We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chelsea Sims a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chelsea , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
After graduating esthetics school I worked at a lash and brow boutique for about five years where I was able to hone in on eyebrows and eyelashes while doing some skincare on the side. Through those years I was gifted with non stop clientele. This is how I came to perfect my craft. Practice makes perfect! After many years of working for commission I decided I should take a leap and create my own brand, my own business. Then every dollar of income would go to me, the provider! I started buying things I would need for my business, months in advance. Every piece of furniture, any devices and all suppplies. As a commissioned artist I had very little to take with me in this aspect. This was the largest amount of money I had to spend to start my business. After that it was painting and moving everything in! Friends helped me paint (god sends) and I was able to open September of 2022. 8 months in and I decided I had to move. This was unexpected! This was a huge moment for me, as the business owner to figure this out on my own. I found a new place to go and thankfully a friend of mine was going to (always makes things easier). I painted (AGAIN), moved everything in, redecorated, updated all of my clients and social media about my new address. I went wild with colors and all of the shiny things. I wanted to make my space a joyful one, one that people would want to spend their time in. It was a lot at once but it as worth it! The new space I am in has worked out for me in every way. I am now in a loft type of studio called Red Soul Salon in Valley Park. I have almost been there a year now and I’m so glad I followed my intuition and made that move!
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.
As long as I can remember, I have loved to play dress up which included all of the fancy things in the house that did not belong to me, including makeup! It is a great way to express yourself creatively without language. As I got older and I began to question what I wanted to do besides working where I was currently, I thought about cosmetology. I liked that it was the beauty industry but I just didn’t know if I was brave enough to possibly ruin someone else’s hair. That is when I learned about esthetics! You can do makeup, skincare, waxing. That sounded perfect. So, after being out of high school for about 6 years I enrolled in The Salon Professional Academy and had the time of my life. Going to school to give each other facials? What? I had no idea that I could like school! I had so much fun learning and practicing these services. After going out on my own (leaving a salon) my dream was to create a safe, calm, judgement free and happy atmosphere. I want to love where I spend half of my time! That’s why I have maximalist serotonin boosting decor. My suite welcomes ALL people (and animals, I freaking love animals) . My business is also cruelty free, meaning i do not use any products that test on animals! My space is all inclusive and accessible! I am proud to help you figure out what makes you feel good about yourself!
I came up with my business name “Lash Sorcery & Esthetics” because who doesn’t want a little magic in their lives? Especially beauty magic. Oh, and some crystal balls.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I listen and read anything I can get my hands on. I like podcasts. Whatever industry you’re in, there’s a podcast about it! Search your profession on your favorite streaming platform. My favorite for lashes is Lash Cast and My Lash Two Brain Cells
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I make sure to use a pattern on social media. I post everyday and everyday it is something different. You have to ask the follower a question, to get them to engage. I always keep my story active. Check your insights, it will tell you when the best time is to post. The ad features are amazing, just make sure your ad looks polished. If you do not know how to do that, hire someone. I am a perfectionist and am usually working on graphics and posts at all times, because as a business owner you’re always on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lashsorcerystl.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: lashsorcerystl
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/lashsorceryesthetics/