We recently connected with Jaclyn Wagner and have shared our conversation below.

Jaclyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

The risk I took was changing my entire career and going into cosmetic tattooing. I was a pastry chef before working in this industry and I had been doing my thing for quite some time. When my little sister came home with her eyebrows microbladed; I just thought it was so cool. I felt like working in kitchens wasn’t my true calling and I felt really stuck where I was. Working in the cosmetic tattoo industry offered me a space to be creative and help others feel like their best selves. The work I’m doing now makes me feel so fulfilled and excited to come into work.

The second life changing risk I took was opening my business! I took the leap from renting a space in a tattoo shop for a few years to starting Cyprus Cosmetic Collective. During the pandemic, I felt like if I didn’t do this NOW – I would regret it forever. When I started my business there were plenty of bumps in the road around the physical space, the business licenses, the city, etc. When starting a new business make sure you reach out to others to prepare for what’s to come for the first year. But, through all the intensity, came a wonderful business that I’m so proud of. I’m grateful I can create a safe space for not only my clients, but for my employees as well.

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?

I stated a bit about my journey into cosmetic tattooing in the last question, but I have been doing this for about 6 years now. In this time, I’ve learned new techniques and challenge myself everyday to be great.

At Cyprus Cosmetic Collective, we provide brow services that include techniques such as microblading, powder, nano and combination brows. We also have non-permeant services such as brow laminations, tints, and lash lifts. On the contrary, we do lip blushing, eyeliner, and 3D areola restoration. All of my employees do different work in the shop and provide us with something for everyone.

What sets Cyprus apart from the rest is that we create a nice and cozy environment when you come to get your service done. We don’t want it to feel too aggressive, too gendered or too pretentious. We want you to feel like you’re coming in to hang out with us and get your service! I love getting to know my clients and giving them the little break they need. Here at Cyprus, everyone is welcome! We are proud that our clients put trust in us to tattoo them and create something new. Plenty of tears have been shed here due to excitement for seeing their face with brows for the first time! Its such an incredible feeling to be able to help others be their best selves.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best way for us to get new clients is the good ole fashion word of mouth! We’ve done full families, partners, friend groups – you name it! We love hearing when someone recommends us or brings us up because the best way to get people in the door. We always include a QR code in our aftercare bags that leads clients to our google page so they can review their service with us. Google reviews are so helpful and help other prospective clients feel better when they book a service.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team can be tough, but can be so rewarding. I’m grateful that my business at this time is fully woman ran. I always want my employees to feel like they can trust me and ensure that I’m giving them my best self. I always tell my team that mental health is the most important part of the job – because if you’re not feeling your best self then how can you make someone else feel great. I put a lot of importance on taking needed breaks and open communication on what’s going on in their lives. Our team creates their own schedules which allows them to do what they need and work hard. Coming to work shouldn’t be the worst part of your day, rather another day to do what you love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cypruschicago.com
• Instagram: @cyprus.chicago
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyprus.chicago/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cypruscosmeticcollective
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cyprus-cosmetic-collective-chicago

Image Credits
Headshots by: Stasi Pappas (@shotbystasi)