We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brianna Gaffney . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brianna below.
Brianna , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind my mission.. hmm.. You really made me think on this one it’s like I know my mission but I never actually sat and reminisced on where it all started. As a kid, I always knew I would be successful and become my own boss one day, I just never knew what exactly I’d be doing. Growing up in a two parent house was amazing but financially we still struggled. I saw my family go through many set backs, but God always made ways and opened doors for us. One day the lights maybe off and the next the water might be off, but I thank God for the mother I have because through all the adversities we faced she taught me to keep my faith in God! One thing about my parents that made sure we ALWAYS had the lastest everything: clothes, shoes, toys so it made it hard to notice the financial setbacks as a kid. As I grew older I began to see the stress “life” was causing my mother. It was like she took 10 steps forward and went 20 steps backwards. It was heartbreaking to watch and know it was absolutely nothing I could do to help so I told my mom one day I would be so financially secure, that I’ll be able to take some of the load off her shoulders. 2021 was one the blessed was hardest years of my life. My car got repossessed and my bills were so high I would’ve even afford to pay them. At that moment in my life ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH I knew I had to gamble on myself. I knew the only way to succeed was to just DO IT. I was tired of me and my family going through the same financial situations over and over. I wanted MORE, I want to be the first millionaire of my family! I want to be the one to break the cycle! I want to be the one to bring generational wealth to my family and my future kids! I pray and asked God to lead me down my journey and here I am today sharing my story. As far as entering into the beauty industry it was bound to happen one day. Unlike my siblings all my life I’ve carried myself as the celebrity of the family LOL! I loved getting pretty, and playing in make up and lipgloss. I am overall a girly girl and I enjoy making others feel loved and beautiful. The story behind my mission as a lash artist is rooted in a deep-seated desire to empower and uplift women through beauty and self-care. With every lash extension I meticulously apply, I aim to enhance not just their physical appearance, but also their confidence, self-esteem, and inner radiance. My mission is to create a safe and welcoming space where women can feel pampered, valued, and celebrated for who they are. The joy and satisfaction I see in my clients’ eyes when they look in the mirror and see their transformed lashes is what drives me to continue serving and uplifting women every day. As a lash artist, I believe that beauty is not just skin deep; it is a reflection of one’s inner strength, resilience, and beauty. My mission is to help women see and embrace their beauty, inside and out, and to remind them of their worth, power, and beauty.
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?
Hey RicheGrls. My name is Bri Marshai, and I’m a 3x certified lash artist. I’m located in Birmingham, Al , and I specialize in wispy lash extensions. How I got into the lash industry is really a funny story. Me and my best friend Taylor used to follow well known IG girls that were hairstylists and lash techs. When I say follow them I mean we really started living their lives with them LOL! But I’m so many ways I’m glad we did because we saw the success they had was the success we wanted! We wanted to be those rich successful best friends. One day Taylor said “Friend you need to do lashes and Ima start doing lashes like forreal” and I’m like “YES FRIEND LET’S DO IT, WE BOUT TO BE RICH.” I was a natural girlie so I didn’t know too much about lashes, I had only been wearing lash strips for a year or two maybe, but I loved that confidence they gave me. Like I’m THAT GIRL! At the time we were like 20, 21 years old, we both had came home from college, and we’re eager to know what the next chapter of our lives was and this was it. I started watching YouTube videos studying different lash techniques and tips from lash artist all over the world. Seeing all the beautiful lash sets had me like “oh yeah I wanna do this” I started loving lashes. Fast forward June 2018 I took my first lash course, I was so excited! My instructor taught everything there is to know about lashes. After my course I started practicing on Taylor and my sister. I appreciate my best friend so much because she laid on the couch for 4 years while I attempted to do my first classic set. The set was so cute for me to be a beginner so you gave me a little confidence to keep going. I practiced on another friend and it took me 6 HOURS! Then about friend was 5 HOURS! So now it’s getting to me mentally, and I’m doubting myself. I stopped believing I could do it, and just quit. That was one of my biggest regrets still to this day, but God’s timing is everything! I started back doing lashes December 10th, 2021 and my business has been flourishing ever since. If I was to give any advice to any beginner lash artist it was be: Pray (always include God in your craft) Grace ( allow yourself to grow, make mistakes and improve) Believe in yourself ( if you don’t believe in yourself how will anyone else. Believe in yourself when NO ONE ELSE DOES! And practice ( lashing is a craft that has to be perfected. Just like learning to ride a bike you have to keep going, and keep going, and keep going until you get it! As a lash artist I pay many roles in my clients life. I am a friend, a therapist, a mentor, a pray warrior, and for some just a service provider. I love my job because I provide more than lashes to my clients I have the privilege to enhance natural beauty and boost confidence. What sets me apart from other lash artists is my authenticity and my genuineness. Throughout my journey as a lash artist, I have faced challenges and obstacles, but it is my unwavering consistency through adversity that I am most proud of. This perseverance has not only strengthened my skills but also shaped me into the dedicated and resilient artist I am today. Potential lash clients, I am dedicated to providing you with top-quality lash services that are tailored to enhance your natural beauty. With a focus on precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence, I strive to create a customized lash look that complements your unique features and style. Trust me to deliver stunning results that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful. I can’t wait to help you achieve your lash goals! Potential fans and followers, welcome to my world! I am passionate about all things lashes and beauty, and I can’t wait to share my expertise, tips, and tricks with you. From showcasing my latest lash creations to providing valuable insights into the beauty industry, I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering you to feel your best. Join me on this journey of creativity, growth, and self-expression – together, we can elevate our beauty game and have some fun along the way. Let’s connect and create something beautiful!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Once upon a time, I embarked on a journey into the world of lash artistry with dreams of creating beautiful, fluttery lashes for my clients. However, the road to success was not without its challenges.
I faced setbacks and obstacles along the way, from mastering the intricate techniques of lash application to building a loyal clientele. There were moments of self-doubt and frustration, but my passion for creating stunning lash extensions fueled my determination to keep pushing forward.
I dedicated countless hours to honing my craft, attending training workshops, and seeking mentorship from seasoned lash artists. With each setback, I refused to give up, choosing instead to learn from my mistakes and grow stronger.
Through perseverance and resilience, I overcame every hurdle that stood in my way. I embraced the setbacks as opportunities for growth and used them to refine my skills and elevate my artistry.
Today, I stand as a testament to resilience on my lash journey. I have built a thriving lash business, with a loyal clientele who trust me to enhance their natural beauty with flawless lash extensions. My journey has taught me the power of perseverance and the rewards that come from never giving up on your dreams.
As I continue to evolve and grow in my craft, I am grateful for the challenges that have shaped me into the resilient lash artist that I am today. And I look forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and passion for creating stunning, beautiful lashes for my clients.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
I began dabbling in lash artistry as a side hustle, never imagining that it would evolve into a full-time career that would change my life. What started as a way to express my creativity and earn some extra income quickly grew into a passion that I couldn’t ignore.
As I delved deeper into the world of lash extensions, I realized the immense potential for growth and success in the beauty industry. I decided to take a leap of faith and commit to turning my side hustle into a full-time career.
Key milestones marked my journey from a part-time gig to a thriving business. The first milestone was investing in professional training and certification to enhance my skills and credibility as a lash artist. This not only boosted my confidence but also set me on a path towards becoming a reputable expert in the field.
I then focused on expanding my client base by leveraging social media and networking opportunities to promote my services. Through consistent marketing efforts and positive client testimonials, I was able to attract a steady stream of customers who valued my expertise and attention to detail.
As demand for my lash services continued to grow, I made the strategic decision to transition from working out of my home to moving into my very first lash suite. At the time my best friend Chelsea was doing makeup out of my home as well, and we were CLUTTERED, my one bedroom apartment was no longer enough room. The move allowed me to create a welcoming and professional environment for my clients, further solidifying my reputation as a top-notch lash artist.
Another key milestone in my journey from a side hustle to a full-time career as a lash artist was the decision to start teaching others the art of lash extensions.
After establishing myself as a reputable and skilled lash artist with a loyal client base, I began to receive inquiries from aspiring lash technicians who were eager to learn from me. Recognizing the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with others, I decided to start offering training courses and workshops to teach the art of lash extensions.
With each milestone, I pushed myself to refine my craft, set higher goals, and deliver exceptional results to every client. The culmination of my hard work and dedication came when I finally made the leap to pursue lash artistry as my full-time career.
Today, I am proud to say that I have successfully built a thriving career as a lash artist and educator, with a flourishing business and a community of talented and passionate individuals who continue to inspire me every day. The decision to start teaching was truly a milestone that transformed my side hustle into a full-time career that I am deeply passionate about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://richegrlaesthetics.as.me/
- Instagram: RicheGrlAesthetics
- Facebook: Bri Marshai
- Youtube: @RicheGrlBri