We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Liliana Guardado a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Liliana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
Hi there. This is a great question and is one I often ponder myself.
In all honesty, If I could go back I don’t know that I would do anything differently. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that everyone we meet along our journey is there for a reason, a season, or a lesson. Before going into business for myself, I mainly worked in customer service and the non-profit industry. These industries
helped me strengthen my personality and to see the value of being a good listener. I don’t think I would have had these strengths or experiences had I not gone through the wringer of working for others before becoming a business owner myself.
Before going on my own, I worked for another lash artist who was well-established at the time. She took me under her wing and trained me for a couple of months before letting me take on any clients. This is where I ,once again, bring up the “everything happens for a reason” because no one at the time would have given me the time of day to train me the way she did. Once I was ready to take on clients, a lot of the girls that were already working for her ended up leaving or moving and this gave me an advantage to build my clientele. After three years of working for her, she was the first person to encourage me to take that leap and to go start my own lash and beauty business.
Looking back I feel grateful for the way my journey has unfolded over time and I don’t know what it would have looked like if I started earlier. At this point in my life, I feel grateful for everyone I’ve met and who has helped me become who I am today.
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?
Hello everyone my name Is Lili. I am your go to Lash and Makeup Artist.
With Over 10+years in the beauty industry I pride myself on top quality services, products and continued education. I am a Licensed Esthetician and Certified Lash and Makeup Artist. Blend Beauty is a blend of my artistry, education, and knowledge.Because the beauty industry is continuously evolving I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the amount of detail that goes into learning and growing as an artist. My Goal is Creating customized looks for every client based on their own beauty and style. I do hope to one day create a look that brings out the beauty within you.
My specialty services are Eyelash Extensions, Lash Lifts, Eyebrow Waxing and Makeup Artistry. Any service or look customized to a clients individual needs.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy I have found to help me grow my clientele is having a positive mindset. When it comes to having a small business you have to know how to go with the flow. There’s slow months and then there’s busy months but I treat each month the same. I try not to overwhelm myself and focus on providing a welcoming experience for my clients. Keeping a positive mindset allows me to show up for my clients and creates an enjoyable environment that keeps them coming back and referring their friends.
Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?
Being a good listener is always going to be an amazing Skillset to have. Because it allows you to follow up on events and milestones that clients have shared with you. It makes them feel special when you remember small details. And in all honesty my clients are not just my clients, but some have become close friends and family.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://artistry-by-lili.square.site/
- Instagram: _blendbeauty_
- Yelp: BlendBeauty