Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Horn.
Haley, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started Mystic Lashes at a time I was feeling lost in my career and personal life. I had just moved to California from Oklahoma with my best friend. My first year in San Diego, I found myself working to exhaustion mentally and physically at a busy studio, partying like most twenty-somethings and feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders.
After I started doing yoga to find balance in myself, I felt spiritually reawakened and my inner Mystic was born. I was excited to find new purpose in life so I quit my job, began fundraising for the Humane Society and figuring out what my passions in life were. Since I got out of high school, my dream was to start my own beauty business and fall in love on the west coast so that’s what I set my mind to do. In the same week of creating my LLC in October 2018 and announcing I would be taking clients again for my lash business, I fell in love.
Life was perfect. I was my own boss with flexible hours and I thought I met the man of my dreams. I wish I could say it was that easy and life was peachy after that but it wasn’t. I struggled getting new clients, paying a marketing company I couldn’t afford (that brought zero business) and realizing Mr. Right would soon become my worst nightmare. After a six month whirlwind, my business didn’t grow and I was lucky to still be standing after my abusive relationship almost took me under. I wanted to give up and move back to Oklahoma. Thankfully my friends. Family and clients gave me the support I needed to keep going.
I thank God every day I got through that six months because the next six months were magic. Through healing, I reawakened the Mystic inside of me and was able to pour that into my clients each day. As each month passed, I connected with more and more clients, growing my clientele and falling in love with my career. Mystic Lashes is special because I believe in representing all of my clients as the Mystic women they are. My goal is to offer a safe space to be exactly who you are, as I dress the windows of your soul with the best quality lash care I give.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business was new to me and I did not have a business background, so I made mistakes along the way that cost me financially. My best advice is if you’re starting small with just yourself, you do not need to spend money on big marketing companies or business agencies. Word of mouth is the best marketing strategy for a small beauty business. Let your clients share their experiences and reward them with discounts for reviews and referrals.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am a licensed Esthetician that specializes in Eyelash Extensions. I am known for creating natural Classic and Volume looks for everyday women. I pride myself on using quality products and continuing education through top brands like Lash Affair as well as networking with incredible artists and creators in our industry. What sets me apart from most studios is that I take genuine-time on my clients, educating them on what I use in my studio, important after-care instructions and getting to know them. My appointment times are typically longer than most studios so I can perfect desired styles with no rush and catch up on what’s happening in life and give my love and support during each appointment. I see my clients every 2-4 weeks so not only is their business important to me but so is their friendship.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
My favorite books that help keep me motivated and inspired are Light is the New Black by Rebecca Campbell, You are a Badass by Jen Sincero and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2033 India St San Diego, CA 92101
- Website: mysticlashesca.com
- Phone: 8583363891
- Email: mysticlashesllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticlashesca/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MysticLashesCA/
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/mysticlashesllc
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