We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chanel Dillard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chanel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
On thanksgiving day I took a shot at my auntie house and right then and there I knew I wanted to do lashes. My mother was heavily trying to get me to do hair and stuff because thats what she did in high school. But anyways that same day I told my mother and she kinda blew it off but I guess she kept it in my because it was something I really wanted to do. For 2 months I was researching Information pertaining to lashing. I had to figure out what type of audience I wanted. Other things that I had to look into was State Laws and Etc. I was also looking up things that would make my business much stronger on the financial side such as business accounts and more certifications. The main thing that was on my mind was starting. In order to move beyond “the idea phase” you have to just start! A lot of people tend to procrastinate, me , I was excited so starting really was and is the biggest step in launching your business.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Chanel Dillard , I am a 19 year old lash tech/ Entreprenuer, I started in high school when I was a junior and have made my way through the Lashing Industry through my couple of years. I offer Lash Set & Removals as well. I make custom strips and I also sell my own lash products as well. When I became a lash tech one of my primary goals for my clients was comfortability and safety. When I first got my eyelashes done for the first time i had a bad reaction to them. And for that very reason I make sure that my clients dont leave the same way. I try make sure that every client I have , has a nice overall experience with lashes. Some of the things that Im most proud of is my clients themselves. When I started I really didnt think that I would make it and let alone have loyal clients. Im proud of them because I feel like I bond more and more with my clients over time. I would love for other lash techs to know out there that all you have to do is START. Keep the faith in yourself with your business and it will take you a long way.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
So when I first announced my main focus was being sincere and nice. I have a tendency too be dry. Constantly post online and create content that they would like to see. Since I was still in school in was very easy for me since people knew me. The best advice I have for those who are starting to build their social media presence is to always talk about your business. Dont be discouraged when people talk about your business in a minimalistic way. Make em stand on it.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
Thats the fun part, as a Lash Tech there’s so many things you can do that will keep your clients. I offer lash loyalty cards for my clients that come in and sometimes through out the year I offer deals. For the most part I keep in touch with them on social media. I try to keep it professional and sweet. I treat them like friends, which they are in a way. And that goes a long way. And as for brand loyalty I even offer discounts for friend referral as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ceowinks.as.me/
- Instagram: ceowinks
- Facebook: Chanel Dillard
- Other: snapchat is ceochanel.x