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1.    What has been your proudest career moment?‍

I’m rarely looking at the past to be honest. The goal is constantly moving for me. I guess getting a letter asking to send extra copies of my lash books to the five most important libraries in the UK so it, “becomes a permanent part of the culture of the UK.”, was a pretty special moment for me. I still feel I have so much more to achieve though, so this is just the beginning.

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‍2.    Who has been/is your biggest mentor?

My dad who was a flamboyantly dressed barber working around Peckham, always instilled the importance of learning a trade and being self sufficient. Him passing away in 2016 forced me to knuckle down and make big strides in my work situation, which led me to finding my perfect lash studio space, located in the heart of the west end.

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‍3.    What’s the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received?

No matter how much you feel like you’re prepared for something, it never happens on your time when you think you’re ready. It always happens when it’s supposed to happen. Because the period that you feel ready and people are not acknowledging the material the way you feel like they should because it’s good, is the time that you actually develop skin thick enough to survive when it does work. - 50 Cent 

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4.    Which training body would you recommend for someone wanting to enter your area of the industry?

For beauty therapy as a start point to become a licensed aesthetician, Cibtac or Babtac. For more specialised lash specific skills: Elleebana for lash lifts & brow lamination. For non brand specific lash lift training most definitely Lash Mother Uli. For extensions, the Lynk Gel method by Illumino lashes has been a game changer for me. Also regular online classes can be very helpful, such as Dela Antoinette’s Lash Masters Monthly, which is a monthly subscription program where lash artists have access to on-demand trainings that help them master their lash application and attract clients. Dela is also a whiz in the art of marketing and building your business in general.

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‍5.    How do you make sure you stand out from the crowd e.g. up-skilling, research, social media?‍

I’m always researching ways to improve every aspect of what I do. Fortunately I did a degree in Digital Media almost 20 years ago which makes any ideas I have so much easier to bring to life. I’m constantly looking to up my game with everything from advanced Photoshop skills on Phlearn, or flying to the States to learn a new lashing method, to multiple online lash courses with a range of different brands from around the world. I love staying up to date with developments in the lash industry so I can give the very best service possible.

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‍6.    If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their own business, what would it be?‍

Know your audience and target your marketing accordingly. In terms of services offered, focus more on technique rather than brands and practice practice practice. 

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7.    What’s the best and hardest thing about your job?‍

Best thing is the wonderful people I get to meet and doing something I genuinely enjoy. The hardest is the hours as I’m always trying to accommodate and currently working 6 days a week. Plus admin at home on my day off.

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8.    How do you switch off after a difficult day?

Stroking my cats and cuddling with my boyfriend on the sofa watching TV.

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9.    Desert island 3 course meal?‍

Starter: Chilli Glazed Tandoori Paneer from Chutney Mary

Main: Yakitori Grilled Skewers with Tiger Fries from Badger Badger

Dessert: Anything chocolatey from Yauatcha Soho

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10.  Which 5 people (dead or alive) would you have at your dinner party?

Tina Turner

Dolly Parton

Jack Nicholson 

Keanu Reeves

Denzel Washington

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