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

Chantel, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

In the beauty industry, schooling is vague. We are taught what’s needed to pass state boards, but unfortunately not much more. I would love to see the education advance in a way that would teach students more of the business ownership side. How to set up a business, filing for a trademark, taxes, finances, structuring a business entity and hiring employees. None of this information is easily available and can be discouraging to new beauty entrepreneurs. We are definitely left in the dark with a lot! I would also like to see schools focus on more advanced trades like permanent makeup, lash extensions, dermaplaning, microneedling and laser.

Chantel, 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?

I am a solo esthetician specializing in lash extensions in Littleton, CO. I’ve continued to grow my brand, 5280 Lashes, into a safe place for aspiring lash artists to learn, challenge themselves, ask questions and continue their education. I offer mentorship classes and advanced artistry classes, as well as beginner learning opportunities to help small business owners and beginner lash artists succeed. I love to teach because this journey has been so raw for me, learning from my mistakes and redirecting my business as I go. I’ve grown to sell lash supplies as well in my community with local pick up and I ship internationally as well! I’ve found that being transparent with my audience builds trust in my brand, which benefits everyone.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

You’re always learning.

Even when I think I’ve learned everything there is to know about my supplies and craft, there’s always new products or techniques being revealed. I’ve learned you can never let yourself get too comfortable in one thing because this industry is always evolving and changing. Continuing to challenge myself keeps me in demand and motivated to give the best possible services I can. Stay humble, work hard!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My business started at the bottom. Everything I’ve built has been 100% out of my own pocket and my brand is not in any debt. My first treatment room was set up with $300 from my 9-5 paycheck. The beauty of my trade is income comes from the service, so setting up can be affordable on the cheap end of things. I grew with my business and I invest as much as I can as I go. Investing too much too soon can be a mistake, so my advice is to take it slow and let yourself grow with your business financially and mentally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://5280lashesllc.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/lashedbychantel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075617810260&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lashedbychantel2810
• Other: Www.tiktok.com/lashedbychantel