Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christina My. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Christina, appreciate you joining us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know
Starting your own business is never easy. If I had the opportunity to start over, one of the many things would be being more firm with my standards and expectations with clients and associates. With clients, you’re going to run into challenges like them not valuing your work, pricing and policies. If I would have stayed true to myself and my business, I feel like I’d have a stronger foundation and reach my goals a lot sooner. When you don’t value yourself and your work, you become a push over. It takes longer to reach your personal and professional goals, you doubt yourself and it can lead to giving up. With associates, you can’t always be best friends. Someone has to draw the line or set boundaries. It’s okay to be understanding of certain situations but if they don’t meet your expectations, it’s only gonna hold you back. Like the saying goes, when one door closes another opens. There’s always gonna be opportunities that await. It’s up to you to decide whether you want it now or continue to waste time to try to make it work out when the other person isn’t as invested.
From my experience, I think I would have reached my goals sooner had I known or had the courage to do this. If you’re wanting to start a lash business and achieve your goals faster with less capital like I did, do not lose focus and eliminate whoever you need to. If it’s a client, friend or family member. Do not waste time trying to sympathize for the other person because at the end of the day, it’s your business and in order to grow, you need to make sacrifices.
Christina, 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?
My name is Christina My. I’m 27 years old and have been in the beauty industry for 8 years. I’ve been a licensed business owner and cosmologist for 4 years. After I graduated from CHDA I was so sure I was gonna be a hairdresser. Shortly after, I discovered the lash industry. After a year and a half of mentorship I finally had the courage and some knowledge to build my own business. I’d be lying if I said it was a breeze, because it definitely wasn’t. I went through a lot of trial and error to get where I am today. A lot of people doubt me and tried to talk me out of it, friends and family. I am so passionate about helping people feel good about themselves and lash extensions was the best way for me to express that. Not only do I get to make them feel beautiful, I’m there to listen, to talk, to build a relationship with my clients. We’re all different but we all feel insecure at times and that’s what motivates me to continue doing what I do. Owning your own business requires a lot of discipline because you’re pretty much in control of what you want your income to be. You also always have to stay updated and educate yourself because the trends are always changing. This business has a lot of ups and downs but if you’re as passionate as I am, it will be worth it and you can’t even imagine doing anything else. One of the many things that set me apart from others is my customer service. I don’t think people realize how important it is to ensure your customers feel valued, especially with all the competition. Almost anyone can lash but not everyone can provide the type of customer service that makes your clients feel beautiful and valued. A lot of mistakes I see in my industry are lash techs taking their client for granted. Of course there’s boundaries, but with most successful businesses it starts with customer service. I’m most proud of my lash boutique. From the team I put together to the quality supplies and services we offer. The one thing I want clients, customers, followers and fans to know is I’m always open to constructive criticism and looking to be better and provide the best quality services and products.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
At 23 years old I knew I was gonna struggle so hard with life if I didn’t change my mindset. I had to drop certain people in my life because I knew they weren’t gonna make it easier for me to become the person I wanted to. From 18-22 I was a completely different person. I was going through a lot and the best way for me to cope with all of my struggles at the time, was to party and surround myself with people. Good or bad I didn’t care as long as I had company. I was always working 2-3 jobs part time including lashing on the side just so I’d have money to go out and party with people. I’d go to work hungover, call out, cancel clients last minute and just simply didn’t care. I had to hit rock bottom to finally realize I had so much potential. Like they say, you are who you surround yourself with. And now I believe that.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth. Your work speaks for itself and loyal happy clients who vouch for you will always bring in clients. To show my appreciation I always offer discounts to clients who refer friends, family and even strangers they run into who compliment their lashes. Word of mouth will always be the best way to advertise. Don’t get me wrong, social media and yelp helps but word of mouth is free.
Contact Info:
- Website: Bougiebeautysd.com
- Instagram: Bougiebeautysd