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

Crystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

**Empowering Lash Artists Through Education and Community: Butterfly Kiss and Beauty Mob University**

Butterfly Kiss (BK) and Beauty Mob University (BMU) are dedicated to empowering lash artists through comprehensive education and fostering a supportive community. Butterfly Kiss, based in Phoenix’s West Valley, is a premier lash supply retail store and training academy offering hands-on, personalized lash courses to help artists develop both their technical skills and business expertise. Beauty Mob University goes further by building a community of lash professionals, providing online and in-person training, and offering mentorship to support artists at every stage of their careers.

Both BK and BMU share a mission to elevate industry standards, offering continuous education and fostering connections within the lash community. Through events like the International Lash Expo and collaborations with beauty schools, they are committed to helping lash artists grow their businesses while giving back to the industry and local communities.

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.

**Empowering Lash Artists Through Education and Community: The Vision of Crystal Perez, Owner of Butterfly Kiss and Beauty Mob University**

At the heart of Butterfly Kiss (BK) and Beauty Mob University (BMU) is Crystal Perez, a passionate entrepreneur and leader in the lash industry. As the owner and operator, Crystal has dedicated her career to empowering lash artists through education, community, and mentorship.

With a deep understanding of the challenges lash artists face, Crystal founded BK as the West Valley’s only lash retail store and training academy, offering personalized, hands-on training to help artists master their craft and build successful businesses. Her commitment to high-quality education goes beyond technique, focusing on business growth, customer retention, and personal development.

Crystal’s mission expanded with the creation of Beauty Mob University, a platform that not only educates but fosters community among lash artists. BMU offers a range of courses, networking opportunities, and mentorship, helping artists at all stages connect, grow, and support each other. Crystal’s leadership has made BMU a hub for those looking to elevate their skills and expand their network.

Through her work at BK and BMU, Crystal Perez continues to raise the bar in the lash industry, building a supportive community where every artist can thrive. Her passion for education and her dedication to creating opportunities for others define her role as a leader and visionary in the beauty industry.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I first started growing my presence on social media, I made a conscious decision to focus on one thing: authenticity. Over time, I’ve cultivated an amazing online community by consistently showing up as my genuine self and sharing the ups and downs of my journey—especially as a mom balancing a business and family life.

Being Real and Honest is my motto.

In an industry where it’s easy to get caught up in perfection, I’ve always chosen to be real. I’ve shared my challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Whether I’m talking about my business journey or the everyday hustle of being a working mom, I keep things transparent. That’s what resonates with people—the ability to see that we’re all in this together, navigating life one step at a time. This openness has helped me build a community of loyal, engaged followers who feel connected to me.

Staying Consistent

Growth didn’t happen overnight. It came from showing up daily, even on the tough days. Whether I’m sharing a quick story, providing value to lash artists, or interacting with followers, my goal is to be consistent. It’s this dedication that has helped me build trust with my audience and keep them engaged over time.

Being Relatable as a Mom

One of the things that sets me apart is how I’ve been open about the reality of being a mom and an entrepreneur. Balancing business and family life isn’t always easy, but I share the raw, real moments to show other moms that they can chase their dreams too. My followers appreciate seeing the imperfect, everyday moments, and it helps them feel more connected to me as both a professional and a mom.

3 Tips for Building Your Own Social Media Community:

1. Be Authentic – Share your real story. People connect more with your journey than with perfection. Don’t be afraid to show your ups and downs—this is what builds genuine relationships.
2. Stay Consistent – Show up regularly, even when it’s difficult. Consistency builds trust, and over time, it turns your followers into a dedicated community.
3. Be Relatable – Share parts of your life that others can relate to, whether it’s juggling work and family or the challenges of running a business. Being open about your experiences helps create deeper connections with your audience.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Dream: My 6-Year Journey

6 years ago, I took my first step into the beauty industry with a side hustle that I hoped would offer a little extra income. Little did I know that it would soon evolve into a full-time career that would change the trajectory of my life. At the time, I was balancing the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship, squeezing in hours between nap times, school pickups, and late-night brainstorming sessions. It wasn’t easy, but I was passionate about it and believed in the products I was creating.

Fast forward to 2020, what began as selling lash adhesive bottles from my kitchen table soon expanded. I poured everything I had into perfecting the perfect products, ensuring every item I offered was the best quality and provided the best retention—an essential combination for lash artists. I started restocking my products every two weeks, learning the ins and outs of inventory management and customer care along the way.

Over time, the business grew, and so did I. My side hustle turned into a platform where I could not only sell products but also empower lash artists. I organized events, wrote ebooks, and developed training courses, constantly expanding what my business could offer. Transitioning from part-time to full-time wasn’t easy, especially as a mom, but the joy of creating something that helped others succeed made every challenge worth it.

Now, as I look back, I can see that what began as a small venture has turned into a thriving business that connects with lash artists and beauty experts around the world. The International Lash Expo, my product lines, and educational courses are all part of a journey that started with one simple idea and a lot of determination.

If there’s anything my experience has taught me, it’s that investing in your passion can truly pay off. I’m excited for what the future holds and to continue growing alongside the community I love so much.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.BKEYELASHES.com
• Instagram: @BKEYELASHES
• Facebook: @BKEYELASHES