Hi Madison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with a surprise global redundancy for my division in Corporate America. As they say: “One day you’re in & one day you’re out!” That’s it in a nutshell: no warning, no bad vibes, no bad issues; it’s just a numbers game to the Board Members.

The biggest surprise was that we were the #1 division in the company at 116% (I think) at the time of disengagement. That right there tells a person that is paying attention, NONE of us are safe & we are all expendable, no matter how fantastic you think you are, money you bring in, none of it matters at some point. I paid attention.

It was May 2nd in Portsmouth, NH and I decided to figure things out at the beach for a few months. I soaked up the sun & peace and pondered my next move. I knew for me that I was done with corporate life. Although, it was an absolutely fantastic run, I was done. I was ready to call the shots in my world of employment. I just needed to figure out what that was. I had several past careers in me at this point already, but why revisit the past? What else was I wanting? What did I desire? How could I be of service and still have fun? What would be lasting vs fleeting?

I was getting my lashes done (my only real vain vice), and while chatting about it, I thought, why not me? I had thought several times over the past two years about doing something that involved a female base, and I was exhausted working in a man’s corporate world… So, I applied to school, and voila! Little did I realize that all that was actually “the easy part.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Um, “smooth” isn’t exactly the word I would use to describe my journey. I have been blessed with tenacity, perseverance, adaptability, hustle with desire to be different and not conform. When all these come together, a person can carve out their own niche, no matter how many similar shops are around. People don’t always remember what you do, but they definitely remember “how you make them feel.” I come from a small town in New England and I brought that with me, it’s part of who I am. It’s not an easy thing to find in California.

Struggles! Getting up & running as fast as I could was a struggle, the biggest, in my opinion. Where did I begin? Loyal clientele is what is needed to sustain the business. That’s where my good Ol’ Yankee Hustle comes in. You name it, I was there! Networking groups like a full-time job for 5-6 months:  Concierge services, weddings, weekends, late nights & a part-time job waiting tables! Within 6 months, I was solid, albeit sleep-deprived. It was worth every minute of it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am a Master Lash Artist… I create a very authentic “Natural Classic Lash” aesthetic. It is what I am known for in the N.County San Diego area. It is an art form and extremely detailed oriented. Although some have said it is tedious, I believe it is quite peaceful. The instant gratification it gives me upon a finished client is still electrifying. Meeting new women is always great fun and has given me a beautiful community of amazing friends.

As for what makes me proud? I would have to say that women share their experiences with their friends and recommend me to others. That is so humbling & still brings me true joy. There are many places where people can spend their hard-earned money, and knowing my clients feel that my work is something worth spending  their money on is heartwarming.

Setting myself apart has happened organically.  I truly love the Classic Eyelash Look. I am not someone who will create that caterpillar heavy lash look because it pays. It would not be of integrity for me, I don’t believe it to enhance a woman’s natural beauty.  I actually believe the opposite. To me, less is more. A beautiful classic set enhances what you have and accents your eyes. It opens up your face and creates a more youthful appearance. Heavy-volume lashes have the tendency to do the opposite. If the first thing I notice on someone is a thick caterpillar lash, that is not doing that woman any justice.  To me, beauty should enhance your natural features and the face should be balanced beauty.  That’s my personal opinion.

I don’t have an issue with direct conversation enhanced with pictures and education. Some do & that’s their choice. People come and stay because I will speak the truth with valid reasoning instead of just putting the same lash on everyone. My business has been built on integrity, truth, and accessibility.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share?
Oh my gosh! Can anyone really answer anything other than yes?? First, always have something else to fall back on! If you don’t, then it is time to reinvent yourself. I chose to go back to school and get my degree in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I never thought I would go back to school, yet again, but I have learned never to say never. I have been in the medical field for years and also in biochemistry.

Obviously, with the COVID-19 crisis, anything that had to do with touching people was a tough area regardless of what side of the issue you were on. An education can never be taken away by anyone. It gives you another avenue of income that opens up new avenues to pursue. “When life throws lemons, make lemonade.”

I happen to be the queen of reinvention through life’s lemon grove! It forced me to move in several different directions, re-adjust, and become even more tenacious. So, I navigated through doing several different things due to my educational background. My CBT practice has been a wonderful addition to my life.

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  • Other: CBT Instagram: Madison_AndCo