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

Loreal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

If I had to build Loaded Lashes from the ground up again, knowing everything I know now, I would definitely move forward with better self-confidence from the start. One of my biggest setbacks while growing my brand was that I didn’t believe in myself. I constantly compared my skills to others and talked myself out of opportunities that I felt I wasn’t ready for. When I finally snapped out of imposter syndrome and started walking into rooms like I belonged, everything else fell into place. You can’t expect to gain a steady flow of clientele if you don’t trust that you are the woman for the job.

Loreal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello everyone! My name is Loreal Hill, and I am the owner of Loaded Lashes, a luxury lash extension studio that also offers brow and waxing services. I started my business during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. What began as a side hustle to help pay for nursing school tuition turned into a passionate career. I graduated from Aveda, one of the top beauty institutions in the country, and became a Licensed Full Specialist Esthetician in December of 2021.

I offer three main services: Lash Extensions, Brows (which include brow waxing, ombre brow tinting, brow lamination, and micro shading), and a newly added service, Brazilian waxing. As a solo esthetician, Loaded Lashes addresses the three essential needs of women. Our lash extensions are customized to each client’s personal style and eye shape. Lash extensions are not a “one size fits all” service—at least, not with us!

Whether you have minimal to no brow hair or full brows that tend to get unruly, I offer services for you as well. You’ll be amazed at how a simple brow lamination and shaping can brighten up your appearance. Starting my business from home in 2020, I’ve always ensured a clean, relaxing environment for my clients. Now, as a studio owner, I take pride in the fact that my clients instantly feel welcomed and safe in my space.

With all the everyday hustle and bustle that women endure on a weekly basis, your time at Loaded Lashes is a break from it all. Come in, relax, and take a nap (naps are highly encouraged)! I’ll get to work, and you’ll wake up beautiful. I am passionate about my craft, and I give my all in every service. From the simplest to the most detailed, you will always receive the same level of attention.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Yes, my side hustle did turn into my main business and career! I started Loaded Lashes as a way to help pay for my college tuition, but I quickly realized that honing my craft and building a consistent clientele were essential to meeting such a significant financial obligation. While sitting in lectures, I found myself more engaged in watching YouTube videos on lash placement and how to create the perfect fans rather than listening to my professors.

As my focus in the classroom waned, my grades began to reflect that shift. However, my business began to flourish, and my clientele grew rapidly as I perfected my skills. Eventually, I made the tough decision to stop attending classes altogether, knowing I had to share this news with my parents, especially as they noticed I was spending more time at home. Being the planner I am, I had a strategy in place.

I registered for the Full Specialist Esthetician program at Aveda Institute, and just a week before classes started, I told my parents about my decision to pursue a career as a lash artist and to grow my business. Now, four years later, we’re still going strong, and I wouldn’t change a thing about this journey.

Some key milestones in this journey include:

1. Starting Loaded Lashes: Launching my business during the pandemic truly taught me resilience and adaptability.
2. Growing a Clientele: The rapid increase in clients helped boost my confidence and solidify my passion for this work.
3. Completing the Full Specialist Esthetician Program: Graduating from Aveda provided me with formal training and credentials, enhancing my professionalism and skills.
4. Opening My Studio: Transitioning from working at home to owning my own studio was a significant leap that allowed me to create a dedicated space for my craft and my clients.

Each milestone has shaped my professional journey, and I’m grateful for the support and learning along the way.

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

I believe that my reputation within the market was primarily built through word of mouth for the first year. Even though we live in a world dominated by social media, I wasn’t initially very social media savvy—I didn’t fully understand how to market myself or navigate the Instagram algorithm. What I did know was that I provided quality work, and I encouraged my clients to tell their friends about me.

I would also hand out business cards while out and about—at restaurants, malls, and grocery stores—to women whom I thought might be interested in lash extensions. In the beauty industry, potential clients seeing your work on a friend or family member often has a stronger impact than simply posting a video or picture on social media. When people witness the results firsthand, they are more inclined to come to you for services.

Ultimately, my focus on delivering excellent services and fostering personal connections played a significant role in building my reputation and expanding my clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Loadedlashes.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loaded.lashes?igsh=MXNqazZraHRpNG56eg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr