We recently connected with Paulina and have shared our conversation below.

Paulina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name of my brand, Honey P Beauty came about through the effort to welcome all. I believe in providing a comfortable and safe space for everyone regardless of their identity. The lash community is heavily female-dominated and I wanted to be able to include everyone by referring to my clients as ‘honey’ — a gender-neutral term. I identify with the LGBTQ+ community and want everyone to feel comfortable and welcomed into my space, knowing there is no judgment. Being able to refer to my clients with a term that is all inclusive is what inspired me. I want it to be known that Honey P Beauty is a discrimination-free, all-inclusive safe space for all.

Paulina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Paulina Hernandez, I am a UCSB graduate, lash artist, and educator. I have been a lash artist for 4 years now. I never thought this would become a full business, but I accidentally fell in love with this craft. I stumbled upon lash extensions after being a brow technician for 4 years. I have provided eyebrow services since I was 16 years old, practicing on family and friends initially. After years, eyelash extensions caught my attention. I realized how much I enjoyed helping others feel great about themselves with something as simple as an eyebrow wax and thought, “I already love working around the eye area, why not learn how to do lashes as well?” This was when I decided to take a course to learn how to apply eyelash extensions.

Before this I went ahead and did my research first as a client; every service I provide, I have received in order to get a client’s point of view.

I think what sets me apart as a lash artist is that I truly take my time to learn a client’s desired look. My specialty is providing CUSTOM eyelash extension sets specifically tailored to a client’s eye shape and facial structure through careful measurements.

While I was doing my research as a lash client, I went ahead and experimented with different lash techs and lash styles. I realized that although I LIKED many lash sets I got done, I did not necessarily LOVE them on myself and wondered why. I learned that certain lash maps, styles, and curls did not suit MY eye shape or facial structure. As I continued to lash others, I continued my research. I began to expand my lash supply by diversifying the curls and colors I provide to my clients.

By carefully analyzing the measurements of a client’s facial anatomy, I have had a high amount of client satisfaction and returning clientele. I think the care for the personalization of every client’s individual lash set solves a major problem in our industry. Often times, lash techs tend to stick to the basics and provide the same sets to all clients. This is understandable as typically, beginner lash trainings only cover 3 types of sets and lash maps but I find it vital to experiment with more in order to grow and expand a business.

I have relocated to three cities since starting my beauty business, and thus have started from the ground up, thrice. I am currently in the process of moving one more time and have full belief in myself that I will prosper somewhere new again. Putting the work in and believing in yourself while following through on your promises to yourself builds confidence. Having faith and trust has played a major role in moving forward in any aspect of my life. I feel these are essential keys to success.

I would like for anyone reading this to know that if you have a goal, a dream, or a vision of some sort — something that you have a passion for, something you feel a pull for very strongly in your heart, something you just can’t stop thinking about — you should follow it. Imposter syndrome is very real in general but even more so in markets that are perceived as oversaturated but just know that if you desire to build a business, that is because there ARE clients out there for you. I am a woman of faith and truly believe that it is our duty to fulfill our divine assignments for the purpose of bettering humanity in one way or another.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients by checking in with them in between appointments to ensure that they continue to be satisfied or to answer any questions that may come up. Even when clients are not booking consistently or are out due to life events such as being pregnant or on maternity leave, I make sure to show them support in their lives as well. I am not reaching out with the motive of getting them to book, I genuinely care for their well-being and interact with them when appropriate. As a lash artist, we wear many hats, one being that of a therapist. When clients share personal details of their lives I make sure to remember them and check in on them the next time we chat. I find that maintaining a true connection with clients helps you build a strong relationship with one another, one that can be truly healing on both ends.

I foster brand loyalty by putting out my best work every single time. I am always putting myself in a client’s position, valuing the investment and trust they’ve put into me–knowing that I would want to be happy with the service I pay for. There are many choices in this world and I deeply appreciate them for choosing me. I do my best to express this to them in every way possible.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what has helped build my reputation within my market has been staying true to myself and finding connection with others in my industry. What has also helped is not only the care and quality of the services I provide, but the CUSTOMER service I provide. I ensure to take my time to educate my clients on lash extensions, their natural lash health, and aftercare. I thoroughly explain the process and oftentimes, clients express their gratitude because they learn something new that they found valuable.
I have worked many different jobs since I was 14 years old; from plant nurseries, to fast food, to retail, and waitressing–I am grateful for all of these work experiences. They have helped me gain people skills I wouldn’t have attained otherwise, they have shaped me as worker and as a person. I find it crucial to build skills elsewhere before jumping in to become a business owner. These are truly transferable skills that can make or break a business.

Contact Info:

• Website: BOOKING LINK: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/2s7gdbdnjc5ell/location/LT8VYZ0DZ22JX/services
• Instagram: @honeypbeauty LINK: https://www.instagram.com/honeypbeauty?igsh=MTB3NDdyazA5MnE0&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: “Paulina Your Lash Tech” https://www.facebook.com/leannlashedme?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Image credits: Andrea Cabrera