Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Clark. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

I have been in business for about 6 years and if I were to start all over again, knowing what I know now, I would most definitely structure my business properly first. When I started out, I had no idea on how to start or run a business. I just knew what I wanted and did it. I learned along the way and made plenty of mistakes. I’m still learning now. I tell anyone who wants to start a business to properly set up their business profile and to work on their business credit. There is so much capitol out there for start up businesses so that you can get your business up and running without having to drain your personal checking or savings. I spent so much of my own money and took a lot of losses. Being an entrepreneur has also taught me to change my mindset about money and how I operated as a business owner. Properly structuring your business and creating a business plan is so important when starting and I wish I knew that when I started my business, in my living room.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jessica and I am a Lash Artist, Lash Educator and Salon Owner. I graduated esthetician school in 2017 and being a lash artist was the last thing on my goal list. A lot of people think lashing is really easy and downplay a lash artists job as if it’s not a “real job.” Well, let me tell you, it is not an easy job at all. There is a lot that goes into it. I actually hated lashing when I started out because of how difficult what for me to get the hang of it. When I got certified in lash extensions, it was just starting to become a thing. So there wasn’t really much education on it. I was so not confident after the class. At this time in my life I was really into makeup and I was a mascara girl so lashing really didn’t interest me. I didn’t care to pursue a career in lashing. One day, I decided to try lash extensions and from then on I became obsessed with them. If you have ever gotten lash extensions before, you know how hard it is to go back to not having lash extensions. Having lash extensions is literally the best! And I’m not just saying that because I’m a lash artist. I decided to give lashing a try one more time. My friend volunteered to be my practice doll and oh my goodness… that set took me 2 days!! Shout out to my friend, Troi, for allowing me to practice on her and supporting me! Looking back at that set, it was not cute, but at the time we thought it came out good and those 2 days were worth it for the love of lashes! I was determined to get better at them and I spent hours researching what I could find and learning the theory behind lash extensions. A lot I learned through trail and error as well. I would repost my work on social media and everyone was wanting lashes. The more I lashed, the more I became passionate about my work, the more I educated myself, the better I got. Something I felt defeated by turned into determination which then turned into love. I started my business in my apt living room with just a bed and a ring light. Fitting clients in between my two jobs. My clientele grew, I quit both my job and I opened up my first small suite and became a Lash Artist full time. I have opened up a Salon store front and am currently in my third salon. I offer different lash sets such as classic, hybrid, volume, and different textured/wispy sets. I also offer lash products to both clients and lash artists. What sets me apart from other lash artists is that I customize all of my sets to suit my clients unique needs. Lash extensions are not one size fit all because everyone is different. My clients natural lash health is also very important to me and I always consider that before we agree on a set. I also love to educate other girls who aspire to become a lash artist and/or business owner. When you invest in a course with me, I do not gatekeep! I believe in order to start your journey, having the right tools and resources will take you so far and I wish I had that when I started out. I am most proud of my growth and when I look back I see how far I have come. Building a business and a brand is not easy and I’m so thankful that I did not give up. When I started, my goal was to have one client a week. Now, I am booked out a month in advance and have a waitlist. My city knows who the Southern Lash Belle is. I did not become a lash artist because I chose to be one. I fell in love with lashing which makes me a lash artist. Its who I am.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What helped built my reputation in the lash industry is my style. I go for looks that give my client wispy, flirty, sexy, sultry but still keep it natural. My sets look good with or without makeup and for any occasion. Also, I will say my customer service. I like to stay professional with everyone wether it be with a client I have built a good relationship with or a challenging client that I may not be the right fit for. When you serve people. being fair and kind is the way to go so that it can be reciprocated. Even when it’s not reciprocated, just remember you can’t make everyone happy and that’s okay!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Recently, I had to close my storefront and move into a salon suite. It was really hard for me to let go because I had worked so hard on that store. So much money was invested and I put my all into it. I felt like I failed. However, I was burnt out and had a slummdog landlord. At the time, I had employees and it just didn’t work out as I imagined having employees would be. The salon was definitely a lot of responsibility and I underestimated it. Right before I moved out of my storefront I had just had a baby, Being a new mom plus having 2 older kids and having a storefront was a lot to balance. I had to decide what would be best for myself, my mental health, my family and my business. What seemed like a loss was actually a lesson learned. People don’t talk about this side of business that often. The losses we take as entrepreneurs and the hardships, Failures aren’t meant to keep you down, they’re meant to make you stronger and better. Closing the doors to my store front had me balling my eyes out but now I can happily say that I’m glad I did. I am in a much happier place with my business and the salon suite I have now and I really get to prioritize my family. Closings those doors opened up new doors for me and I’m so excited for what God has in store for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: bio.site/southernlashbelle
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/southernlabelle
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/southernlashbelle
• Other: you can google me! Southern Lash Belle located in Baton Rouge, LA