We were lucky to catch up with Claudia Polendo Hadlock recently and have shared our conversation below.

Claudia , appreciate you joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents moved to the USA from Mexico in 2002, and I can’t imagine how scary that decision was for them. No furniture or toys moved with us, we only got to bring a bag each which had our clothes in it. I was only 7. We all had to learn a new language and start anew in a foreign country while adapting to a new culture. I know they must have been just as terrified as my two siblings and I were. They wanted us to have more opportunities, and I know their decision was guided by God. I am deeply grateful for the risk they took and the opportunities that provided for me. Though odds were stacked against me, I quickly learned that all I had to do is try 3 times harder. From my parents, I learned that there are no excuses; you make the impossible happen because there’s no other option but to succeed. They taught me the importance of giving your best, working hard, and being honest. They also instilled in me a strong faith in God in which later on through life I was able to develop my own relationship with God and Jesus Christ, with them on your side, anything is possible!

Claudia , 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?

When I was a junior in high school, one of my teachers had the students create a vision board. I remember one of the things I put on there was that I was going to own a business in the beauty industry. That spark has stayed with me ever since. However, there was never a “right time” to make it happen; life kept throwing one thing after another at me. Years later, in my late 20s, I decided to take the leap. It was either now or never.

I am passionate about helping people feel good. I decided to open a lash studio that would specialize in all things lashes. My goal was to set myself apart from my competitors and not just be another full-service salon in town. Despite many reasons not to do it, I took the risk and did it. Today, I have a team of eight girls, and we offer eyelash extensions, eyelash lifts, eyelash tints, eyebrow laminations, eyebrow tints, eyebrow waxing, full body waxing services, tooth gems, teeth whitening, and facials!

I also poured my heart into designing my own lash brand. It’s been a lot of work, but I did it. We retail eyelash extension supplies for our local lash artists, which is huge because we can’t get anything in town unless it’s shipped or we make a three-hour drive. I love my career and the joy my clients feel when they look in the mirror after a full set of lashes. They fall in love with themselves, and their confidence soars. They are all so beautiful, and I love that I get to help them see that. I stay updated with the latest trends in my industry because I love bringing the best to my clients.

At the end of the day, if my client feels confident and beautiful, then I know I’ve done my job right.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Consistency consistency consistency, I can’t express that enough. You have to stay active and consistent even if you’re fully booked keep marketing and advertising your business, it just keeps the ball rolling!

Any advice for managing a team?

You have to learn that you can love but still have boundaries. You might have a team member or two who just don’t fit with the way you want to run your business, and that’s okay. However, if it starts to affect your reputation and your business name, know that it’s okay to let them go. Having boundaries does not make you a terrible person!

Set your core values and mission statement right off the bat and stay true to them. Keep in mind, when hiring, it’s all about quality, not quantity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lolalash.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lola.lash.studio?igsh=MTBmdG9iYm93MW81ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EVjuPx9eR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits

Elle Gerais with Urban Tulip