Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toluwa Oyekanmi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Toluwa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

When I first stated my lash business, I was posting on Facebook marketplace to get some “models” so I could practice more on other types of eyes other than my family. An old friend from high school found my post on the marketplace and messaged me to book an appointment. She also said she wants to pay the full price that I would charge and she’s been sticking with me ever since.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my first business LashayBlvd back in 2020 I believe I was selling clothing and accessories, that was my way of trying to get in the beauty industry but that’s more fashion related and it wasn’t what I wanted for myself. I wanted to be in the beauty industry, I’ve always loved everything beauty. I was always good at makeup and hair, so at the end of 2020 I started taking clients who needed their hair & makeup done. I got most of my clients from Facebook & word of mouth. While I was still doing this I came across lash extensions randomly one day on Instagram and I started researching all about it. I was so obsessed with figuring out how to add that to my services then I came across a lash page of my class mate from high school who has been doing it and was now offering classes so I just had to take a class and on February 21st 2021 I became a lash technician. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made so far and I’m so glad i didn’t quit because in the beginning it was so hard to grow my clientele, I was getting discouraged by how long I was taking to complete a set, no returning clients, self doubt & so many more but I’m glad I stay persistent. Now I have returning clients and new clients every month, I just had my fully booked month of lashing.
I love what I do because I get to see all my pretty clients with smiles on their faces when they wake up from their naps, I get to be a part of so many beautiful lives and it’s so impactful which makes my job more meaningful.
I always want my clients to feel safe, loved, taken care of and know that this is a safe space whether they come to SOFTGIRLMINKS.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social media is a blessing if you’re a business owner. Instagram got me 90% of my clientele today and it was all from hashtags! Hashtags work and they work wonders and of course they can’t work if you don’t post so you have to be consistent with posting content on social media. Right now I recommend posting reels, at least 2-3 reels a day to grow. Once Instagram sees your posting consistently they start to push your content whenever someone searches a hashtag.
Also use niche based hashtags, don’t use random hashtags like “#explore” that’s not going to get you anywhere for example I’m a lash artist I use location based hashtags like “#atllashes”.
Also try to use hashtags that are below 100k especially when starting out.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

POSTING REELS! I know everyone is on tiktok right now but Instagram reels are catching up fast!
I have noticed Instagram pushes my content to people in my city more than tiktok does. I know they both have different algorithms but posting on social media has helped me tremendously and also word of mouth, giving my clients the best experience so they can have something good to say about me when they get compliments on their lashes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://softgirlminks.as.me/
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/softgirlminks