Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cortney De Voe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cortney, appreciate you joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
Independence: Something I have yearned for since I was going door-to-door by myself selling custom-made flip flops at eight years old, “Cortney’s Flop Shop” was the name. Then again, at eighteen years old I started a makeup business where I hand-pressed makeup palettes that I shipped all over the United States, “Makeupaholics” was the name. Now that I have spent years trying to find my passion, I have finally settled on a career that has changed my life. Being a business owner means that I am a Jack of All Trades: I am an eyelash technician, a therapist, a marketing master, customer service representative, inventory manager, a safe place, and occasionally an emotional punching bag. This can absolutely be a tough feat, and being a business owner is not meant for the weak. That being said, I have never been happier. After all, I get to basically hang out with friends all day, help women gain confidence, be part of client’s highest and lowest moments in their lives, and get paid for it! While I miss having a manager to handle tricky situations, I know that I am the best manager I could be. Now, at 22, I have built not only a successful business but also a brand that I am extremely proud to represent, “De Voe Lashes” is the name.
Cortney, 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 Colorado Native born and raised in Summit County, Colorado. Coming from a small town I had always felt that my opportunities were very limited and that I would end up in a regular office job. After spending time working in a number of industries, and ultimately a bank for a couple years, I realized that my dreams extended past my circumstance and that it was time to take a leap. I am labeled as an Eyelash Technician, Lash Artist, Lash Specialist, all of which are correct!
I specialize in Eyelash Extensions which are individual synthetic lashes applied to enhance the length, curl, fullness, and thickness of natural eyelashes. What sets my business apart from others is my affordable prices and my quality of product. When people venture out to get their lashes done, one of the first notable things is the high prices. Eyelash extensions are a luxury service which results in luxury prices, however I found a happy-medium that makes sense for myself and my clients. I am extremely proud of the brand that I have built and the services I provide.
My favorite part about what I do is the satisfaction of seeing the results immediately at the end of the appointment. Seeing the smiles from ear to ear on my clients after boosting their confidence makes all the tedious work worth it. I appreciate each and every client that I have crossed paths with since the beginning of my journey, as they have all taught me something. I have met some of my greatest friends through my business, and I can’t wait to grow and learn with many more to come.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson that I have constantly been told is to be “realistic”. This is something that I believe held me back for so long simply because my version of realistic was different from those that were telling me this advice. I know that I can do anything I put my mind to, while also knowing there is a fine line that leads to expectations that are higher than I should set for myself. Rather than being realistic, I decided to take a chance on myself and go against all odds. I decided to swim against the current and take on as much as I knew I could handle, and I did it.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The absolute best source of new clients comes from word of mouth! When I have one client that walks in for a service and walks out so satisfied that they are determined to send their mom, best friend, sister, and hairstylist that means that I did my job and did it well. Whether it’s a wedding or prom, I love taking on a group of girls that have all separately built a relationship with me or are in my chair just once for a great experience! Recommendations are a free way to support a business, and speaking for myself as well as other business owners, that is the best support we could ask for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://devoelashes.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devoelashes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devoelashes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/3in/cortney-de-voe-892378a7/
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTdnHvRHa/