Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Flores.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started cosmetology school in 2012 after not being able to figure out what I wanted to do with my life degree-wise. I sort of did it on a whim, honestly. But it really opened up my creative path, giving me a different outlet that could evolve into a career. After getting my cosmetology license in 2013, I had different jobs and different opportunities, where I’ve learned so much about what works and doesn’t work. I’ve mostly worked for people outside of the industry, which is hard, because it’s almost like being told how to do your job by someone who doesn’t do your job. It can be frustrating at times. However, without those opportunities, I wouldn’t be where I am today, running my own small business I started out in a spa in downtown San Diego, then moved on to a nail salon in Carmel valley, where I first picked up my tweezers (lash tweezers). My mentor (also a fellow schoolmate) Candace Suero, had been doing lashes for a couple years and I saw her growth through social media and I looked more into eyelash extensions as a craft. And I fell in love. It wasn’t easy and definitely, didn’t come naturally. I still learn more everyday, watching videos and reading blogs. Lashes are about practice, practice, practice. I continued my mentorship at Tenderoni Lashes, until I decided to embark on my own. I value the integrity of my work over profitability. Eyelash extensions really are a craft and take a lot of patience and a lot of time. I definitely take my time to ensure a safe application but also to make sure, I’m customizing the lashes to the likes of the client. I don’t do one size fits all. Because let’s be honest, that’s just not how it works. No one artist is the same, we learn what works best for us and our clients. I’m always trying to learn more and more about my craft, I plan on taking more courses and receiving my certification in volume lashes this year to really be able to provide quality services to all clients.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Change is always hard. It’s easier to settle into something where it’s familiar and you know what to expect. Adapting can be difficult. For someone like me, change has always been hard. There’s been points in my life where it would have been easier to just accept it and not change a thing. Reflecting, I’ve realized that those changes were for a reason and have brought me to where I am today. Yes, it could’ve been less stressful and easier to let somebody else take the reins and just tell me what to do. But I don’t want easy. Easy doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t give you a chance to grow or experience something that could benefit you. Working for people who were outside of the industry (strictly in for profit) was one of the hardest things to overcome. That was typically why I would move on to another opportunity. You can only make things ‘work’ for so long. My biggest piece of advice is to always be open to learning new ways to do things to find what works best for you. I’ve had to swallow my pride multiple times and do it someone else’s way. And most of those times, have benefited me so much and the ones that didn’t, were learning opportunities. And take your time. Learn as much as you can and really find what you want to focus on/do.
what should we know about Lashes By Kristy F ? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a cosmetologist that is certified in Eyelash Extensions. I am currently a lash artist working out of a private studio in Point Loma. I have been working as a lash artist for the past 2 years specializing in classic lash extensions. I have recently embarked on my own after working for a prominent lash studio in downtown San Diego. I emphasize the integrity and health of my clients natural lashes while customizing lash styles to those clients. It’s not a one size fits all here. Because let’s be honest, that’s not a thing. Long wispy lashes may have no impact on one client while on another it can really enhance her natural face shape. I love working with lash brands that provide a wide range of products (curls, thicknesses, type of lashes, etc.) enabling a truly customized lash set for each client. I also value brands and companies that are about continued education and education clients and artists alike about lash health and new better ways to do things. I’m all about quality over quantity, providing a safe quality service dedicated to the clients.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
My partner, Danielle has inspired me to always push myself and go for anything that I want to do. She was the first one who encouraged me to pursue lashes when I first read about it, she was my first hands on model when I got my certification and volunteers to be my guinea pig whenever I want to try something new.
My grandma who passed a couple years ago, has been an inspiration to me because she taught me to stand for what I believe in. I believe in the integrity and safety of my services, which is why it’s my number one priority.
My mentor, Candace Suero is also a huge inspiration to me. She’s taught me so much about the lash industry and her honesty has always been something I love about her. She tells it like it is. Which is something that we need sometimes.
My mom has also been an inspiration to me because she taught me to always finish what I started and give it my all.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3651 Midway Drive, Suite #13
San Diego, CA, 92110 - Phone: 760-877-6542
- Email: kristy@lashesbykristyf.com
- Instagram: @lashesbykristyf
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lashesbykristyf
Image Credit:
@lashesbykristyf, Kristy Flores, Candace Suero
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