We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Natalie Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Natalie below.

Natalie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?

The way that I feel about family and friends supporting my business is very important to me. I feel as though when you start a business, it’s hard in the beginning as well as going through the journey. The support from love ones is what pushes you to strive for success. Not having that support, sometimes can make someone feel unappreciative and or not recognized for their hard work and dedication.

I feel what is appropriate is reposting your work to help with marketing. Even a simple, “LIKE” of the post can bring more eyes to your business. Another thing that is appropriate is becoming a walking model. Showcasing products and or talent. For example, I do lashes, so I will do my family and friends lashes and body sculpting at a discounted price, if not free, just to get the experience and to be able to have models showcasing my talent.

I draw the line at doing anything for free more than once. My family and friends, even people in general have to understand that it takes money to maintain the business. To enhance the revenue. You can’t always do things at a discounted rate and or free. That is not a way to show support either. I draw the line with thinking that a since we are family/friends they are entitled to have special treatment.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Natalie and I am the owner of Simply Lash Boutique and Body Sculpting. My journey began with my own beauty timeline. Getting my nails done, hair done, lashes, etc. I felt that when I get these things done, I feel more beautiful and more like the woman I am groomed to be. I thought to myself, there are so many other women I am sure that think just like myself. So why not become a part of the industry that brings me so much happiness. I embarked on my first journey of lashes.

I decided to get certified to become a lash artist and learn the many techniques and educational background of what comes along with being a lash artist. Just like anything else, continued practice and classes to enhance skills and knowledge. I have now been doing lash extensions for about 4 years now.

After mastering this technique, I decided to embark on the world of body sculpting. So many variables and so many different treatments, I had to make sure that I was taught by the best. I cam across the most well educated teacher, positive, and uplifting person to show me something that could not only enhance me as a person, but bring more revenue into my business. I began to start my career as a certified body sculptor. Doing treatments such as Laser Lipo, Cavitation, Vaccum, Wood therapy, Butt Enhancement, Sauna Bag, and so much more.

What sets my business a part of others, I would say I put my clients first. I am a huge advocate for customer service. I have over 15 years experience. Making sure that I educate each client on how to manage their care when they leave is important to me. Following up with them and being available to them when they need me the most.

I am most proud of my journey. I have learned that the hard times make due for the happiness in the end. I appreciate the hard work and dedication and believing in myself to invest time and effort. My business has flourished and I can’t be more happier to have the freedom and the financial freedom that I have obtained.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

So i must say this worked. I learned this technique from my mentor. So, I know that most are getting away from business cards. However, I still think they are a tool that can be useful, if used right. So I decided to go to retail stores, (Walmart, Target, etc) and place my business cards where I think women would shop the most. Drop them in unbought purses, pamper bags, under the tops of baby milk. It sounds so crazy, but I have received clients from doing this. I am looking for them and I know they are looking for my talent.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

One thing I love doing is following up with clients. I have emails to remind them of how to take care of their lashes and or to how to maintain their results with body sculpting. I inform my clients, they can call at anytime within business hours with any questions or concerns.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lash.imply
• Facebook: SimplyLashBoutique
• Yelp: Simply Lash Boutique & Body Sculpting