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

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Ever since I was about 20 years old, I knew I wanted to be my own boss. At that time in my life, though, I struggled to figure out what I truly wanted to invest my time and money into. It wasn’t until I was around 25 or 26 that I finally had a clear direction I wanted to learn about lash extensions and what it really takes to build a business.

I actually discovered lashing randomly through a coworker. I was interested in getting the service done for myself, and while I was learning more about it, I remember thinking, “Wait… I’m intrigued. I can do this.” I fell in love with everything about lash extensions, the artistry, the precision, the confidence it gives women.

I started researching courses and took my time learning the craft. Thankfully, I had my two younger sisters to practice on before I ever asked for models. In the beginning, all I had was a small basket with my lash tools and a regular massage bed set up in my sister’s bedroom. Nothing fancy just faith and determination.

When I first started taking clients, I charged $30 because I wanted to build confidence and improve my retention. I was very honest with my clients and told them to let me know how their lashes held up. If there was fallout within the first 2–3 days, they could come back and I would fix it for free. I was eager to perfect my work and committed to getting better every single day.

I invested back into my business consistently because I saw the bigger vision, working for myself full-time and having control over my schedule. As time went on, I began gaining more clients through social media and referrals. Eventually, I was able to leave my 9–5 job and fully step into entrepreneurship.

Taking that leap of faith was the best decision I ever made not just for me, but for my kids too.

Sarah, 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?

My name is Sarah, and I entered the lash industry in 2020 during the pandemic. While the world slowed down, I chose to use that extra time to truly master my craft. I practiced consistently and invested in my education so that when things got “back to normal,” I would be fully prepared to take clients with confidence.

I started with lash extensions, but over the years I’ve expanded my services to include paramedical tattooing for stretch mark rejuvenation and body sculpting. I’m passionate about offering services that help people feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. For me, it’s always been about more than beauty, it’s about transformation and empowerment.

I genuinely love learning and growing. I’m always looking for ways to improve my business and elevate my clients’ experience. One thing I strongly believe is that if clients invest in us, we should show them we’re willing to invest in them too.

For my lash clients, I provide extra spoolies, under-eye patches, a loyalty program, and I’ve recently started offering complimentary snacks and drinks. For my paramedical tattoo clients, I send them home with aftercare oil, gentle soap for the treated area, and motivational cards for encouragement during their healing journey. For body sculpting clients, I offer bottled water, detox tea bags, and motivational cards to support them beyond their appointment.

I want every client who walks through my door to feel valued, supported, and appreciated. Their trust means everything to me, and I never take that lightly.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

You will not satisfy everyone, with lash extensions some may have a more dramatic taste or simple taste. Don’t take offense to not pleasing everyone, not every “client” is for you. I’ve had a client get upset bc I didn’t want to pass length 16mm on her. I don’t do lengtha too long.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Honestly at the time I was living with my mother and any money I made on the side lashing I put it into newer and better products for my setup until I was able to have a good space for my clients. I took a business credit card once to pay for my body sculpting course and then once I did those services I paid it off and then kept the money from body sculpting for my business/bills.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21124127
• Instagram: @s.vibesglam
• Other: TikTok: sarah_cvibes

Image Credits

First photo was me, second photo taken by Justin Lugo.