WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME YOUR OWN GIRL BOSS?

When I was first introduced to Eyelash Extensions in 2008 something just clicked, and it was a natural progression from there. It’s exciting being apart of the beauty industry, with the constantly evolving innovative treatments and techniques.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOURSELF AT THE BEGINNING OF YOUR GIRL BOSS JOURNEY?

To trust the process, and don’t run before you can walk. Always run your own race, and celebrate the little victories!

HOW DO YOU DEFINE FEMALE EMPOWERMENT?

In my experience girls tend to grow up with this competitive drive to succeed and prove ourselves, but don’t always learn it’s okay to support others on the way. Being focused on your business doesn’t mean you can’t uplift other women in business too .. Empowering other women to succeed and live their best lives is a truly honourable movement. We have come so far in society, let’s keep moving forward.

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER COMPLETING YOUR FIRST TREATMENT?

A bit bewildered to be honest! How do these magic lash technicians hold a tweezer in both hands and glide the extension from glue to lash so easily? Why am I so slow, and how long will it be till I’m faster! Why do people move so much when they talk, and how come they don’t look uniform + pretty like the pictures! PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

HOW DID YOU FEEL AFTER OFFICIALLY REGISTERING YOUR BUSINESS OR OPENING YOUR OWN PREMISES?

So grateful to my family and friends for their support, and super energised to launch into this career I’d worked so hard to forge.

WHICH KEY FACTORS DO YOU THINK ARE THE CAUSE OF YOUR SUCCESS?

Realising that without adapting and always learning, you can become complacent, which is so detrimental to the health of your business. Learning to listen to my gut and not to jump at every opportunity that comes my way. Some things, although really alluring, just aren’t for me. Doing a few things really well is much better than doing lots of things poorly – don’t stretch yourself to thin. Also, that everyone measures Success differently, keep on striving for excellence and your perseverance will pay off.

HOW POPULAR ARE LASH TREATMENTS WITH YOUR CLIENT BASE?

At The Blink Studio we specialise in Eyelash Extensions and the LVL Lash Lift. Both treatments are very popular, and always give great results .. The LVL Lash Lift is fast becoming the go-to for many ladies who want a low maintenance option with stand out results.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE IN YOUR CAREER?

I’m not sure it’s one moment for me, it’s the day to day feedback from my lash ladies that I feel is my best achievement .. the fact that they choose Blink as their Lash Salon, and enjoy coming to their appts is the ultimate compliment! I’ve been very lucky to have such a gorgeous range of ladies come through who love to promote Blink to others, and we’ve been in several magazines, blogs and social media posts .. this is amazing too!

THE OFFICIAL THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL WOMAN’S DAY IS #PRESSFORPROGRESS, WHAT’S THE THING YOU PRESSED MOST TO PROGRESS TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I really pressed for consistency in my work, and to work hard at maintaining a great relationship with my lash ladies by offering the best service. Social Media has been a big marketing tool to press too, its importance in business is not overlooked.

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP-TIPS TO ACHIEVE A GREAT CLIENT BASE?

Always have high standards, and back your work with good ethics and customer satisfaction. Word of mouth is king, and always will be.. make sure your clients are happy, but don’t be afraid to take them off your database if they’re not a good fit. Loosing one troublesome client frees you up to receive a loyal one. Always promote yourself to local businesses, support local and be seen out in your community. Cater to your audience, if you have a few ladies from one company or who all go to one social event take the time to cultivate these relationships and advertise accordingly.

WHICH WOMEN ALONG THE WAY HAVE INSPIRED YOU THE MOST?

Apart from family and friends, who inspire me to be better every day.. I would say women like Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Sophia Amoruso, Jennifer Lawrence, Jacqui Kennedy, Helen Mirren and the NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern are very inspiring. There are also social media girl bosses like Shannon Harris, Viktoria Dahlberg, Carmen Grace Hamilton, Jess Quinn and fellow beauty salons that I find uplifting.

WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO WOMEN IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY THIS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY?

Supporting other women is great for our industry! the higher the standard across the board, the more we can achieve collectively. Imagine the limits we can smash through! Lets do something today our future selves will thank us for… The future is female!

Find out more about Jessica Laing: @theblinkstudio | www.blink.co.nz | New Zealand

Inspired by Jessica Laing? Interested in finding our more about training packages? Call the team on 01977 655620