There’s a common misconception that when you become a business owner, everything will magically be perfect. Don’t fall for it. There is nothing magical about being an entrepreneur. Owning your own business is hard.

But with every lesson I’ve learned, I’ve become stronger. I don’t want you to have to learn all these lessons through trial and error like me. I’m hoping you can learn from my roller-coaster of a journey and skip all the messy stuff on your own journey. So here it is, my truth:

1. You Have to Be Willing to Learn

You won’t know everything that you need to know to run a successful business. This is okay. I started my first lash salon almost seven years ago and I still don’t know everything I need to know. Everyday I’m learning. And again, that’s okay. All you have to do is be aware that you don’t know everything and be willing to learn as much as you can. You can learn from a book, from a mentor or from simply observing.

Don’t stop yourself from reaching a goal because you’re worried that you don’t know everything.

Did you know the beauty industry is the fastest growing industry?! Read more in Cosmetology Career Path: From Colorist to Lash Marketing Pro.

2. Be Prepared to Work 24/7

When you work for someone else you can leave work at work. You come into the salon or office, do your job and go home. When you’re an owner, your whole life is submerged in your business. I get calls and emails even when I’m sitting on the beach in Hawaii. I could ignore them. You know, deal with them when I get back to Arizona. But my lash salons are my babies. Could you ignore a call or email from your baby (you know if babies could call or email)? Beach side or not, babies come first!

The truth is you won’t have more time to do yoga, dance all night or be cozy on the couch with your family because your business will need you to be able survive.

3. You Won’t Be the Boss

I currently own four lash salons along with The Lash Professional and, girl, I’m not a boss. Do you know who my boss is? My clients. Yep, you read that right. I work for them. They tell me if I’m doing well or not, they tell me if I hired correctly or made a mistake, and they tell me if the lash cleanser I’ve been working on for months is the best thing ever or whether it needs more work. I answer to them. You will too. Our clients are our bosses.

4. Sometimes You Have to Be the “Bad Guy”

Being an entrepreneur and owner of lash salons, I am forced to make difficult decisions that people don’t always understand.

You may have to discipline or fire employees, end business relationships that aren’t working for you and your bottom line or make other decisions that people might not like.

You have to be okay with this because you won’t be liked by everyone, especially when you’re running your own business.

5. The Sacrifices are All Worth It

Almost every day I walk into our headquarters so grateful for the business my team and I have created. This business is worth all the difficult lessons I had to learn to get here.

Being an entrepreneur has given me the opportunity to meet amazing women who have become some of my favorite people in this whole entire world. And, what is more important than meaningful relationships?!

So, what do I want you to take away from this? Well, being an entrepreneur is hard. It is very hard! But WOW is it rewarding.

xo, Vanessa Molica

Need help on your lash entrepreneur journey? Sign up for coaching with Vanessa and let her help you meet your goals.

Oh hey!  Good to see you again.  So, now that you're a lash boss, are you ready to take on the world with your lash boss magic?  I hope so, because this blog will give you tips for how to create an eyelash extension business plan.

Obviously to have a business plan, you need to start somewhere.  If you're on The Lash Professional, you're probably looking into starting an eyelash extension business.  However, these tips can work with any type of salon business plan.

Before you even think about writing a business plan, you need to extensively research the market you're planning to be part of.  John Rampton of Entrepreneur suggests spending twice the amount of time researching that you do actually writing your business plan.  The article I linked has a lot of great, specific information for how to navigate a market, so check that out.

It's really important that you work out early on how much money you'll need to start your business.  This will influence whether you hire employees, where your salon is, the hours you work, etc.  Along with this, break up this number into different spending categories.

Are you going to market your business?  How much, if any, money are you going to spend on advertising?  Where are you going to advertise? Maybe your perspective clientele is super social media savvy, so you want to target Instagram users.  Plan to market strategically, so that you're not wasting any of your startup money.

Are you going to be working alone?  Are you going to hire employees?  If you hire employees, how many will you hire to start?  Are you going to pay them commission or hourly?  Finances are obviously crucial if you're flying solo, but when other people are dependent on you, have your sh*t figured out!

Where will your business be?  Would you prefer to work out of your home, or do you want to lease a space? Maybe you actually want to own a space!  More power to you, lash boss.  If you decide to work somewhere other than your home, try to find a good location that is easy to spot and find by clients.

You also need to decide what services you're going to provide.  Will your salon just offer lash extensions, or do you plan on adding lash lifts and tints as well?  (Ahem, we think you should!)  The Lash and Sugar Company (our salons in Arizona) offer not only lash extensions, lifts, and tints, but sugaring and tanning as well!  This makes it a one-stop-shop for clients.  Convenience for them, money for Lash and Sugar!  Considering adding any beauty service is a good thing to do, because the more a client can rely on you, the more likely they are to keep coming back for more.

All of that being said, where are you going to get the things you need to run your business?  You can't do lashes without, well, lashes.  Find brands that you like, would personally use, and won't break your budget. See how everything goes back to finances?!

For all things lashes, check out The Lash Professional.  Not only will you be offering your client the best products, you'll be joining a Lash Gang that has your back through your eyelash extension business journey.

What are you waiting for?  Go write that business plan!

Need help with starting your business? Check out our Business Online Training program. 

I love good eyelash extension videos, whether it's techniques, how to deal with clients, or supply hauls.  If you're like me, you really didn't even know that these types of channels existed until recently.  I'm going to give you the lowdown on my fave channels, so that you can soak up all the inspiration.

Would this even be a  TLP blog if I didn't toot our own horn?  While we only have one video right now (and it's great, of course), we are going to bring you the best info, straight from the experts.  We believe that the more education you have access to, the better a lash boss you'll be.  

Danielle feels like my best friend, and I've never even met her.  The info that she blesses us with is so helpful, because it covers every base.  Watch Danielle's videos if you want tips on how to edit your lash photos, retention, and even safety.  Danielle is a certified bad b*tch for sure.

All of LashBox LA's videos are narrated by their Global Education Director, Lydia.  One of the things I love is that she's all about protecting the interests of the lash artists, and helping them grow!  As I said earlier, we believe in education, so if you're looking for tips and tricks about lashing, or even how to manage your clientele, check out LashBox LA's videos.

Kari's channel makes me smile.  I love how she not only educates and gives you helpful tips and tricks, but she takes you along with her to trade shows.  Kari is a traditional YouTuber, crossed with a lash artist, and as someone who enjoys both lash videos and vlogs, I like that I don't have to choose when I'm on Kari's channel.  Her videos highlight a lot of brands, which is great, especially if you're just starting out and are on the hunt for reputable supplies.

FabuPRO gets up close and personal with lashes.  No, really.  Go watch their videos.  I love that they show actual lashing and cleansing so that we can see what real life looks like.  It's not always bomb lashes on Instagram, people!  Sometimes you'll have clients whose lashes really need to be cleaned, and FabuPRO shows you how.  I also like that they have videos about mapping techniques and even lash reveals with real clients.

The takeaway here is that there's tons of free education if you look for it!  We and our fellow lash artists put out this content for you, so you can lash so hard.  Soak it up like a sponge, because there's more coming your way, especially from The Lash Professional.

This time, we’re getting down to business…your eyelash extension business. We’re talking about branding yourself and your lash business. 

The most important thing about branding yourself is brand recognition, for a number of reasons. Think about your favorite, most popular brands. Okay, let’s think about Lululemon. Well-known? Yes. In demand? Yes. Expensive? Yes. High-quality? Yes. All of those things are what every person creating a brand wants their brand to be. 

So, you want your brand to be well-known. To do this, you’re going to have to come up with a great brand name, and do some clever advertising. If there’s a specific niche you want to fit into, make sure that your advertising expresses that your brand fits that niche. Look at what other similar brands are doing, and see how you can do that…but better and personalized to you. Don’t be a copycat, though!

You want people to envision themselves buying your brand and putting it to use in their every day lives. Create that vision in your ad for them, and this will help create a demand for your specific brand. Come up with something especially unique to your brand, that would incentivize people to buy it. What’s different and better about your brand than your competitors?

Selling your products for a lot of money will come later. You obviously don’t want to sell low quality products for a ridiculous price. People will see right through that, and stop spending money with you. So, start small and work your way up until you can afford to have your branded products manufactured with the kind of quality products you’d shell out a lot of money for. A word of advice: create a brand you’d personally spend your money on.

Additionally, branding yourself will lead to repeat customers who love your product and become loyal to it. This will increase the trustworthiness of your brand. When someone says to their friend, “I’ll never use anything else,” the friend’s interest is going to be piqued and they’re definitely going to check out this holy grail brand that everyone swears by.

So, everyone’s talking about you? Finally, that’s a good thing! You know why? Everyone knows who you are, so it’s easy for them to find you. Is there literally anyone who doesn’t know Starbucks? And is there anyone who has ever had a hard time finding one? No! Follow these branding tips, and you’ll be the Starbucks of lashes.

If you need help with branding and anythiing else with your lash business, check out our online business course. 

It’s no secret that networking is one of the top tips for job-seekers to land opportunities. But, what about business networking?

Networks can be great for promoting your service or spreading awareness for businesses, too.

We asked eight professionals how they leverage their network to support their business. Find out what they said below.

Make connections with potential clients and partners via social media, but don’t stop there. Once you have established a relationship, let them try your products so they can see exactly what you have to offer and give you any critiques. This will help your business stand out and make new customers more inclined to revisit your services. Don't be afraid to send your products to new customers or people already in your industry, their feedback is valuable.

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional

Earlier this year I ran a test where I pitched to 50% of new connections. None of them turned into sales while 20% of the non-pitched group became customers. Very simply, once you pitch to someone on LinkedIn they stop listening to you. Once prospects see your name and photo connected to genuinely helpful content, they feel like they know you and are very comfortable doing business with you. I have seen this happen again and again for clients when I optimize their LinkedIn accounts.

Joni Holderman, Thrive! Resumes

I am reaching out to my network just to ask if anyone needs help, and to let people know I am happy to provide it. With the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, digital business capabilities have gone from nice-to-have to full-fledged must-have. As a consultant with digital marketing and e-commerce expertise, I am in a position to help people in my network through digital transformation so they can better weather this storm. Even if it's on a pro-bono basis, I am proactively making an effort to be helpful to members of my extended network.

Luke Grant, JLG Group

We have been leveraging our network by directly showing our followers how we can help them with the problems they have had with remote working. We pivoted our message somewhat to focus on what our network needed from us right now, and reached out and made sure they knew what we could offer.

Yaniv Masjedi, Nextiva

We recently leveraged a long-standing relationship to get an introduction to a buyer at a large organization which resulted in a successful partnership. When considering networking, we think it is important to remember that it doesn't need to feel transactional or “sales-y.” In fact, if it feels that way, it's not good networking. In our view, good networking is about learning about someone and finding out how you can provide them with value, whether that be through an introduction or the transfer of knowledge. In other words, it's about paying it forward. As it happens, being selfless like that will often organically generate opportunities for your business. 

Emma Miller, Cacao Tea Co.

To avoid ruining personal relationships, I always recommend entrepreneurs to make the requests for support as easy as possible, and not involving money. I asked my network to follow our company on social media, and at least 50% of our followers are people I personally know. This really helped us jumpstart our social media growth since we launched in mid-March. Since it only takes a second to click follow, this is the most respectful ask in my opinion.

Calloway Cook, Illuminate Labs

Sometimes a business needs capital to operate, or to get to the next stage in their business. That could mean financing equipment for their salon, or taking out a loan to cover expenses. Whatever the case, a great business referral to ask for is an introduction to a financial professional who can assist with financing. Your network almost always knows best on who can help with financing needs.

Carey Wilbur, Used Equipment Financing  

Offering to collaborate is a fantastic way to leverage your network. Find a local business that is similar to yours and willing to put on a joint event in the community will not only bring light to both companies, but it will allow you to network with those in your industry. Collaborating on giveaways or products are also ways to get both names out there and for you as an individual to network and share ideas. 

Brett Farmiloe, Local SEO Company

As stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders continue to lift, many small businesses are wondering how to re-launch after weeks of uncertainty.

For lash businesses, re-launching may prove to be a much more delicate challenge to overcome due to concerns about safety and health.

We asked seven thought leaders to share their insights. Their answers might surprise you.

The best tip when trying to reopen your lash salon is to promote safety. One of the main concerns for customers is if they visit your salon, will they be at risk for COVID-19. You want to give them as much reassurance as you can that your business is dedicated to safely making them feel their best.  Let customers know via social media, email and phone calls that you are open and implementing every state required safety measure. Doing this will ease a customer’s uncertainty and fear. 

Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional 

I believe that the companies spending on advertising and customer experience during this time of crisis are the ones who will come out ahead. In times of need, people are hungry for information and support, and most brands have the resource to offer this to at least their customer base, if not a broader community. Invest all that you can in getting your brand's mission out there and connecting with your audience on a genuine level. It will pay off.

Gabi Donchez, Associate Director of Marketing

Gather a list of your most valuable clients (the loyal clients who have the largest visit history) and notify them about your anticipated reopening date, either through a mass text message, email or phone call. Make sure to tell them that you are prioritizing important clients as you reopen and that's why you're reaching out. They'll appreciate that you are prioritizing them and you'll make them feel special.

Danielle Cohen-Shohet, GlossGenius

When planning to re-open your lash salon, make sure that you have a budget centered around COVID-19 costs. Salons are going to need to have disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers, gloves and masks in large amounts. These are costs that did not necessarily exist on the same level before the pandemic but they are now crucial to factor in. In order to be successful, lash salons have to prepare for extra costs. 

Brett Farmiloe, Digital Marketing Company

This is the best time to get organized and build a strategy. Maybe it's a re-evaluation of your website or preparing a series of articles to post on a future blog. Maybe it's laying out a social media strategy and designing three months’ worth of future postings. Is your logo outdated? Now would be a good time to go through the process of a rebrand without disrupting the day-to-day.

Rebecca Longawa, Happy Warrior

All of the projects that you didn't have time to do when you were busy with other stuff. Do something that lets your customers know that you are thinking of them during this difficult time. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them. Show empathy. That will prepare you best for when you are ready to open the doors. They will remember how you made them feel.

Thomas Ahern, Embark Behavioral Health

A crisis like these gives us the opportunity to be creative and analyze how you can improve your business or expand in new ways to provide virtual services. Staying in touch with your clients and strengthening the relationship will be a key factor in focusing your priorities to meet your clients’ needs when things return to normal.

Lucina Zazueta, Bumkins

In most states, beauty businesses are once again up and operating. However, opening their doors in the midst of a pandemic comes with a whole new set of challenges. 

We asked six thought leaders what they are doing to prepare for a successful re-opening. 

Read on to find out how they are making the most of the situation.

After months out of the office due to COVID-19, businesses are trying to reconnect their teams and maintain relationships after much time out of the office. 

We asked eight thought leaders how they are going about rekindling their team's workflow now that places are re-opening.

Their answers will inspire you to do the same.

As eager as everyone will be to get back into the office and get back into the swing of things, it is imperative that businesses take a few days to breathe and feel out the new normal. As a team, when you enter the office again, take the first few days to just sit and talk. Allow space for people to flush out their feelings, frustrations or any other concerns they might have about coming back to work. Once that is done, allow your team time to bond and reconnect. There shouldn’t be a huge rush straight back into work.

Vanessa Molica, Lash Professional

Even the most effective team is only as strong as its members. That’s why one of the most important things you can do to reconnect your team after this period of isolation is to check in with everyone individually. Talk to everyone and address any concerns about their health (mental or otherwise), as well as the process of returning to work. Meeting with your team is also a great way of catching up with them and rebuilding relationships.

Lauren McAdams, Resume Companion

After businesses have reopened and people are allowed to work in the office again, you may organize activities that can help reconnect your team after months of being away from each other. Just make sure that in the execution of these activities, the proper physical distancing would continue to be observed and everyone will be wearing their facemasks to avoid possible contraction of the virus.

Lewis Keegan, SkillScouter.com

Understand that things have changed for both yourself and your team, whether you like it or not. The way that you react and lead in this time will bring your team closer together or push them farther apart. Be sure that you are promoting an open environment where everyone is free to speak their mind and how they are feeling in private or in meetings. With all of the changes and differences, some people are going to feel uncomfortable and it is important that they feel safe enough to talk about it free of judgement.

Sanem Ahearn, Colorescience

One of the most important ways to connect with people is to listen to them, and reflect back what you heard so they know you are listening. Schedule meetings to make sure your staff has what they need to get going, because things may have changed with the way you do business. Needless to say, the world has changed, people have varied feelings and emotions and will need time to adjust to being back to work when things are different in their lives. When people know you care, and they feel safe, they will be much more motivated to get back to work.

Lynell Ross, Zivadream

The sudden shift to telecommuting and mandated social distancing has thrown a wrench in peoples' fitness routines. Set a company fitness goal together and engage in weekly group activities together to help achieve those fitness goals. You can start running groups, office yoga sessions, after-work hikes, train for a marathon, or even join a recreational sports team.

Datis Mohsenipour, Outback Team Building & Training

My advice for how you may reconnect with your team after reopening your business is take some time to collectively discuss creating a vision statement for your business. A vision statement is not the same concept as a mission statement. Mission statements state what the business is/does and what they have to offer today. A vision statement, however, seeks what the business hopes to become and aspires to accomplish on an ongoing basis. Time spent away will allow your team to return with fresh ideas and thoughts about your business can act as a catalyst for change. Start by crafting a vision statement that is transparent and inclusive to one and all.

Deborah Sweeney, MyCorporation

Depending on the size of your staff, and making sure you are following social distancing guidelines,  a team retreat is a great idea to reconnect. It could be a day trip to the lake or even an overnight campout –just something away from the stress of the office. Before rushing back into work, employees need a chance to debrief and feel comfortable around one another. 

Brett Farmiloe, SEO for Training Companies

If you’re anything like me, you didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a lash tech—you felt called to it. The lash world is exciting, creative, and full of opportunities to grow. But once you’ve nailed your technique and started gaining clients, you might be wondering, What’s next? What else can I do with my lash career?

As a lash artist representing The Lash Professional, I’ve seen how diverse and rewarding this industry can be. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your horizons, let’s explore the many job options available for lash techs. Spoiler: your lash career can be anything you want it to be!

Before we dive into all the possibilities, let’s talk about the foundation. Your journey starts with becoming a certified lash artist. Whether you go for an in-person or online course, proper training is essential.

If you’re just getting started, The Lash Professional’s training programs are perfect for building your skills and confidence. Once you’ve got your certification and some experience under your belt, the sky’s the limit.

Here are some exciting career paths you can take as a lash artist:

1. Work in a Lash or Beauty Salon

Many lash techs start their careers working in salons or spas. It’s a great way to build your skills, meet clients, and gain experience in a professional environment. Plus, you’ll have the support of a team and access to steady client traffic.

Pros: Steady income, team support, little to no upfront investment.

Cons: Limited control over pricing and scheduling.

2. Rent a Chair or Booth

If you’re ready for more independence but don’t want the responsibility of owning a full salon, renting a chair or booth is a great option. You’ll set your own prices and schedule while still benefiting from a shared space.

Pros: Flexibility, higher earning potential, less overhead than owning a salon.

Cons: You’ll need to bring in your own clients.

3. Start Your Own Lash Studio

Dreaming of being your own boss? Opening your own lash studio is a bold and rewarding step in your lash career. You’ll have complete control over your services, branding, and business direction.

Pros: Full creative and financial control, potential for high earnings.

Cons: High upfront costs and responsibilities.

Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about starting your own studio, The Lash Professional offers business classes to help you succeed!

4. Become a Mobile Lash Artist

Not ready to commit to a studio? Consider offering mobile lash services. You’ll bring your lash expertise directly to your clients, whether it’s in their homes, at weddings, or other events.

Pros: Low overhead, convenience for clients, flexible hours.

Cons: Travel time and costs, requires portable equipment.

5. Educator or Trainer

Once you’ve gained experience, you can take your lash career to the next level by teaching others. Becoming a lash trainer allows you to share your knowledge, inspire new artists, and even earn extra income.

Pros: Opportunity to mentor others, flexible schedule, additional revenue stream.

Cons: Requires strong teaching skills and additional certifications.

Pro Tip: The Lash Professional’s training courses can prepare you for a career as a lash educator!

6. Lash Brand Ambassador or Influencer

If you love creating content and connecting with others, becoming a lash brand ambassador could be a perfect fit. You’ll promote your favorite products (hello, The Lash Professional!) while building your personal brand and earning perks like free products and discounts.

Pros: Free products, networking opportunities, social media exposure.

Cons: Requires consistent content creation and audience engagement.

7. Lash Product Development

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own lash products? Many lash artists go on to design and launch their own product lines, from adhesives and lash trays to aftercare kits.

Pros: Creative and financial potential, unique branding opportunities.

Cons: High upfront costs and logistics.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, don’t worry! Your lash career doesn’t have to follow a straight path. Here’s how to figure out your next step:

Evaluate Your Goals: Are you focused on income, creativity, flexibility, or growth?

Consider Your Skills: What are you naturally good at? Teaching, creating, or business management?

Start Small: You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Test the waters with side gigs or collaborations.

Seek Support: Reach out to other lash artists or mentors for advice.

So, what’s next for your lash career? Whether you’re working in a salon, starting your own studio, or dreaming of creating your own product line, the opportunities are endless. The key is to follow your passion, stay committed to your growth, and always deliver the best to your clients.

With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can build a lash career that’s as beautiful and unique as the sets you create. And remember, The Lash Professional is always here to help you shine.

Start your lash journey with The Lash Professional today!

Hold your tweezers, lash artist. Before you start lashing a new client, you should have them sign an eyelash extension consent form.

To learn what to include in the waiver and write one that covers all the crucial information, keep scrolling!

If you’re going to dedicate time and effort to creating a lash extension consent form, you need to know its purpose. The truth is, every lash professional uses this helpful tool. Here’s why!

The eyelash consent form allows you, the lash artist, to filter out problem clients. By requiring clients to sign on the dotted line, you remain in control of who’s coming into your studio. If a client refuses to sign, you know that it’s not a good match and that they could cause harm to your business.

To write an eyelash extension release form that’s as perfect as a fresh set, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind. Here’s what to include so that you and your client are on the same page.

Everyone is extra worried about health and safety these days. So it’s important to create the extra consent form centered on COVID-19 guidelines. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

If you learn one thing today, let it be this: A consent form protects you and your business from potential legal recourse and informs all clients of your processes. So, it’s time to get to work. Start drafting your eyelash extension consent form, and while you’re at it, feel free to stop by and download some goodies that we’ve prepared just for you.

Congratulations — your dreams have come true and your lash business is absolutely booming! However, while we’re thrilled about this growth, the increased income can make tax season a little daunting. Luckily, we’ve got all the information you’ll need to file taxes as an artist, including the lowdown on tax deductions. Read on to learn how to file your taxes as a successful lash artist.

Filing taxes as an artist is an overwhelming feat. There are many aspects to keep track of when filing taxes — it makes total sense to feel unsure about what information is vital. But don’t worry because we have you covered.

When it comes to filing taxes as an artist, most lash artists are considered “self-employed” in the eyes of the IRS. This means that your personal and business taxes are intertwined. You must meet the IRS’s criteria to distinguish yourself as a business. If you’re feeling unsure about where your business falls based on these criteria, don’t be afraid to ask a professional for their assistance.

Once you’ve established yourself as a business on a federal level, you’ll need to take a closer look at your state’s specific criteria. Every state has unique guidelines for filing taxes as a business, so be sure to research these before submitting your forms. The last thing you want is to have your taxes filed incorrectly!

Once you’ve confirmed your business status and before tax season rolls around, you’ll want to start keeping track of all your expense and income items. This includes information such as:

• Income from your sales
• Advance payments
• Salaries paid out
• Space rental cost
• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Business insurance

These are only a few things you’ll need to file your taxes as an artist. Next, we’ll give you a few tips to expedite the process and ease your nerves.

We have a few tips up our sleeve to help you through the process. So as you prepare to file your taxes, keep these tips for filing taxes as an artist in mind.

Look into Write-Offs

Tax deductions will save you a ton of money! When you’re ready to file your taxes, consider what you may be able to write off as a tax deduction. This may include rental fees, business supplies, licensing costs, and more. Make sure you keep track of these expenses so when the time comes to write off expenses, you can do so accurately.

Consult with a Tax Professional

When in doubt, ask the professionals! You’d want your clients to come to you with their questions, so why wouldn’t you consult a tax professional when you need help?

Tax professionals are trained in all aspects of filing, including self-employment. These professionals can help you identify viable tax deductibles as well as help you file your taxes. Ask questions, raise concerns, and follow along in the process so you can learn how to properly file your taxes moving forward.

Keep Your Tax Information Organized

Organization is essential! As the year goes on, keep an organized system to track your expenses. When the tax season rolls around, you’ll have all the information you need right at your fingertips. There’s no need to search for hours for that one receipt that could save you money!

Additionally, you’ll want to file your previous tax forms away for safekeeping. That way, you’ll be able to reference previous tax years if necessary.

Consider Overestimating

It’s better to overestimate your tax payments than underestimate. When planning how much your tax expenses are likely to be, always lean toward the higher side. If you end up overestimating, that just means you’ll have more cash in your pocket than you thought you would.

Though filing taxes as an artist can be overwhelming, it’s also a sign that your business is growing! Filing taxes = success, right? And if you haven’t started your business yet, now’s your time to shine! Check out The Lash Professional’s course on how to start your own lash business!

Today, we are going to talk all about how to start a business doing eyelash extensions. We will take you through the steps you will need to complete before starting your lash business. If you’ve always wanted to be your own boss and wow clients with your lash designs, you’re in the right place!

If you are just starting to plan your eyelash extensions business, congratulations! This is going to be an exciting and rewarding venture. The Lash Professional is here to help you along the way. Read on to learn more about starting an eyelash extensions business.

There are lots of moving pieces that work together to start an eyelash extensions business. But, don’t worry! You’ve got this. Let’s take a look at what steps you need to take to start your business.

Take a Training Course and Get Certified

The first thing you will need to do is take a lash training course and get certified. Luckily, we offer the best eyelash extension training courses for up-and-coming lash artists.

First, you will learn all about the pre-application steps such as health and safety measures and the natural lash growth cycle. Then, our lash professionals will teach you about extension curl types, application techniques, and styling for different eye shapes. Lastly, you will learn how to safely remove extensions and how to price your eyelash extension services.

After you complete a lash extension course, you will get a certificate you can proudly hang in your lash studio. Next, prepare for launching your business by taking The Lash Professional’s Lash Business course.

This course specifically is great for those looking to start their own lash business.

Build Your Lash Kit

When you take one of The Lash Professional training courses, you will receive an eyelash extension starter kit with everything you need to do lash extensions. This kit includes extensions, tweezers, lash adhesive, gel remover, and more. We even offer large eyelash extension starter kits with extra supplies.

Start practicing with these supplies until you feel confident; then, you can expand your lash kit and purchase more products. Check out The Lash Professional shop for all things lashes!

Research and Practice

The next step in how to start an eyelash extensions business is to watch tutorials, read articles, and practice. Practice is key! The more you practice, the better your lash looks will turn out. Find friends or family members who would love an elevated lash look and use them as models. Remember to take pictures of your work to share on social media for your business.

You also can read blogs and watch video tutorials to fine-tune your skills. Thankfully, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and created an eyelash extensions resources guide. After finishing this article, head over to see all the amazing tutorials, YouTube channels, and blogs we recommend.

Set Up Your Lash Business

The Lash Professional Eyelash Extensions Business course will go through all of these things, but it’s important to choose a legal business structure that works for you. Determine the location of your business, price your services, create a monthly budget, figure out your taxes, etc., before launching your lash extensions business.

You will also want to choose a lash booking system for clients to book appointments through.

Market Your Business

So, you’ve launched your eyelash extensions business, and you’ve worked with your first few clients. How do you spread the word about your business and gain more clients? Through lash extension marketing, that’s how!

Use social media to promote your services, tell everyone you know, and maybe even create a client referral program. This will boost your new lash business to the next level. Choose at least one social media platform to be active on for your business. The more you get your name out there, the more clients you will create gorgeous natural lash looks for!

Woo hoo! You’ve successfully started a lash extension business. You are well on your way and have turned your side hustle into a full-blown business. Keep marketing your business even after you have a steady stream of customers and enjoy the fun of being your own boss.

Keep Slaying the Game

Now you know how to start an eyelash extensions business. So go out and get started!

We are so excited that you are on your way to becoming a professional lash artist. We know you are going to wow your clients and have them coming back for more. We hope this guide to how to start a business doing eyelash extensions was helpful in your lash artist journey.

If you need help with your lash business, we have a great online business class!