Today we’d like to introduce you to Maddison Fortuna

Hi Maddison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I started lashing 7 years ago as a means to make extra money while working full time and studying to get into a registered nursing program. I have always had a passion for the beauty industry and used to do bridal makeup so going into lash extension services as well was an additional income boost.

5 months into offering lash services, I was accepted into a registered nursing program. I had to quit my full time job since it was recommended to not work more than 16hrs/week while studying to be a RN. I had to find a flexible job, so I practiced every single day the art of lash extensions.

You see when I first started lashing I did not take it seriously enough, I only had 5 clients, and wasn’t all in. Now that I had no other income to depend on, I had to take lashing seriously. I practiced until I felt confident enough taking in more and more clients.

With consistency, keeping my integrity, holding myself to a higher standard, and learning as I go, I quickly became a booked and busy lash artist. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was building my business all while pursuing a degree in nursing.

Fast forward through that 2 year nursing program, I had my second child, obtained my nursing degree, had a steady clientele, and was the most luxe lash artist in my area.

A year after graduating nursing school, I failed my nursing board exam NCLEX, I went through a divorce, put my 9 month old son in daycare, went right back into lashing, and enrolled into esthetician school so I can legally lash.

After 9 months of esthetician school, I took my NCLEX and passed it, I passed my esthetician state license exam, became a lash educator, worked at a children’s hospital as a pediatric medical surgical nurse, attended a local beauty conference as a vendor for lash education, attended a local medspa beauty event representing luxury lash services, and then left my nursing job to pursue lashing full time.

As a co-parenting mom with little to no support, working overnights at a hospital started bleeding into my personal life and I truly felt like a shell of a person. I wanted my kids to see their mom happy and thriving, not sleep deprived and barely functioning. So I left the hospital and I haven’t looked back.

Currently I hold an active nursing license that I will keep in my back pocket but now I am the highest priced lash artist in California’s Central Valley. I have a completely booked schedule of the dreamiest clients, I mentor and offer 1:1 shadowing for fellow lash artists, I invested in another business coach, took my dream lash course in LA, became a brand partner for one of the largest lash companies in the world, LashBoxLA, created community within my industry by hosting a Galentine’s Brunch, and look forward to attending future events that celebrate women.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Not at all, at times I asked myself if I’m making the right decisions but at the end of the day I’m willing to take the risk and bet it all on myself. I’ve been a lash artist for 7 years and lashing has always been there for me as an outlet.

Some of my struggles were/are raising a family while building a business, my divorce, failing NCLEX, having to attend esthetician school shortly after graduating nursing school, and co-parenting, just to name a few.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am luxury lash artist that specializes in fine diameter lash extensions. I am known for safe lashing, natural lash sets, and empowering the women in my community. I am most proud of how I took the time to learn a new skill and turned it into my full-time income. What differentiates me is my lash artistry which is offering custom lash extension services on top of a VIP experience.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

I see my industry shifting into the value of lash education. I foresee it becoming more regulated so people interested in offering lash extensions can have proper education, technique, and licensing. We are working on your eyes… In my opinion the lash industry has yet to peak and there’s so much room for growth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: maddi.aastudio