Following on from my post Top Tips for Lashes, I spoke to beauty business owner Faye Jest-McCarthy who told us all about her business venture into the world of lash extensions.
Why did you start your business?
"Beauty By Faye first started out as a bit of a hobby. However, when I got going I really enjoyed it.
When I'm lashing I relax, I focus completely on the treatment I'm doing and in a way it takes me away from the outside world.
I give my full attention and concentration not just to my work, but to my clients too. It also gives me a little confidence booster, in the way that when my clients leave happy with their result it makes me feel good and proud of myself for what I have accomplished. I get to meet a lot of different, lovely ladies and build up a relationship with them."
When I'm lashing I relax, I focus completely on the treatment I'm doing and in a way it takes me away from the outside world.
I give my full attention and concentration not just to my work, but to my clients too. It also gives me a little confidence booster, in the way that when my clients leave happy with their result it makes me feel good and proud of myself for what I have accomplished. I get to meet a lot of different, lovely ladies and build up a relationship with them."
How is business after starting up?
"Starting a business is hard!
For any small business, getting clients via social media is a slow process. You're told to advertise and post content frequently which you can't always do when you already have a job and you can't give it your full attention.
I can only do lashes on certain days and because of that, I lose clients as I can't accommodate them on the days they would like. There is also a lot of competition in the beauty industry.
You also need quite a bit of money to start with. The training courses alone are pricey! Add in the equipment that you need on top, it's not cheap.
I'm currently only trained in classic lashes which doesn't appeal to everyone. Women tend to prefer volume lashes to classic, this is normally because women on social media (such as celebrities and influencers) are seen with full faces of makeup and glamorous, thick, voluptuous lashes which is achieved with volume."
For any small business, getting clients via social media is a slow process. You're told to advertise and post content frequently which you can't always do when you already have a job and you can't give it your full attention.
I can only do lashes on certain days and because of that, I lose clients as I can't accommodate them on the days they would like. There is also a lot of competition in the beauty industry.
You also need quite a bit of money to start with. The training courses alone are pricey! Add in the equipment that you need on top, it's not cheap.
I'm currently only trained in classic lashes which doesn't appeal to everyone. Women tend to prefer volume lashes to classic, this is normally because women on social media (such as celebrities and influencers) are seen with full faces of makeup and glamorous, thick, voluptuous lashes which is achieved with volume."
What are the benefits to having lashes?
- Eyelash extensions are a way of making yourself feel glamorous without having to put any effort into the action of doing something to achieve the same goal.
- Lash extensions completely enhance your eyes and make them look more dramatic without using mascara. They create length and volume to your natural lash, whether that's classic or volume.
- Extensions are water resistant which makes your night time routine a lot easier. You don't have to scrub your lashes clean before going to bed like you would with eye makeup.
- They feel light weight and natural. You shouldn't be able to feel your extensions.
- They're time saving! If you're not a morning person and you like those extra few minutes in bed in the morning then eyelash extensions are for you!
Do they cause damage to your natural lashes?
"Eyelash extensions do not damage your natural lashes! (If they are applied correctly...)
If the lashes have not been applied correctly then yes, there is potential for your natural lash to get damaged, which is why you MUST do your research. Check the technicians work, look at their reviews, who they have trained with and ask to see their certificate.
People think that extensions make your natural lashes fall out...lies!
This is because when you have your lashes done and a natural lash falls out you notice it more as the extension falls out with it. Eyelash extensions shouldn't disrupt your natural lashes growth cycle if applied correctly.
Lash technicians use the appropriate lengths and weights of extensions to make sure there is no damage done when they're attached."
If the lashes have not been applied correctly then yes, there is potential for your natural lash to get damaged, which is why you MUST do your research. Check the technicians work, look at their reviews, who they have trained with and ask to see their certificate.
People think that extensions make your natural lashes fall out...lies!
This is because when you have your lashes done and a natural lash falls out you notice it more as the extension falls out with it. Eyelash extensions shouldn't disrupt your natural lashes growth cycle if applied correctly.
Lash technicians use the appropriate lengths and weights of extensions to make sure there is no damage done when they're attached."
How should clients come prepared?
"For us lash technicians it makes our job a lot easier if clients come to their appointment without any eye makeup on. At the beginning of the treatment, I do what is called a lash bath where I clean your lashes with a cleansing solution to get rid of any oils, makeup or dirt in or surrounding your lashes.
If you have eye makeup on, this makes this process a lot longer and could possibly cause me to have less time to complete your full set before other clients."
If you have eye makeup on, this makes this process a lot longer and could possibly cause me to have less time to complete your full set before other clients."