We recently connected with Igor Sanaev and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Igor, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
I’ve been working in beauty industry for a little over 22 years across the globe, discovering new trends, perfecting my skills, learning from the best in beauty world. Overtime I got clear understanding what products I need for my kit but couldn’t buy it because it doesn’t exist. Well, if I can’t buy it then I have to make it. That’s how I started “Sanaev Beauty”. And I decided to start with strip lashes just to test the waters. I made sure its cruelty free, mostly natural materials (silk and cotton) and reusable (up to 20 times). So far I have 6 designs of 3D Faux Mink Lashes that fits any occasion client might have. Currently I’m developing my first skin care product. First round of samples had been successfully tested and the lab adding finishing touches to the formula. Hopefully by next year I will present 3 must have skin products.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As long as I remember myself I was always involved in beauty and fashion. At the age of 13-14 I started doing manicures and nail designs for my friend’s moms. After finishing my first beauty school in Yekaterinburg (Russia) I was still hungry for knowledge, new techniques, new products so I continued my educational journey and went to Moscow to Dolores Academy, then London (Vidal Sassoon Academy). And then after traveling throughout Europe, developing my own style and signature looks I landed in New York and then after 3 years I moved to LA. All that traveling allowed me to witness lots of different looks, techniques, styles etc. which helped me to establish clear vision on who I am as an artist and definitely made huge impact on products I’m producing and developing.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
A few things. First – knowledge. I always happy to educate my clients about products, styles, techniques I’m using. I believe it’s major point in establishing trust between client and artist when service provider knows what he/she/they talking about and able to explain it.
Second – stay true to yourself. I understand we all need to make money but don’t overcharge people or sell them products they don’t need – you’ll profit more in a long run.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
In this modern world of social media, AI etc. you have to exhaust every marketing channel. Don’t hesitate to use them all and you’ll be surprised that good-al word-of-mouth works as good as paid promo posts on IG.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sanaevbeauty.com
- Instagram: iamigorsanaev