How to Become a Lash Artist and Build a Successful Business
Imagine waking up at whatever time of day you’d like, having a slow morning, going to work at your leisure with no stress, no boss to hound over you, no work colleagues to compete with, and making friends every day. Imagine setting your own hours, working part-time or full-time or a mix of both, setting your own prices, and getting paid to listen to hot gossip or podcasts every day while making women more confident and beautiful!
The beauty industry is booming, and eyelash extensions are at the forefront of this growth. Becoming a lash artist could be your ticket to a rewarding and lucrative career if you're passionate about beauty and have an eye for detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting started and turning your passion into a thriving business!
Step 1: Get Certified
The first step to becoming a lash artist is to gain the necessary skills and knowledge through a certification program. Look for accredited courses that offer comprehensive training in lash application techniques, safety, and hygiene. A certification equips you with essential skills and boosts your credibility with clients. But be careful; not all lash courses are valid or are what you need to work in your city/country. Sometimes, you must become an esthetician and attend college or a certified institute. You will need to take a year of esthetician courses that will teach you about skin and other beauty treatments before they teach you about lashes. How do you find this out? Ask around! Ask your current lash tech, ask the place where you want to take the course, or simply ask Google!
Step 2: Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you’ve completed your training, practice is key. Start by offering free or discounted services to friends and family to hone your skills and build confidence. The more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become, allowing you to offer high-quality services to paying clients.
Step 3: Build Your Portfolio
Document your work by taking high-quality before and after photos of your clients. A strong portfolio showcases your skills and style, helping potential clients see the quality of your work. Share your portfolio on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach a wider audience.
Step 4: Set Up Your Business
Decide whether you’ll operate as a mobile lash artist, work from home, or rent a space in a salon. Each option has pros and cons, so choose what suits your lifestyle and budget the best. Ensure you have the licenses and insurance to operate legally and protect your business. Remember to register your business with your state/country! This will give you a TAX ID number that you can use to open a bank business account and start charging via credit card, which is what most clients prefer. Find an accountant in your area to help you set up your business if you don’t know how, or use a company like LegalZoom to do it online. If you have a logo, don’t forget to trademark it.
Step 5: Market Your Services
Marketing is crucial to attracting clients and growing your business. Utilize social media to promote your services, engage with potential clients, and share client testimonials. Consider offering promotions or referral discounts to encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Networking with other beauty professionals can also help you gain referrals and expand your client base. We recommend finding another beauty professional at the same level as you who offers a different service than you (like nails) and exchange services! When clients ask her about her lashes, she’ll promote you for free, and when your clients ask you about your nails, you’ll promote her as well!
Step 6: Provide Excellent Customer Service
Customer satisfaction is key to retaining clients and building a positive reputation. Be attentive to your clients’ needs, offer personalized recommendations, and ensure they leave your salon feeling confident and satisfied. Happy clients are more likely to return and refer others to your business. So start thinking like a client and thinking outside of the box on the whole customer experience. If you were getting lashed, what would you like? What would make you feel good and come back? I personally have dropped lash artists that are great but don’t offer a lash bath/shampoo at the beginning of the service! I feel like if they don’t even bother taking 5 minutes to clean my lashes thoroughly before starting to lash me, then they don’t care about retention or the customer experience.
Step 7: Continue Learning and Growing
The beauty industry is constantly evolving, so staying updated on the latest trends and techniques is essential. Attend workshops, trade shows, and advanced training courses to enhance your skills and keep your services fresh and competitive. Continuous learning will help you stand out in a crowded market and provide the best possible service to your clients.
Becoming a successful lash artist requires dedication, creativity, and a commitment to excellence. By following these steps, you can turn your passion for beauty into a thriving business that enhances the beauty of others and provides you with the independence you crave!