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

Raven, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I hope my legacy will inspire someone to believe they can achieve their goals. I face a lot of adversities learning about this business so those coming after me won’t have to. I hope the legacy of my company leaves a everlasting memories & a major change in the beauty industry.

Raven, 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 am Raven Blair, the CEO of Slashed Eyelash Extensions. Slashed was founded in 2016, created by mixing the word Slay & eyelashes together. I started doing eyelashes as a hobby & a side hustle to my part time. As time went on I started to experience a real desire for my newly founded craft. My desire then turned into passion, then vision. Once I discovered I really enjoyed what I was doing I set a plan to quit my job & start my business full time. I attended Aveda Institute for my esthetician license in 2019, where I acquired additional skills. After obtaining my license I added facials & waxing to my service list. 3 years later, even after Covid Quarantine, Slashed Eyelash Extensions has stood the test of time. Facing many challenges of life, business lows, the change in the industry with keeping up with the demand of styles. I’ve had to learn & accept Slashed is successful for the work & customer service to provides to all clients. I’ve also learned that I discovered a need for my clients & provide a solution to their need. I am most proud of my resilience, my ability to make strangers feel like a known friend by the end of their appointment. I’m proud of how much my skill, service & business has grown. I know Slashed Eyelash Extensions will be around even after I retire from behind the chair.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

In 2016 I saw a post on Instagram, from a girl I went to High school with explaining how much you can make being a Lash Tech. I said to myself ‘wow, you can make that much?. From then on my interest was peaked. I began researching classes & finally found one within my budget. I worked overtime at my full time job to take the class. At the time eyelash extensions were new in Houston & not as popular. My eyelash extensions training course was $450! From that day of class I was so determined to learn all I could. I would study & practice everyday. I wrote out my price list, created a business email & booking site. I started doing eyelashes from my home for $20! At that time it took me about 2.5 hrs to complete a full classic set. A few months of working from home I rented out my first suite in 2017. I started building my clientele. The money I was making on the side was great. I really started to see this working for me. I made a lot of mistakes in my first couple of years. There were a lot of challenges I faced. Scheduling with my full time job, sacrificing time with my child & friends. I knew working both jobs was not something I wanted to continue so I thought of a exit plan for my full time to become a entrepreneur. Years later I was finally able to make a tough decision & quit my job. April of 2019, I worked my last day of a corporate job & have not looked back since. My business has grown so much. I’m now in my 3rd rental space & I have mentored & assisted others along the way. I have came a long way from $20 full sets & it has been worth it! My only source of income is my business & it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for me is word of mouth. I gain a lot of clients by referrals. To me that is special. My clients love my service so much they tell others about me!

Contact Info:

• Website: Slashme.Acuityscheduling.com
• Instagram: @s.lashed_
• Facebook: Slashed Eyelash Extensions
• Twitter: @slashedlash