We recently connected with Lasha Wilson and have shared our conversation below.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I go by Layy. My name is often mispronounced so we’ll keep it cute. “Layy”. I moved to South Florida at the age of 18. At that age, making the decision to leave home, family and friends was not easy but I knew I wanted more out of life than what I was used to.

Just a little back story before starting my business I was a casino host at The Guitar Hotel (HardRock Hollywood). I worked alongside many celebrities and learned at a young age how to remain professional, look the par and at the same time, was finding myself. This was a great advantage but I still wanted more.

Working a 9 to 5 felt like I was building someone else’s dream and being blindsided by a weekly paycheck. That works for most people, but for me, nah. I’m going to be a billionaire.

In 2019, I decided to take a lash class at the age of 22. February 24, 2019 changed my life. From day 1, I’ve been booked- lashing took me by the hand. While most people my age were out partying, having fun, I sacrificed that to build my brand and business. I’m just now at a point where I feel comfortable to block hours off to go party. I love that for me. It took lots of discipline I’m not going to lie to you.

To be disciplined as a business owner it’s a lot but definitely adds value. I don’t have a “boss” or “supervisor” to guide me so I have to keep myself in check. Can’t just call out or cancel clients cause I have a hangover or cause I’m having a bad day because that affects the rapport I build with clients.

As a Licensed Esthetician in the beauty industry, I have the duties of applying individual eyelash extensions, facials, skin care and much more.

What sets me apart as not only a beauty professional, but as a business owner is my customer service. Not everyone knows how to make their client feel appreciated or cared for. But they comes natural to me. All clients receive complimentary heated massage and refreshments such as champagne and snacks. I like my clients to feel like royalty.

I am most proud of my consistency throughout the years. It’s so easy to start something but will it last? I’m four years in, I’m locked in for sure. Blinkin Minxx Beauty is here to stay baby! The goal is a location in at least 5 major cities so I’m working on that!

If I could give any advice it would be parties and relationships will always be there . Invest in yourself! Time is money – remember anything you put your time into you’re sacrificing hours and when you give up hours, you give up money. Make sure you’re putting your time (money) into things and people that are worth it.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I never “saved up” to start my business. Saving up to start something is a form of procrastination. One way, that I keep things afloat is by not spending on unnecessary things. I love designer but I rarely buy it. I pay myself in tips (on average 3-400 per week) the rest goes into savings. Once i check off all goals then the big rewards will come. I have to stay focused I still live like I’m in survival mode & that keeps me on track financially. It’s hard sometimes though because I could make 1500 in a day and want to go shopping but I keep it chill.

Alright, Lasha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take business trips? Why or why not?

Yes, all the time! 90% of the time it’s business vacations but that’s fine for me because I honestly believe the best vacation is one you are making profit on. Each year, I travel to 10 random locations and teach classes to lash lovers all around the US! Soon, I’ll take vacations “for free” lol but for now, this balance is working perfectly fine for me. The dream location for me is Santorini, Greece. So I’ll keep applying pressure so I can make that happen for myself.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I was homeless my first year and a half of moving to Miami. I didn’t tell anyone. I pushed through. In my mind, I wasn’t ashamed It just didn’t make sense to talk about it. I already had my own energy into it, I didn’t want anyone else’s. I would go to the beach and sleep and I’d say “House on the beach yes ma’am”. Rich is a mindset & I knew that my situation was temporary. It did not break me, it built me. The solitude in that helped me find myself. I grew the deepest bond within me and I needed that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blinkinminxxbeauty.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/blinkinminxx
• Twitter: Twitter.com/blinkinminxx
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blinkinminxxbeauty