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

Alright, Erika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

A few years ago, I was at a crossroads in my career as a lash & makeup artist. I had a steady stream of clients, a solid reputation, and a comfortable setup. But deep down, I felt the itch for something more—something that would push my boundaries and redefine my artistry. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and expand my services beyond just makeup.

The risk? I was about to invest a significant chunk of my savings into a full-fledged beauty studio that would incorporate not only makeup and lash extensions but also bridal services, brows, tiny tattoos, and spray tans. At that time, I was working from a small space in another studio, so the idea of opening a dedicated studio seemed like a wild dream. But I was driven by a vision: a one-stop beauty destination where clients could experience everything under one roof, curated with my signature edgy flair.

I saw an opportunity to create something different—something that could set me apart and build a community around bold, transformative beauty experiences. There were sleepless nights, intense financial pressure, and moments where I questioned whether I was in over my head.

The turning point came when I hosted the grand opening of my studio. I had put everything into creating a space that was not only functional but also a reflection of my artistic vision. From the decor to the layout, every detail was crafted to inspire and captivate.

The success didn’t come overnight, but it was a game-changer. The investment I made transformed my career and allowed me to push creative boundaries in ways I had only dreamed of before. The risk was high, but it opened doors to new opportunities and solidified my place in the industry as a trendsetter.

In the end, taking that risk taught me that sometimes, to achieve greatness, you have to leap into the unknown with conviction. It was a gamble, but it was one that paid off in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hey there, beauties I’m Erika, the creative force behind Lets Lash Out & Makeup where we don’t just follow trends—we set them. My journey into the beauty world wasn’t just a career choice; it was a rebellion against the ordinary. Starting from my small space, I juggled motherhood, fitness, and caring for my pets while building a dream that transcends conventional beauty standards.

How I Got Started: My adventure began with a passion for makeup that quickly evolved into something bigger. Tired of the cookie-cutter beauty experiences out there, I decided to shake things up. I took a daring leap, investing my savings into a full-blown beauty studio that breaks the mold. I knew that combining makeup with lashes, lash lifts, tiny tattoos, and spray tans could create something truly unique—something that celebrates bold self-expression and individual style.

What I Offer: At my studio, we’re all about making statements and embracing the unapologetic. From killer makeup looks that turn heads to lashes and lifts that make your eyes pop, we cater to every aspect of your beauty transformation. Want a tiny tattoo that’s as unique as you? Or a spray tan that gives you a radiant glow without the UV damage? We’ve got you covered. Every service is designed to amplify your confidence and celebrate who you are.

Problems I Solve: I’m here to disrupt the mundane and offer a beauty experience that’s as dynamic as you are. My studio is a sanctuary for those who refuse to blend in and are ready to stand out. By bringing multiple high-quality services into one space, I save you time and deliver a comprehensive, customized beauty experience that reflects your boldness and individuality.

What Sets Me Apart: What sets me apart is my fearless approach to beauty and self-love. I blend technical expertise with a daring artistic vision, crafting looks that are not just stylish but a true extension of your personality. My studio isn’t just a place for treatments; it’s a space where creativity meets self-expression, where you’re encouraged to embrace your inner rebel and shine.

Pride and Vision: I’m fiercely proud of how my studio has become a go-to destination for those who crave something more than the ordinary. Seeing clients leave with a fierce glow of confidence and a smile that says, “I own this,” is what drives me. My vision is to keep pushing boundaries, offering services that empower and inspire, proving that beauty is all about self-love and bold choices.

What I Want You to Know: If you’re ready to break free from the norm and embrace your true self, my studio is where you belong. Here, it’s all about celebrating your unique beauty and making every experience a bold statement. Let’s embark on this journey together and redefine what beauty means on your terms.

Thank you for joining me on this wild ride. I’m excited to help you discover and express your most fabulous self!

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first ventured into the beauty industry, my social media presence was modest at best—just a handful of followers and not much engagement. I knew that to make a significant impact and build my brand, I needed to elevate my online game. Here’s how I turned things around and built a thriving audience:

I began with a clear vision of who I wanted to reach: individuals who value bold, transformative beauty experiences. I focused on showcasing not just my skills but the essence of my brand—edgy, unapologetic, and empowering. This meant curating content that resonated with my audience’s desire for unique and personalized beauty.

I made it a priority to create high-quality, visually striking content that stood out in a crowded space. This included:

Before-and-After Transformations: These showed the impact of my work and attracted attention.

Behind-the-Scenes Peeks: Sharing the process behind my services made my content relatable and engaging.

Tutorials and Tips: Offering value through beauty tips and tutorials helped establish me as an authority in my field.

Client Spotlights: Featuring real clients and their stories created authentic connections and showcased the results of my services.

Engaging with My Audience: Building an audience isn’t just about posting content—it’s about engaging with your followers.

Consistency and Authenticity: I stayed consistent with my posting schedule and maintained an authentic voice. Authenticity helped me build trust and a deeper connection with my audience. I didn’t just promote services; I shared my journey, challenges, and victories, creating a more personal bond with my followers.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most pivotal lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that conforming to industry standards and trends was the key to success. Early in my career, I thought that success in the beauty industry hinged on blending in and following the latest trends. This mindset led me to focus more on what was popular rather than what genuinely resonated with me and my unique vision.

The Backstory:

At the start, I was heavily invested in perfecting technical skills and aligning my work with prevailing trends. I believed that if I just followed the industry’s lead and adhered strictly to popular styles, I would attract more clients and achieve greater success. I invested in the latest products and techniques, often sacrificing my own creative instincts to fit in.

The Turning Point:

The turning point came when I realized that this approach wasn’t fulfilling me or truly connecting with my clients. Despite having a technically sound portfolio, I wasn’t seeing the growth and engagement I had hoped for. It became clear that the more I tried to fit into a mold, the more I was losing touch with what made me unique and what I genuinely enjoyed about my work.

The Unlearning Process:

I had to unlearn the idea that success required conformity. Instead, I embraced the lesson that staying true to myself and my vision was essential. This meant:

Trusting My Instincts: I began to trust my own creative instincts and vision, rather than adhering strictly to trends. This allowed me to infuse my work with genuine passion and originality.

Focusing on Authenticity: I shifted my focus to building a brand that reflected my unique style and approach. I created content and services that resonated with my true interests and values, rather than trying to fit in with the latest industry fads.

Connecting with My Audience: By being authentic, I was able to connect more deeply with my clients. They were drawn to my genuine approach and distinctive style, which led to stronger client relationships and increased engagement.
The Outcome:

Embracing authenticity and focusing on what I truly enjoyed transformed my career. My studio became a space where creativity and self-expression thrived, and my client base grew as people connected with my unique vision. The success I achieved was not from following trends but from being true to myself and creating something that was distinctly mine.

In summary, unlearning the need to conform and instead embracing my true self was a transformative lesson. It reaffirmed the importance of aligning my work with my genuine interests and vision, leading to a more authentic and impactful career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.letslashoutandmakeup.com/
• Instagram: letslashoutandmakeup