We recently connected with Sierrah Lara and have shared our conversation below.
Sierrah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.
One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in the lash industry is the shift toward customization over dramatic, uniform sets.
Clients are becoming educated on the different lash curls, diameters, and styles available. As a lash artist, customization allows me to tap into true creativity. I’m not just applying extensions, but designing a set that is intentional and tailored. This intentionality truly celebrates each client’s individuality. Whether someone wants a soft, natural set or bold and editorial, they get to choose how they show up in the world. This pushes the industry towards artistry and self-expression, and I truly value that.
This trend presents significant opportunities for skilled artists. Lash artists now need to understand facial structure, lash direction, and advanced mapping techniques to personalize every set truly. It separates the lash artists from the lash techs. And as an educator, I love it. I teach my students why we map a certain way. not just how. I feel this changes the industry from “service” to “collaborative artistry”.
The concerns? It takes much longer. Both the consultation and the lash set require more time, and that can be challenging for artists who still want a quick, high-volume turnover. However, clients are willing to pay for a luxury experience that reflects their individuality.
I’ve also noticed a pretty significant skill gap. Not every artist has been trained to work outside the standard classic and volume lash maps. Those without continued education are falling behind. A fully customized service requires trust and knowledge. If there is a disconnect between what the client says they want and what actually suits them, it can lead to dissatisfaction and a loss of a client. Which I’ve noticed often in the industry.
In Santa Barbara. I’ve noticed a huge gap in the market for truly customized lash sets. So many clients come to me after cycling through multiple lash techs, never fully satisfied, not because the work was bad, but because it didn’t feel like them. What surprises me most is how many of them have never experienced a proper consultation. In my studio, I take time to sit down with each client, go over inspiration photos, analyze their facial features, and collaborate on a set that truly flatters their eye shape, facial structure, and personal style. It truly is the most rewarding feeling when I hand a client a mirror at the end of the service and hear them say. “This is the first time I feel like my lashes actually suit my face.” That moment of confidence and connection is so empowering, allowing people to see and feel their best selves being reflected back at them.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My journey into the lash industry started when I was 19, during college. I was a first-generation college student, balancing work, school, and trying to find a path that felt both stable and fulfilling. I was working long, exhausting shifts at a local burger spot, and I knew I wanted more for myself. Around that time, I noticed something: girls in the small college town I had moved to were driving over an hour just to get their lashes done. There was clearly a need and I saw an opportunity.
I took a chance and enrolled in a lash course, not knowing it would change everything. I started by advertising myself on Facebook Marketplace, passing out business cards anywhere I could, and letting my work speak for itself. Through word-of-mouth and pure hustle, my client base grew. Lashing gave me the freedom to build my own schedule while earning income and completing my Bachelor of Science in Psychological & Brain Sciences at UCSB.
After graduating, even though I had a degree in a rigorous field, I still felt a deep pull toward the beauty industry. It wasn’t just about lashes. It was about confidence, connection, and creativity. So, I went to esthetician school and became licensed by the age of 23. Today, I proudly own and operate my own lash business in Downtown Santa Barbara.
What sets my work apart is the level of personalization and care I bring to each client. Many clients who come to me have cycled through multiple lash techs without ever receiving a proper consultation. I take the time to look at their features, review inspiration photos, and co-create a lash set that enhances their natural beauty. Every face is unique, and I believe every lash set should be, too.
I specialize in custom lash extensions and 1:1 advanced training sessions, focusing on lash mapping, layering, wispy styles, and natural enhancement. My brand is rooted in intention and artistry — not just following trends, but tailoring each experience to the individual.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come. From hustling lashes in a college apartment to building a brand grounded in both expertise and empathy. I want potential clients and followers to know that when you come to me, you’re not just getting lashes, you’re receiving a service built on integrity, education, genuine connection, and a true love for celebrating each individual as they are.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation has grown because I lead with authenticity and genuinely care about my clients beyond just their lashes. From day one, I’ve focused on building real relationships. Remembering what’s going on in their lives, following up with them, and creating a space where they feel completely at ease. Whether someone wants a silent appointment, to share their life stories, or just listen to a podcast together, I honor that. My studio is a place where clients can simply be themselves.
Another key factor has been my commitment to open communication and collaboration. I always invite feedback. At every appointment, I ask my clients if there’s anything they’d like to adjust about their set, whether it’s curl, length, or fullness, and give them a chance to check in the mirror before we start. I want them to feel empowered and heard. My policies are designed to support that, encouraging transparency and ensuring that if something ever feels off, we can address it openly and without hesitation.
Consistency, connection, and care have been the foundation of my reputation. I don’t just provide a service, I provide an experience that makes people feel safe, seen, and confident. And that’s what keeps clients coming back, time after time.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
One thing I think non-creatives often struggle to understand is how much inner work goes into being a creative. It’s not just about producing content or keeping up with trends, it’s about knowing yourself. You have to learn who you are, what inspires you, what you value, and what kind of energy you want to attract. From there, you manifest it.
Yes, it’s important to stay aware of trends, especially in the beauty industry and the Instagram era where aesthetics dominate. But if you only follow trends, you’ll start to blend in. True creative growth comes when you tap into your intuition and individuality. The moment you begin creating from a place that feels aligned with you, your vibe, your style, your story, that’s when momentum kicks in. That’s when you create more, and create freely.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lashfairysierrah.com
- Instagram: lashfairysierrah
- Yelp: Lash Fairy Sierrah
