We were lucky to catch up with Alejandra Tucker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alejandra, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I was raised by 2 loving Panamaian parents who worked hard. I was raised to get a job that provided stability: One with benefits, a 401K, and security. I pursued the medical field, enrolled in school, and worked a retail job to help support myself. But when I received a paycheck for just \$40 after two weeks of work, something in me shifted. I knew I needed more — not just financially, but emotionally. I wanted to feel fulfilled.

When I sat down and asked myself “Alejandra, what makes you happy?” I realized my love for skin care. I had spent countless hours watching YouTube and so much more, soaking in every bit of knowledge I could. And realized i wasn’t just “interested”… i was passionate.
So, against the advice of those who just wanted the best for me, I left school and enrolled in esthetician school. I worried my family of course but I had a point to prove. That I could do it AND be successful. Fast forward I graduated with honors at the top of my class and started working at a well-known salon, eager to learn and grow. I had no plan to run my own salon but wanted to open up something for someone else.

But life had other plans.

In 2018, I decided to take some time to finish the degree I had nearly completed. When I submitted my two weeks’ notice, I was unexpectedly let go that same day. A week later Covid hit, the world shut down and I had NO options for work. I was jobless with no plan B — just a skill, a passion, and the responsibility of taking care of my growing family. I had two babies to support, and I needed to figure it out quickly.

That’s when I took the leap.

With no guarantee of success, I began doing lashes on my own. Despite all the uncertainty, I stayed the course — and in that moment, **The Lash Palace San Diego** was born.

Starting a business from scratch, in the middle of a global shutdown, while raising two kids wasn’t easy. But I kept showing up, day after day, building something from the ground up with heart, hustle, and purpose.

Seven years later, The Lash Palace is still standing — thriving, even. And I’m so proud of what it’s become. If I had never been let go… if I had never taken that risk… if I had never chosen happiness over “security”… I don’t know where I’d be.

But I know I wouldn’t be *here* — and for that, I’m forever grateful.

Alejandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Like many in the beauty industry, my journey started with a desire to make women feel good about themselves. I fell in love with the transformation — the confidence boost that comes from a simple lash set, a brow shape-up, or a clean wax. There’s nothing that makes me more excited than to see the before-and-after immediate boost in someone’s confidence after a service.

But early on, I noticed something was missing in our beauty spaces — diversity and inclusivity. Too often, clients from different backgrounds didn’t feel fully seen, understood, or welcomed. So I decided to create something different — a space that felt like home, no matter your background, skin tone, or walk of life.

That vision became **The Lash Palace San Diego** — an Afro-Latina-owned beauty salon committed to delivering high-quality services in an atmosphere that celebrates culture, confidence, and community. Whether you’re coming in for **lashes, brows, or waxing**, we don’t just offer a service — we offer an *experience.* From the moment you walk through the doors, our goal is to make you feel empowered, heard, and beautiful.

What sets us apart isn’t just our technique or attention to detail (though we’re proud of that, too). It’s that we’re rooted in community. We’re a diverse salon, that understands the importance of representation and belonging — and we’re proud to be a safe space for all.

I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve stayed true to that mission while growing year after year. This year, we’re celebrating **seven years of The Lash Palace**, and I’m still humbled by every client who trusts us with their beauty necessities.

For potential clients, supporters, and followers — I want you to know that when you come to The Lash Palace, you’re not just booking a service. You’re stepping into a salon that honors your uniqueness, uplifts your spirit, and takes pride in making you feel like your most confident self.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

For me, loyalty starts with genuine connection. I take the time to really get to know my clients — not just their favorite lash style or brow shape, but who they are. Whether it’s remembering small details, checking in after appointments, or just making sure they feel seen and taken care of, I want every visit to feel personal.

At the same time, I’ve built a loyalty system that helps me consistently deliver that experience. Through our Client Club, exclusive offers, and milestone gifts — like birthday surprises or client anniversaries — we make sure our regulars feel celebrated. I also stay in touch through text and email check-ins, so clients are always in the loop and never feel forgotten.

Giving back is also a huge part of our brand values. We love supporting organizations that uplift young women and create more opportunities for them — especially in our own community. It’s important that our clients know their support helps us pour into others, too.

The Lash Palace isn’t just a place to get a service — it’s a place where you’re known, valued, and part of something bigger. That’s what keeps our clients coming back, and honestly, it’s what makes this work so fulfilling.

How did you build your audience on social media?

What I’ve noticed more than anything is that being genuinely me has grown my social media following more than any strategy or trend ever could. Of course, I share my work — the lash sets, the brows, the results — but what really connected with people was when I started to share who I am, the energy of my space, and the values behind my brand.

When I began posting not just the polished moments but the real ones — the ups, the downs, the growth — that’s when things shifted. People could relate. They saw themselves in my journey, and that relatability created a loyal and aligned audience.

You don’t have to share your entire life online, but letting people feel like they’re a part of your story makes a huge difference. For me, inviting others into The Lash Palace journey — not just the highlight reel — built deeper connection and real support.

My advice to anyone starting out is this: Build something unique — and honestly, that “something” is you. Plenty of people can offer the same services, but no one can offer your perspective, your energy, your story. Give your audience a reason to connect beyond the surface, and you’ll start attracting the right kind of support naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tlpsd.com
• Instagram: @THELASHPALACESANDIEGO
• Facebook: @THELASHPALACESANDIEGO
• Yelp: @THELASHPALACESANDIEGO
• Other: CONTACT 619.514.6349

Image Credits

IMAGE credit in pink- Victoria Cartagena