We were lucky to catch up with Markayla Lindsay recently and have shared our conversation below.

Markayla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

From a young age, the idea of entrepreneurship had always captivated me. Growing up, I was inspired by watching my father successfully run his own business, sparking an innate drive within me to one day forge my own path. While I didn’t know exactly what that would entail, I knew the thrill of being my own boss and building something from the ground up was a calling I couldn’t ignore. Interestingly, it was my lifelong love of beauty that ultimately led me to my entrepreneurial endeavor.

I’ve always found such joy and confidence in the pampering experiences of getting my hair and nails done – the ritual of self-care and the transformative power of these services never ceased to amaze me. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit during my freshman year of high school, these indulgences were suddenly out of reach. Like many others, I turned to DIY solutions, teaching myself various beauty techniques by watching countless YouTube tutorials. To my delight, I discovered a real aptitude and passion for these hands-on skills, particularly the art of lash extensions. It was then that the entrepreneurial spark was truly ignited.

For my 17th birthday, I boldly asked my mother to invest in my vision of starting my own lash extension business. Seeing the determination and excitement in my eyes, she wholeheartedly supported me, providing the startup funds to get my dream off the ground. I remember the thrill of receiving all the necessary supplies and furniture, meticulously setting up my very own studio. That same day, I took on my first client, and the rest, as they say, is history. From that moment on, I’ve been passionately serving a growing clientele, fueled by the joy of empowering others to feel beautiful in their own skin.

Markayla, 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?

To introduce myself, my name is Markayla Lindsay. I’m a 19-year-old esthetician and the proud founder of Lashed by Lindsaye. I unexpectedly discovered a passion for the beauty industry during my junior year of high school. Shortly after, I launched my own business. I’m truly passionate about lash extensions, so I worked hard to graduate high school early and attend esthetician school, earning my license in the state of North Carolina.

Now, I provide top-quality eyelash extension services, taking pride in crafting beautiful, lash enhancements that not only enhance one’s beauty, but also maintain the health and strength of the natural lashes. What sets us apart is our dedication to quality work – we believe in the longevity of lash extensions and prioritize the health of our clients’ natural lashes.

I’m most proud to help my clients feel confident and radiant, knowing that my services can boost their self-esteem. Lashed by Lindsaye is a safe, welcoming space for those wanting to experience the beauty of lash extensions. We plan to expand our offerings soon, including brow services, 1-on-1 trainings, and a curated selection of high-quality products for beauty professionals.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building a strong following on social media requires a strategic and intentional approach. I started with identifying my niche and target audience – this laid the foundation for the type of content I create and the people I aim to attract. Once I’ve honed in on my ideal audience, the engagement became much easier. I focused on producing high-quality, valuable content that resonated with my target demographic. This included a range of formats, such as before-and-after transitions showcasing my work, behind-the-scenes reels that gave followers an inside look, and fun, engaging TikTok videos that showcase my personality. Maintaining a cohesive aesthetic, such as sticking to a consistent color scheme, also helped make my page visually appealing and professional-looking, drawing in potential clients.

For those just starting out on social media, consistency is crucial. Planning out your content calendar a week at a time can help you stay organized and ensure you’re posting regularly, which is essential for building a loyal following. Engaging with others in your industry, whether through participating in giveaways or simply liking and commenting on others’ posts, is also an effective way to expand your reach and foster meaningful relationships. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that social media should be an authentic extension of yourself. While professionalism is important, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through – your unique voice and perspective are what will truly resonate with your audience and help you stand out.

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

Referrals from existing clients have undoubtedly been the most valuable and reliable source of new business for my lash extension services. By consistently providing a truly exceptional experience for each and every client, I’ve found that they are eager and excited to pass along my name and contact information to friends, family members, and colleagues who they feel could benefit from my expertise. There’s simply nothing quite like the personal recommendation of a trusted source – it carries so much more weight and credibility than any other type of marketing or advertising. When a potential new client tells me they were referred by one of my existing loyal clients, it warms my heart and immediately puts me at ease, knowing this is someone who is already predisposed to trust the quality of my work and the level of care they’ll receive. This steady flow of referral-based new business has been absolutely crucial in helping my lash extension venture continue to thrive and grow over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://LashedbyLindsaye.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashedbylindsaye?igsh=MXRpZmFsNW9rZnd6cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lashedbylindsaye

Image Credits

Alexus B Photography