We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Baily Soderlund. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Baily below.

Baily, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe success takes unwavering dedication and a refusal to give up, even when things feel impossible. In my first year of doing lash extensions, I constantly found myself at a crossroads, one where I wanted to throw my tweezers down in frustration because things just weren’t clicking. I wasn’t getting it, and I questioned if I ever would. But even in those low moments, there was this pull inside me to keep learning, to keep pushing, and to trust that the effort would eventually pay off.

Instead of walking away, I dove deeper. I watched countless tutorials, practiced late into the night, and asked every question I could think of. And slowly but surely, things started to shift. My confidence grew, my skill improved, and I realized that success isn’t a single moment. It’s built in those quiet, stubborn decisions to keep going when quitting would be easier.

Success doesn’t come from natural talent alone. It’s about showing up for yourself every day, especially when the results haven’t shown up yet.

Baily, 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 journey in the beauty industry began in 2017 when I started working at a salon in Superior, WI, doing bridal makeup. At the time, I was a sophomore in college and saw makeup as more of a hobby, so I was thrilled to incorporate it into my part-time job. One day, I was asked if I wanted to train in lash extensions, and on a whim, I said yes. Little did I know, that decision would completely change my career path.

I quickly discovered a natural talent and deep passion for lashing. I became obsessed with perfecting my craft, constantly researching techniques and striving to be the best I could be. About a year later, I faced an unexpected setback. I was fired from my job. It was tough, but I refused to let it define me. That very evening, I started drafting a business plan for what would become *Fire Lash*. Within a week, I had launched my own lash extension business.

I was fortunate to have my parents’ support and a space at home that I transformed into a semi-professional lash studio. Determined to take my career seriously, I earned my lash license and got to work.

Over the next few years, Fire Lash continued to grow as I finished my bachelor’s degree. By the time I graduated in 2020, I knew there was no turning back. I was committed to building my dream business.

In 2021, I took a major step forward by opening my own storefront in Duluth Heights, near the mall area, where I still operate today.

Since launching my own space, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with one of the biggest brands in the lash industry, win multiple lash artist awards, and attend the industry’s most prestigious conferences. I make it a priority to stay ahead in this ever-evolving field, constantly learning and networking with other artists worldwide.

While traveling in Ireland in 2024, I connected with an Irish lash artist to discuss industry trends in the UK and how they could influence the U.S. market. Those kinds of experiences fuel my passion for innovation and excellence.

Beyond running my business, I’ve also started mentoring and training fellow lash artists. Helping others grow in this industry is incredibly rewarding, and I love being able to share my knowledge and experience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My first year doing lash extensions was anything but easy. I constantly found myself battling frustration. There were days I wanted to throw my tweezers down and walk away because I just wasn’t getting it. But deep down, I was determined to improve. I kept practicing, learning, and slowly, I started to gain confidence in my craft.

Just as things began to click for me, I was unexpectedly fired from my job. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. In that moment, it would’ve been easy to walk away from lashing altogether, focus on finishing school, and settle into a more traditional job path.

But instead, that very evening, I made a decision that would change everything. I chose to start my own business. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had passion, grit, and a vision I wasn’t ready to give up on.

That turning point taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks; it’s about how you respond to them. Sometimes the biggest challenges are the push you need to discover what you’re really capable of.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I have a modest following on Instagram, but it’s a loyal and highly engaged one. Many of my posts spark meaningful conversations in the DMs, and that consistent engagement has led to new clients, collaborations, and some amazing opportunities over the years.

I started my Instagram page back in 2018 when I decided to open my own business. At the time, the platform was very different. It was less algorithm-driven and more organic. So I’ve had to evolve my strategy quite a bit since then. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of creating a cohesive and recognizable brand. Over time, I’ve developed a visual and content style that really feels like me, and now people often tell me, “I knew that post was yours before I even saw your name.” That kind of brand recognition is so valuable.

My biggest piece of advice? Post a lot, especially in the beginning. The more I posted, the more I started to refine my voice, figure out what kind of content I enjoyed creating, and learn what actually resonates with my audience. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Just start, stay consistent, and let your style evolve as you grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://firelashbp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firelashbp/