We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

Some of the biggest trends I am seeing in my industry are laminated brows. Think of throwback 2000’s brows. We all wanted our brows skinny and plucked them until we barely had any hairs left. That was the style and it was one of the biggest trends, natural brows were NOT it. Laminated brows are also know as “beach brows”/ Giving you that fluffy brow look with little to no maintenance for up to 7-8 weeks. That laminated brow look is one of the biggest trends in the industry and embracing your natural brows is the new style, so finally the tweezers can be put to rest!

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 Nicole Flores and I am the face behind The Glam Lab! I am a professional makeup artist, Esthetician, and business owner. I was born and raised in North West Indiana, but have decided to take my passion for all things beauty to Indianapolis. I have always had a love for makeup ever since I was a little girl. I remember digging in my moms makeup drawer and sneaking her M.A.C lipstick into my pocket to put on for later. The colors, the shimmers, and oddly, the smell of makeup excited me. I knew that makeup was a passion for and I was determined to seek a career in it. I stared Esthetician school in April of 2021, after I found myself feeling overworked, and burnt out at my 9-5. After graduating esthetician school in September of 2021 I had the desire to open my own business and be my own boss. Not even a month later, I found myself renting a studio in Carmel that is now home to The Glam Lab, offering several different services. I provide makeup services, on site bridal makeup, brow lamination/ tint, lash lift/tint and facials, and waxing. My top selling services are most definitely Bridal Makeup, brow laminations and lash lifts. My personal favorite service to do is most definitely bridal makeup. There is just something about connection with a bride on such an important day of her life that is truly, so special. I have booked 48 weddings in 2022 and can only hope that 2023 turns out just the same! I am thankful for the amazing people I have the opportunity to meet everyday and create special memories with. My studio is a home away from home. I love to welcome anyone with open arms and strive to have my clients leave happy after their appointment with me at The Glam Lab. Laid back is my vibe and I think that is what sets me apart the most in the industry. I want my clients to come into my studio and feel as though they are hanging out with a friend.
I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the support from friends, family, and strangers who become friends cheering me on, giving me advice, encouraging me, and pushing me to be the best version of myself. I am so excited and thankful to anyone who has been on this journey with me and The Glam Lab. This wouldn’t be possible for me without YOU! There is so much more to come out of The Glam Lab and I can’t wait to see where we end up!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience is hard. It most definitely takes some moments of sitting back and thinking to really get you narrowing down who you want to target. I built my audience on social media by 1) word of mouth and 2) hashtags/reels. At the end of the day social media is hard, don’t let anyone tell you its not. Be authentic, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show your personality on your platform. More times out of 10 people want to know who they are going to before they sit down in your chair. I have received positive feedback every-time I get on my social media and speak. Your audience feels as though they really get to know you and it makes them want to go see you that much more!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth! It is a small world. I went from having only a handful of weddings to 48 weddings as of last year. When you do a good job, give off good vibes, and make yourself comfortable to be around, people have a desire to work with you. I advertise my services on social media, but majority of the time when I have received an email for a bridal client they have always been sent to me from a friend or have heard of me from someone who has had their makeup previously done. Be kind, be yourself, and people will speak highly of you.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.theglamlabindy.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/theglamlabindy
• Other: Email: theglamlabnicole@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photos by IG HANDLES: : @dinnagonzalez_photo @natalierosephoto @hollylea_