We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nakia Vestal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nakia, appreciate you joining us 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

After Cosmetology school I started working with an eyelash extension company making little money but that’s where I was able to perfect my skill! After nine months I quit and started working from home in my dining room! I started with about seven customers who told their friend, family and colleagues so every thing was word of mouth for me! After working from home for 2 years my business grew so much I decided to rent a suite then Covid 19 hit where I won a small business grant with Verizon and I launched my first product to sell online! DollMaker Lashes is my business and brand! This year 2023 I’ve expanded my brand with several lash products and also moving to a bigger office suite where I can train and mentor! What I’ve learned along the way is to not despise Small beginnings and start where you are, use what you have! Be consistent and just keep going!

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

My business is DollMaker Lashes and I’ve always loved making people or things look beautiful! After years of trying to figure out what I wanted to do I went back to school to learn a new trade! When finishing Cosmetology school I absolutely hated working in a hair salon so I tried lashing and that’s where my life changed completely for the better! While lashing and building relationships with my clients my business just grew tremendously and now I have my own brand of lash products which is my proudest moment ever! Never giving up when I wanted to quit is what propelled my business to the next level! Discipline, consistency, determination, and dedication and just loving what you do are the main ingredients for DollMaker Lashes!

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

Before I got into lashes I was completely broken and lost in this world! What a lot of people don’t know is that I was sex trafficked/ exploited as a teenager and in my twenties! I thought I wasn’t worth anything and my self esteem was very low! I felt like giving up on life, my family, and my dreams but my faith in God is what keep me alive! Not only am I a entrepreneur but I’m also a public speaker/educator on Human Trafficking and I mentor survivors as well!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I started my business with about $400 dollars I had in my savings! I bought a lash table, chair, lash light and products to use( eyelash extensions, glue, tape, etc.) to start in my dining room at home! I used what I had to start! Nothing big only big goals!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Dollmakerlashes.com
• Instagram: Dollmakerlashes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DollMaker-Lashes-1228250097321590/