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

Alicia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Would you say you are more focused on growing revenue or cutting costs? We’d love to hear how you think about these two critical drivers.

At Shade & Blade Brow Boutique, we dedicate significantly more of our time, focus, and energy on growing revenue rather than cutting costs. Upholding the highest quality standards for our clients is our top priority, and this commitment drives our approach to business. By concentrating on revenue growth, we ensure that our exceptional services reach more people, making high-quality microblading and microshading available to a broader audience.

We believe that focusing on revenue growth is more important for our boutique because it allows us to invest in the best materials, latest techniques, and continuous training for our team. This investment directly translates to superior results for our clients, fostering their trust and satisfaction, which in turn drives word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business.

For instance, we recently invested in additional training for our staff to ensure that our techniques are the best in the industry. This commitment to professional development has significantly enhanced the precision and quality of our work. The result has been an increase in client satisfaction and a surge in bookings, demonstrating that prioritizing quality and client experience over short-term cost savings can substantially boost revenue.

Our clients choose Shade & Blade Brow Boutique because they trust us to provide the best possible results, and we are committed to delivering on that promise every time. Therefore, growing revenue by expanding our client base and enhancing our offerings aligns perfectly with our mission to maintain excellence and broaden access to high-quality permanent makeup services.

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.

At Shade & Blade Brow Boutique, we specialize in providing microblading and microshading permanent makeup services for our clients. Our goal is to enhance natural beauty through precision and artistry, ensuring every client leaves feeling more confident and beautiful.

I’m Alicia, the owner of Shade & Blade Brow Boutique. My journey into this industry began with a personal experience that profoundly impacted me. I had always been unhappy with my eyebrows and decided to try microblading for the first time in 2017. The results were transformative—I woke up feeling beautiful every day. That experience ignited a passion in me to help others achieve the same sense of confidence and self-assurance.

At Shade & Blade, we offer microblading and microshading, both of which provide long-lasting, natural-looking results. We solve the problem of sparse, uneven, or thin eyebrows, offering a solution that saves time and enhances natural beauty. Our techniques are designed to create brows that perfectly complement each client’s facial features, ensuring a personalized and flawless finish.

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and client satisfaction. We invest in continuous training and the latest techniques to ensure our services are the best in the industry. This dedication to excellence is evident in the results we deliver and the glowing feedback we receive from our clients.

I am most proud of the positive impact we have on our clients’ lives. Seeing the joy and confidence our work brings to people is incredibly rewarding. For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that at Shade & Blade Brow Boutique, we are passionate about what we do. Our mission is to make high-quality, permanent makeup accessible to more people, helping them feel beautiful and confident every day.

We invite you to experience the transformation that microblading and microshading can offer. At Shade & Blade, you are not just a client; you are part of a community where beauty, precision, and care come together to create something truly special.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The journey of funding Shade & Blade Brow Boutique is a testament to resilience and passion. Before starting this business, I was a physical therapist working in Home Health. However, when the pandemic hit, my work came to a sudden halt as clients were understandably hesitant to let anyone into their homes. With my income cut off, I found myself searching for a new path—one that could provide both a creative outlet and a means of livelihood.

With my last $3000, I decided to invest in a microblading course. I had always been passionate about beauty and aesthetics, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to channel that passion into something tangible. From the moment I began the course, I knew I had found my calling. I loved the precision, the artistry, and most importantly, the way microblading could transform a person’s confidence.

Starting Shade & Blade Brow Boutique was a lean and challenging endeavor. Every dollar I earned in those early days was reinvested back into the business. I focused on acquiring the best tools, honing my skills, and ensuring that every client received top-notch service. It wasn’t easy, and there were many hurdles along the way, but the dedication paid off.

Over the last four years, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless women feel beautiful and confident with their new eyebrows. The satisfaction and joy of my clients fueled my drive to expand. Today, I’m proud to say that Shade & Blade Brow Boutique has grown to two locations and continues to thrive each year.

This journey from a difficult start to a successful business has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to quality, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges and build something truly special.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist at Shade & Blade Brow Boutique is the incredible freedom and creativity it allows. Coming from a healthcare background, where protocol and rigid guidelines were the norm, this shift to microblading has been liberating. In healthcare, every step is dictated by established procedures, which is essential for patient safety. However, with microblading, I have the freedom to tailor every detail—from the height of the arch to the thickness and boldness of the brow, down to the tiniest stroke—to suit each client’s unique features and preferences.

I cherish this newfound ability to create without being confined by strict protocols. It’s immensely satisfying to design brows that not only enhance my clients’ natural beauty but also reflect their personal style. Each client is a new canvas, and I love the artistic challenge of bringing their vision to life.

Additionally, one of the most enjoyable parts of my work is the meaningful connections I build with my clients. The time spent together during a procedure is like a visit to the salon, where we can chat and share stories. This personal interaction enriches the experience for both of us, turning each session into a memorable and enjoyable time. Getting to know my clients on a deeper level and seeing their happiness with the results is truly fulfilling. It’s these personal connections and creative freedoms that make my work at Shade & Blade Brow Boutique so rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shadeandblade.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadeandbladebrowboutique/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/shade-and-blade-brow-boutique-phoenix-2