Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jay Grimes, Founder of Vanity Lashes, located in Las Vegas, NV, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Vanity Lashes is a woman-owned Lash extension and permanent makeup studio. We have been in business for 12 years, servicing all women and men in the Las Vegas area ranging from all ages 18 +, anyone who wants to look beautiful without having to spend a fortune while receiving high-end quality products and stunning results! We pride ourselves on our knowledge and expertise in the lash and permanent makeup industry.
Tell us about yourself
As a young girl, I knew I was destined to be in the beauty industry; I always loved makeup and doing my lashes. My mother taught me how to glue on false lashes when I was 14 years old, I then went on to get my first real job as a makeup artist at a high-end hotel here in Las Vegas, and I was then motivated to start my very own line of false lashes upon doing research for manufacturers I came across the new “thing” eyelash extensions it immediately got my attention, I got trained and certified later that week. I worked day and night, even a full-time job on the side when I was trying to gain my clientele, and now I am where I am now, and I’m definitely grateful. I love what I do, and I try and put that into my work and results. I always loved how it felt to get dolled up and beautiful and the confidence it gave me, so I knew I was put on this earth to give other women that same feeling! The same goes for permanent makeup; it came naturally to me since I have previously done makeup in the past.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to make people feel good and being able to help people through growing bonds and learning about others has been the most rewarding thing. Also, being able to take care/help my family.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It’s not all vacations and doing what you want; it’s staying up late and sometimes not sleeping because you have a lot to take care of. The business relies on you. You may rarely have a customer that wasn’t so happy, and they rely on you to fix the problem, of course, or maybe your employee can’t show up, and you’re stuck having to pick up her work, so it’s a lot of hard work and dedication it doesn’t come easy, however it definitely worth the work!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don’t hold on to the fear of the “what if I fail or it doesn’t work” just do it; life is too short. Also, know that it takes time and patience. It’s like watering a plant; it doesn’t just grow overnight. Treat it like your baby and continue to GO even when the light at the end of the tunnel seems dim. Stay consistent, and a little tip continuously post on social media!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.vanitylasheslv.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanitylasheslv/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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