I decided to become my own girl boss, after working for make up brands such as Nars, Charlotte Tilbury, etc. I then went part time and built my freelance make up, lashes and brows up, before leaving to run my own business which is best thing I’ve ever done!
The advice I would give myself is to have more confidence within my work, don’t be afraid to network, advertise and believe in yourself. If being self employed is something you want to do, go for it! I wish I had done it a lot sooner!
Female empowerment is important to me, as I run my own business, and have done everything all on my own! Started up with very little money behind me but put everything I earned back into my business to build it up, even down to loyalty cards and leaflets printed! No one helped me achieve my goals, I did everything myself because I had a vision to create my goal, and drive my business. I love earning my own money and being my own boss, and not having anyone tell me what to do!
When I first trained in the Extend (classic lashes), I remember doing my first ever set, during the course, thinking I won’t be able to go away and do this by myself, I’ve wasted my money, but the more you practice the better you become and the more confident you feel!
When I first became self employed it was quite a hard time of year, as it was November time so I was really busy, but I knew January and February were around the corner so was scared I wasn’t going to be busy enough, and make a profit as it’s a very quiet time of year in the beauty industry. But also excited as I knew this is where I wanted to be so just had to crack on and work hard, driving my business and becoming well known in my area.
I think personally success is a lot to do with how friendly and confident with your clients, if they trust you they will want to come back. Networking and marketing has helped me to become successful within my self employment, as it’s helped to build my business. I advertise/ post daily on Instagram, Facebook, and always do Instagram stories showcasing my work.
My lashes are a very popular treatment as I do atleast 3 sets a day! Word of mouth is great for me and Instagram as people get to know where I’m based and what services I offer.
I’ve worked in a lot of different aspects of the industry, with my make up, lashes and brows. All 3 are a big passion of mine, and a lot of clients ask me if I ever want to do any other course or offer other services but I’m so busy and happy doing what I do now I wouldn’t have the time or commitment and would rather concentrate and excel in those 3!
I’ve done make up for Wella , Vidal Sassoon, BBC, The Baftas etc but personally my biggest achievement is getting to where I am today, with my business. I’m so grateful for where I am, and know I’d never want to go back to working for someone else.
I’m lucky as it’s not just a job or somewhere you have to go to make money, I enjoy it and have so much passion everyday towards my ‘job’. There’s no same day as you have different clients everyday and your working for you! So you don’t mind doing the long days, clients messaging you at 1am etc because it’s so worth it!
Provide a friendly service by giving your clients a loyalty card, free brushes to take home, top tips for aftercare and let customers know if they have any problems to message you etc.
I would advise to try to avoid clients who mess you around, with not showing up to appointments. Although don’t be harsh, if they genuinely miss an appointment, as these things do happen. So allow them to re book with you.
Ask customers to send you images/selfies of their lashes and repost them on social media, as this drives business, other possible customers see your clients posts, when they tag you but also helps to market you! I would recommend charging either not too little or too much, as your lashing is a skill, which is worth paying for but customers also want value for money.
A lot of girls on instagram from Essex, London, Manchester and Liverpool, have inspired me, especially the honest, down to earth girls that don’t put others down, but uplift each other! There’s no one in particular as there’s so many I follow everyday!
My message would be to build each other up! Support each other, like and share others’ work, help each other and work together!
Find out more about Lucy Taylor | Make-up Artist, Lash Tech & Brow Pro Stylist | Based in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Inspired by Lucy Taylor? Interested in finding out more about training packages? Call the team on 01977 655620
