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

Hi Madison Montgomery, thanks for joining us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

I come from a small northeast town on the ocean, an hour north of Boston, Portsmouth, NH. What I absolutely adored about the town, in addition to it’s Norman Rockwell charm, was that it was all small businesses. We all supported one another, knew each other and because of that community, we knew exactly where to send clients/customers for what they needed. Upon opening my Lash Studio, I wanted to carry that same sentiment to my clientele. There is an old saying; “people don’t care about what you know, until they know how much you care”… I believe that to be true! When I meet someone, I like to find out what they like, what they like to do for enjoyment, hobbies, etc… While I am out & about living my life, I can snapshot things I think they may like OR introduce them to things of which they may have interest. It’s very fun to send someone a random text & let them know you were thinking of them. As one of my long time clients has said; “not just a lash studio!” Its our running joke. There are so many places popping up, I think it’s extremely important to let people know you truly appreciate them, think about them and that they mean something to you far beyond a client… I completely understand my way is not everyone’s way, but it works for me and it has enabled me to create some amazing friendships. I truly adore everyone that walks thru my doors… I know about them on a far deeper level than lash art!

Madison Montgomery, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I guess the very first thing to let people know is I am completely transparent. I have a very strong education and medical background, so if something isn’t healthy, I will let people know. I will not dishonor myself or a client for a transaction. I am not for everyone. I spend time educating clients on lash extensions, maintenance, health and how to maintain the investment. It is an investment. Time is money, and women are very very busy in today’s world. They are Mom’s, Execs, wives, business owners, chauffeurs, chefs, etc… the list goes on! Regardless of a woman’s busy life, she wants to look and feel great wherever she goes, as quickly as she can…so lashes are important. The level of increased self-esteem is huge. There’s nothing like being 50something and having thick luscious lashes that look completely natural! Sweating, no problem! Surfing, no problem! Running, no problem! Oh, honey, I just wake up like this! LOL… In SoCal, it’s an easy breezy lifestyle, but let’s face it, we live in an endless summer! The Beach Boys had it right all along! A golden tan, a fit physique and gorgeous lashes!

I have been practicing LashArt for almost 10yrs. My personal attention to detail, client care and honesty are definitely attributes people either like or don’t like. I don’t believe you have to be for everyone but when you stand by your art, whatever that is, you will find your tribe and they will find you. I absolutely LOVE what I do and I adore my clients… it’s like hanging out with your besties laughing and chatting all day long! Who doesn’t want that?!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think it’s pretty clear that with the whole pandemic scenario, many of us had to pivot! I was no different. I went to school to become a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, so that I could work online. I recently graduated and am taking a mental brain break before moving forward promoting that business. That being said, my clients LOVE the fact that they have an educated therapist to come to as well as a background in patient care for 18 years prior to becoming an Aesthetician, specializing in LashArt!

I feel as though when the term “brand” is used, it minimizes or depersonalizes (is that even a word?) the relationship with my clients. I am a very open, personable woman and I think just being true to who I am, in the world, makes me stand out/apart. I truly care about my women, their lives, families, problems and will do whatever I can to help out if I can. I have been a babysitter, puppy sitter and house sitter just to help out… it’s how I was raised. It’s small town America alive and well in San Diego!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Again, one we can all relate to is the pandemic. In 48hrs I lost my business. San Diego is not an easy place to be if financially you take a significant hit. I started a Go-Fund Me, and with God and my clients, that bought me 4mos… I never ever take it for granted that I am blessed. The people that funded me were a God send and some didn’t even come to me anymore! They had moved to other states! When you show people how much you truly sincerely care, it will come back to you. People I haven’t heard from in 2yrs due to the pandemic are still calling and keep in touch or coming back… Kindness matters in everything we do. How we do anything is how we do everything! (that’s a borrowed phrase, not my brilliance!) LOL

Contact Info:

• Website: LotusLashStudio.org
• Instagram: Lotus_Lash_Studio
• Facebook: @LotusLashEncinitas
• Yelp: LotusLashStudio
• Other: My Instagram is a rolling portfolio of my life, LashArt and Make-Up Art