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Eyelash Extension Business | Branding Yourself
Eyelash Extension Business | Branding Yourself
February 18, 2021 by The Lash Professional.
Welcome back to another fantastic Thursday to talk about all things lashes. Actually, this time, we’re getting down to business…your eyelash extension business. We’re talking about branding yourself and your lash business. However, this can really be beneficial to any type of business.
Eyelash Extension Business Recognition
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. We want our brand to be bad a*s, and we want people to want it…bad.
So, you want your brand to be well-known. To do this, you’re going to have to come up with a bomb 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!
Half of the brands that I see on Facebook and Instagram have really, really cute ads. 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, baby.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our YouTube channel, where certified lash boss Vanessa gives you the scoop on all things lashes. I’ll make it easy for you. Just click play.
Otherwise, I’ll see you here next week for another boss-to-boss chat!
XX CAM
Dramatic Eyelash Extensions: Guide To The Best Curls
Dramatic Eyelash Extensions: Guide To The Best Curls
April 22, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
Any lash queen knows she doesn't need drama—unless it's in her lashes, of course!
Whether you want a look that pumps up the volume or adds a subtle edge to your beauty, you'll need some eye-catching eyelash extensions.
So, any eyelash extensions will do, right? Wrong! Picking the incorrect eyelash extensions is like picking a dress that doesn't fit: it just isn't cute.
How can you know what dramatic eyelash extensions are the right ones for you, then?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when looking for lash extensions is lash curl.
To put it simply, each lash curl gives you a different lash look. What curl you use depends on the shape of your eye, your natural lash length, and more.
Alright, lash ladies, those lash looks won't create themselves.
To get you started, we're going to take you through the process of picking the right curl as well as why each curl works best with certain eye shapes and more!
Dramatic Eyelash Extensions: Learn What Curl to Use For Unique Eye Shapes
Eye Shapes, Natural Lashes, and Eye Extensions
One of the first steps you're going to take when styling a lash look for a client is to look at their eyes. This may seem like a given, but it matters!
What am I looking for, specifically, when looking at someone's eyes?
There's a lot you can learn from your client's eyes: the natural curl (or lack of a curl) to their normal lashes, their eye shape, and even how healthy their lashes are.
Generally, you want to take all of this into account when picking the right curl. First, though, we're going to look at eye shapes.
While there are many different unique eyes out there, there are three main eye shapes you're likely going to see: round eyes, almond eyes, and hooded eyes.
As for types of natural eyelashes, a client may have straight lashes, lashes pointing downward, slightly curly lashes, or a variation of lash types!
Once you have a general idea of what you're working with, you're ready to start choosing curls. Typically, you want to compliment your client's natural lashes while still giving them genuine but dramatic eyelash extensions!
Curl Sizes and What Looks They Best Compliment
Before we get to matching lash curls to create killer looks, let's cover an important point first: lash extensions aren't one-size-fits all!
In other words, base each client's look on their unique eye shape and natural lashes. You won't be able to slap on your favorite volume D curl lash combo or J curl set onto every client. So, every look you make is going to be different, even if only slightly.
Thankfully, there are plenty of eyelash extension curl sizes for you to use out there. Below, we go over some of the basic curls you may use when lashing looks for clients.
C and CC Curl Extensions
We're starting with the C curl because it's more likely than not that this will be your go-to lash.
If your client wants some added flavor to her already slightly curled lashes, try out C curl lashes! Thanks to the natural curl of the C curl, these lashes are just right for making natural lashes pop with an open-eye effect.
On the other hand, you've also got CC curls. You'd use a CC curl when a client wants even more drama in their lashes without looking unnatural. This added drama is thanks to the CC curl having a curlier tip compared to the C curl.
J Curl Extensions
Let's say a client comes in and has the straightest eyelashes you've ever seen. Don't start panicking! While these may not be the lashes you see every day, you can get a client with straight, almost downward pointed eyelashes.
For these lashes, the best curl to use would be a J curl. The reason why a J curl works with straight lashes is due to it's simple but impactful curl at the tip.
B Curl Extensions
Another option for straight eyelashes would be a B curl! Typically, the B curl works best with straight eyelashes that don't point down.
There are some major differences between B vs. J curl extensions, but the main one to remember is the lift that a B curl has the appearance of a naturally curled lash. It is similar to the curl that you’d expect after curling your lashes with an eyelash curler.
Add a Healthy Dose of Creative Lash Drama to Your Life!
Like we said before, ladies, these curls are just the tip of the iceberg.
After all, there are other ways to add some flair to a client's lashes. Make any client's eye color pop with some rainbow-colored eyelash extensions! Or, you could experiment with silk, mink, and faux mink lash extensions when making an innovative look!
All in all, a lot is waiting for you to try out in the world of lashing. But what's the best way for you to get started? By enrolling in a comprehensive course provided by The Lash Professional, of course!
To all of you future lashing icons out there, the courses at The Lash Professional are a surefire way to learn everything you want and more about the lashing world.
Plus, we've got online and in-person lashing courses. If you want to unleash the lash beast, but at your own pace, try out The Lash Professional's online courses. Learning to lash from your comfy living room couch is pretty amazing!
For you lash babes who want an upfront piece of the action, you can enroll in our in-person courses. There, you'll be taught how to lash to your heart's content by The Lash Professional's very own lash experts.
Jump headfirst into the world of dramatic lash looks by enrolling in The Lash Professional's classes today!
8 Ideas to Leverage Your Network to Support Your Business - The Lash Professional
8 Ideas to Leverage Your Network to Support Your Business
July 1, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
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.
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.
7 Things To Help Re-Launch Your Lash Business - The Lash Professional
7 Things To Help Re-Launch Your Lash Business
July 1, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
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.
6 Tips to Prepare to Reopen Your Beauty Business in 2020 - The Lash Professional
6 Tips to Prepare to Reopen Your Beauty Business in 2020
July 1, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
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.
Re-opening your beauty business is an exciting and equally scary thing. Depending on the size and space of your business, it might be time to declutter. Extra chairs, tables and other decorative pieces could be taking up extra space that needs to be used so people can social distance safely. One of the best tips is to only keep equipment that you absolutely need in order to operate – everything else can go in the back closet for now.
Vanessa Molica, The Lash Professional
We started thinking about our reopening long before we were given the green light which helped us when it came time for our doors to open. We began by looking at what other cities had done that were ahead of our reopening plan. Installing plexiglass at reception, ensuring all our lash beds were at least 6 feet apart, adding plastic bins under each bed that were easy to disinfect for our clients’ personal belongings. We made masks mandatory for staff and clients. If a client is entering our shop, we are charging a small surcharge for masks to cover our overhead. We require clients to use hand sanitizer upon arrival and send out an automated Covid-19 waiver to ensure our staff’s safety.
Jessica Lapuz, OutLash Beauty Boutique
With places slowly returning to a new normal, making sure that clients and customers remain in the loop about any changes is a crucial part of the process. Updating your customers on the precautions in place, how you’re taking clients differently, any exciting promos with the grand reopening, and anything else you might want to let your customers know should be done in a fun yet informative way.
Nate Masterson, Maple Holistics
When you're scheduling appointments, focus on existing client relationships first. 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 you have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) and remind clients of your policies before they come in.
Danielle Cohen-Shohet, GlossGenius
Make it easy for your clients and partners to reach out and proactively communicate. This includes sharing what exact steps you are taking to make your environment as safe as possible. Be a good listener; understand what's working and what's not and don't be afraid to evolve as needed.
Budgeting is going to be crucial when re-opening your beauty business. On top of the fact that business may not resume to full capacity right away, there are now going to be new safety measures that cost extra money. Sitting down and projecting costs for things like masks, plexiglass and gloves is going to you better balance income once you officially re-open.
8 Ways to Reconnect Your Team After Reopening Your Business in 2020 - The Lash Professional
8 Ways to Reconnect Your Team After Reopening Your Business in 2020
July 1, 2020 by The Lash Professional.
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.
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.
