, stuck, maybe their platform has gone to their head, whatever. But I would say, like, 99 of the time, like, it's not clicky. It's just, like, a community. Like, it's not mean girl energy. It's just, like, people that are familiar with each other and, like, already have, like, a bond or, like, a friendship. Because the biggest thing about these events, like, lashcon, and, like, there's another really big conference in Texas that I love called Lash Boss Summit. Like, that's another big Lash conference events that I always go to. I would say I've been going to these for years, and a lot of people have been going to these for years, and, like, you know, the vendors and brands have been going to them for years. So it's like you kind of all build a rapport. Not, like, on purpose, not because you're trying to be clicky, but it's like the main point of these events, obviously, to learn, but also to, like, network and, like, build relationships and build friendships. So it's like, I hate the, Like, I hate the click term because it's like, we're. We're. It's. God forbid people have friends. Like, people aren't allowed to have friends. You know what I mean?
- [49:00]
A
Yeah, I get it. Like, I. I feel like.
- [49:02]
B
I think it's. Sorry not to interrupt you.
- [49:04]
A
No, yeah, yeah, I get it, though. But, like, I get it because we were. I haven't seen this friend in, like, over a year.
- [49:09]
B
I just want to say hi. Exactly. And it's like, it's. I think it's someone saying that, like, someone is, like, clicky is kind of like your own. What's the word? Your own. Like, why can I think I should have gotten a coffee? It's your own insecurity. Oh, it's like you're. It's like projecting, like, maybe. I don't know. The way, like, people become friends and the way people network and stuff is by, like, getting out of your shell. Like, like I said, I'm very introverted, but I'm gonna force myself to get out of my shell. Like, if it's for my industry and, like, my. If it, like, helps my business and, you know, any, like, brand opportunity I have ever had, like, I. I am a content creator for several brands. I've worked with several brands, like, educating as well, too. And the way I have built every single connection is by just, like, putting myself out there, going to these events, being a student, being an attendee, getting out of my show and putting myself out there. Like, you can't. Like, growth isn't going to come from your comfort zone, and you can only connect with someone so much on social media. Like, I would say, if you, like, ever wanted to be, like, a speaker, like, an educator, like, work with a brand or something like that, you have to get in the room with them and you have to, like, make yourself known, and then eventually, like, yeah, y' all will become friends and Y' all will build a rapport, and then, you know, you will be seen with them in a lot of events. But it's like, it didn't happen overnight. And it's not like people don't get, like, opportunities because they have a lot of followers or whatever, like their friends. It's like they. They climbed the ladder and worked their way up. Does that make sense?
- [50:51]
A
You kind of just have to put yourself out there.
- [50:53]
B
Yes.
- [50:54]
A
And kind of like, if you're to yourself, you're not very extroverted, which everyone is not extroverted. They're like, you said you're introverted. If you want to be known, what you're saying is. Is just go for it. Put yourself out there. Even if you have a name for yourself and you're like, not a speaker, like, Wednesday is. But in a way, you're just trying to get up there. You just kind of have to find it's. I always say it's not about what you know. It's about who you.
- [51:22]
B
It is a thousand percent, you know, because also, like, these conferences and like, like, because people ask me all the time, too. Like, you know, how did you become a speaker? How did you, like, like, become affiliated with this brand and stuff like that? And it's like, first, I mean, you have to be a little crazy, and you have to pretend that you already are. So whenever, like, if I. I'll give this example. I. I work closely with a lash brand called EBL Lashes, and I wanted to be an ambassador for them so bad. This is, like, in my baby lash artist days, and this is, like, when brand ambassadors were still, like, a big thing on social media. I feel like that's like. Like, not really a big thing anymore. I don't know. It kind of went a different direction, but it's like, I just started pretending like, I was already a brand ambassador. Like, I already use their products. I would post about them all the time and tag them all the time. I would go to every conference that they were at so, like, I could meet the owner and, like, connect with her and get to know her more and stuff. And I truly was, like, a top customer of theirs. Like, I was ordering. I already knew their products and stuff like that. Blah. But you can't just slide into someone's DMs that you don't even know and be like, hey, like, can I get a discount code? And, like, or can I be an educator for you? Or can I make content for you? Or this and that. Can I be a speaker at your Event, like, you gotta put in the work first. And like, I said, like, I've. I've paid thousands of dollars to go to events as an attendee, like, so I can get in the room with people that I want to be like and that I want to work with and that I want to work for.
- [52:51]
A
So that was some tea. That was some tea. Because you know what? I feel like this. We don't really speak about the shows. We do speak about them, but we don't really speak about, like, the clicks and, like, all these different, like, you know, events. And you're kind of scared to going up to this person because they're kind of feeling, like, intimidated by the way that they're either when people stand a certain way or hands crossed, it's always. You notice everything.
- [53:18]
B
Yeah.
- [53:19]
A
So I feel like I've never talked about this on the podcast.
- [53:21]
B
And again, it's also like a mindset shift. Like, of course, the easy thing to do would be like, oh, my God, like, this is so clicky. Or like, so and so is a. Or like, I'm just not meant to be here. No one wants me to be here because they don't know who I am. Like, you can, you know, shift your mindset. I mean, you're gonna get out of it what you put into it. So, like, maybe I can try a little harder. Maybe I can do this. Maybe I should actually have a conversation with this person instead of just trying to take a picture with them or something. Like, you have to have an agenda. I'm crazy. Also, when I. So I was a ambassador for EBL for a while, and then I really wanted to be an educator. Like, I knew they had a spot open and I already knew the owner. Like, I had known her for a few years, but, like, I wanted to be an educator. And I literally made a slideshow and recorded myself presenting it on Canva. What? And emailed it to her. Because I was like, this is everything I could do if I was an educator for your brand.
- [54:17]
A
Oh, she's hungry.
- [54:18]
B
And she was like, that's okay. Your soul. I was hired. I was already close with her too. Like, I probably just could have texted her and asked her. No, but the fact that you did.
- [54:28]
A
All that is, like, it shows so much about you, though.
- [54:30]
B
I don't want opportunities just because I'm friends with someone or because they know who I am. Like, I want to prove my worth. Like, I'm a speaker. Like, lashcon didn't just tell text me and was like, hey, can you be a Speaker this year, like, I applied, I wrote out everything that like I wanted to do. I sent follow up emails. Like, I do everything the right way. Like, I don't my. Like, I don't want to feel like I just got handed something I really don't. Like, I want to prove my worth and like, feel like I deserve to be there.
- [55:01]
A
No. Is that an advice that you would give to a baby lash tech that's coming into this industry?
- [55:07]
B
As far as. Yeah, like that department, like the speaker and Educator Realm 100. That's my best piece of advice I would give is like put yourself in the room as the same room as the people that you want to be. Like, as far as building a clientele, because I mean, let's be real, if you're coming into the lash industry, I mean, your main goal is to have a steady clientele that's going to be your main source of income. Like, I can't pay my bills right now by like being an influencer or whatever. Like, like I pay my bills with my steady clientele. Something I wish I could have told myself as a baby lash artist is instead of focusing so much on trying to get new clients in the door, just focus on catering to the clients you already have and like giving them the best experience possible so that they are obsessed with you and they tell everyone about you and they'll build your clientele for you.
- [55:57]
A
Oh, period. That's good.
- [55:59]
B
Is it? Thank you.
- [56:00]
A
No, it's good because it's like, it's so true. Like value your clients that you have.
- [56:04]
B
Yeah.
- [56:04]
A
Because then they're gonna go and tell everybody about you.
- [56:07]
B
It's one thing to get a client in the door, like get a new client, but it's a whole other ball game trying to get them to come back. Like, if someone is coming back to you, like, they really with you, like, they want to keep coming to you.
- [56:20]
A
Once you have those regulars locked in, they're locked in.
- [56:22]
B
So it's so much easier to just, just get them to be like, hey, can you leave me a review? Can you post about me in this Facebook group? Can you tell if you send me your friends and family, like, I'll give you like 50 off each fill, which, like, by the way, you gotta do better. The incentives, like not $5 off a fill. If you refer someone to me, like, that's not gonna get anyone to work for you.
- [56:43]
A
I did 50 off for the very first time on my regulars. And can I tell you how much of a hit it was?
- [56:50]
B
Yeah, yeah, exactly.
- [56:51]
A
And I Have never, ever done that much of a discount at or promotion ever.
- [56:55]
B
Yeah.
- [56:56]
A
And that shit was a hit. When I tell you. And no, I know a lot of people, like, that's like a whole nother discussion about promotions and discounts and stuff. But I'm only gonna get into, like, I did it once and I did it for a minute, and it was the best. I was like, oh, my gosh. Not only did I bring them in, right. And it was my regulars, but they were telling other people and other people and my Google reviews shot up.
- [57:19]
B
Exactly. So it was.
- [57:21]
A
It was really good. Good. Really good.
- [57:22]
B
One more thing. Speaking of Google, your Google presence is way more important than your social media presence. Like, that's how I got it up. Yes. Google utilize Google my business. And then Apple just came. Or it's kind of new Apple Connect, which is kind of like Google. Yeah. So like now I just did it like, you know how you search a business on Apple Maps or whatever. And now you can customize it. Like, I put like my own banner and everything. Oh, my gosh.
- [57:48]
A
Did you hear that agent? That's my assistant.
- [57:50]
B
We're gonna have to tell. Yeah, like, so you can like, customize your app naps now. And like, it's really cute. And so again, putting everything on brand, making sure everything is cohesive and on brand.
- [58:02]
A
But I love that.
- [58:03]
B
Yeah, like, you're not. Everyone has social media. So while social. Social media is important, like, having a web presence overall is more important because believe it or not, most of my new clients are from Google. They're typing in lash extensions near me. And then.
- [58:16]
A
Yeah, because Google is it right now. How about Yelp?
- [58:18]
B
I don't with Yelp, but okay, I know a lot of people whose businesses have been really good for Yelp, but like, Yelp. I've beefed with Yelp. So, like, I hate them. They're on my betrayal list.
- [58:32]
A
No, for real. Because I've heard that's why I don't have. I. They just made me a Yelp and I'm like, I'm scared.
- [58:37]
B
I just don't even with it. But I like. Oh, and then I use Vergaro for online booking and I have like 200 reviews on Vergaro.
- [58:45]
A
Yeah, that's me too. I don't use the girl. I use Booksie. But I think we're like at almost like 300 and it's the best. Yeah, best. I think the reviews are there as to. It's like you going somewhere to eat, you know, and it's like, okay, is Just like, we're going to look at. As soon as I see. I'm like, let me look at the reviews.
- [59:01]
B
Exactly. You know, and like, yeah, so if you're having like a slow season right now, like, use that time to get all.
- [59:09]
A
Before we end this podcast, last question. In a year, where do you see your business? Do we see any, like. Like your own product line? Because I feel like, no, that's like a huge thing. In the last. They want to come with their glue, their hair, the lash hair, the. I don't know what the. You guys call them. The tweezers, too.
- [59:26]
B
Yeah. No, I would never do that.
- [59:28]
A
No.
- [59:29]
B
But no, it'll be so cute.
- [59:30]
A
I can see your whole campaign.
- [59:32]
B
If any Lash brand wants to do a collab with me, like, I'll design some stuff for you. That would be cute, but I. That's just like a whole other thing. Like, I could talk about this forever, but I feel like a lot of like Lash artists are like, let me start a product line as a side hustle. Me start educating as a side hustle. And it's like, those are not side hustles. Those are brand new businesses like you are. That is a startup. That is not a side hustle. So no, I. That would be like a whole new business, I would say. So my goal for the next year is to narrow down what it is exactly that I want to do and focus on because I feel like I'm all over the place. Like, if you follow me on social media, closely, like, I'm educating, I'm speaking. I do brand photography for people. I do websites for people, I do logos for people. People. I do online courses. I'm like all over the place. And then I have my clients and I have my renters. And so my goal, like, you can't be good at everything. It's like we're talking about earlier, like, when you do all these services, it's like, no, you need to figure out what you want to be good on, what you want to be known for. So that's kind of what I want to try to figure out over the next year. I'm like, do I want to open multiple salons or do I want to, like, really hone into my education? Or do I want to do more like, photography or, like, whatever. Like, I need to figure out what it is exactly that I want to focus on.
- [60:52]
A
At least you're honest.
- [60:53]
B
Yeah, yeah. I mean, I'm kind of all over the place, but I kind of thrive on chaos. Just like I did three clients and Then hopped on a plane and then came here. And I'm about to go to Anaheim.
- [61:02]
A
Crazy. And Anaheim is probably an hour away from here. Shout out to you, though, for coming on here.
- [61:07]
B
Thank you for having me. Yeah, I'm honored.
- [61:09]
A
We always end this podcast with a quote. So whatever quote that you thought about on the plane and thought about right now, as soon as you walked in talking to me, whatever comes to your mind, tell us your quote.
- [61:20]
B
So it's. It's silly. It's a song lyric. But I always. In a lot of my presentations I've done, I always include it. It's.
- [61:28]
A
That's so cute. All in her presentation. She includes it, too. Okay, that's your.
- [61:32]
B
I live by this. You're gonna laugh.
- [61:34]
A
Stop it right now.
- [61:36]
B
If they hate, then let them hate and watch the money pile up. Up by 50 cent. But it's true.
- [61:44]
A
True.
- [61:44]
B
I live by. Okay, Because I know it's embarrassing. It's not embarrassing, but it's so cute. It's embarrassing. Like putting yourself out there as a business owner.
- [61:53]
A
Yeah.
- [61:53]
B
So, like, they're gonna judge me. They're gonna think I'm weird, like, blah, blah. If anyone's hating, it's from the bottom. Like, if they hate them, let them hate and watch the money pile up. That's what I live by. Please, please hate me. That's fine. I'm doing something right.
- [62:07]
A
Oh, my gosh. I just needed to hear that right now. I'll tell you why I needed to hear that. But anyways, thank you so much for coming on my podcast.
- [62:15]
B
Thank you so much. Text on this season.
- [62:17]
A
So shout out to Wednesday. Okay.
- [62:20]
B
Thank you so much, and I hope.
- [62:22]
A
To see you on your next. On my next one.
- [62:23]
B
Thank you.
- [62:24]
A
Bye.