Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Rogers.
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I graduated from UC San Diego in 2015 with a Communication degree, but was very unsure what to do after graduation. I couldn’t have predicted I would end up in the beauty industry (although I have always loved all things beauty). I decided to get certified in lash extensions in 2016 and started seeing clients out of my parents’ living room while I was looking for jobs. Within six months, I had built a full clientele. What started as a side hustle quickly grew . I realized how much I loved the relationships with clients and helping them feel more confident and effortless.
I moved into a tiny space in Carlsbad Village and hired my first employee. From there, we continued to grow—outgrowing spaces, expanding our team, and evolving services. Today, LashPop is home to a team of 16 and has grown from a lash studio into a beauty collective of women-owned businesses offering low-maintenance beauty services including lash extensions, brows, skincare, waxing, permanent makeup, permanent jewelry, injectables, and more.
The last 10 years have felt like a real-life business degree. There have been ups, downs, pivots, challenges, and constant learning. Every season has stretched me and shaped me into a stronger leader and entrepreneur and I’m super grateful for this journey!
Alright, 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?
Being a business owner comes with constant challenges and growth. Early on, one of the biggest challenges was taking calculated risks as we expanded. Each move into a larger space meant committing to significantly higher rent before having guaranteed revenue, which required a leap of faith for sure.
Hiring was another learning curve. In the beginning, I rushed the process a bit and learned that skill alone isn’t enough and culture fit is everything. Over time, I became much more intentional about who we bring onto the team to protect the environment we’ve built. Learning to trust my instincts and grow into a stronger leader has been essential, especially now with a team of 16.
The COVID pandemic was also a defining challenging season. We were shut down for months while still responsible for rent and overhead, with no income. It tested our resilience, but we came out stronger on the other side and I’m so thankful to have made it through that season!
Having a storefront also means constant problem-solving (from maintenance issues to lease negotiations) while wearing every hat in the business, from marketing and admin to training and leading a team. Entrepreneurship has been a continuous lesson in adaptability, problem solving and perseverance. It really has stretched me in every way and made me stronger as a person and leader.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about LashPop Studios?
LashPop Studios is a beauty collective based in North County San Diego specializing in low-maintenance beauty services designed to help women feel effortlessly confident. What began as a small lash studio has grown into a team of 16 women-owned businesses offering lash extensions, brows, skincare, waxing, permanent makeup, permanent jewelry, and injectables, all under one roof.
We are known for natural-looking, customized lash extensions and results that enhance, not overpower. Our philosophy is “high maintenance to be low maintenance”: we help busy women simplify their routines while still feeling polished and put together.
What truly sets us apart is our culture. LashPop isn’t just a salon; it’s a supportive, collaborative environment where artists are empowered to grow their own businesses while being part of something bigger. We’re incredibly intentional about who joins our team because protecting the vibe, professionalism, and warmth of our space is everything.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Clients walk in and immediately feel the intention behind the space, from the design to the service experience to the kindness and warmth every team member brings to the studio . We focus on relationships just as much as results. Our goal is that every client leaves feeling refreshed, cared for, and a little more confident than when she walked in.
At the heart of LashPop is a simple mission: to make beauty feel effortless and to create a space where women support women.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, I would love to continue growing LashPop. One long-term goal is to open a second location when the timing feels right, creating more opportunity for our team and serving more of our community while maintaining the culture and experience we’re known for.
I’m also super excited to launch LashPop Pro, our lash training program. Education is a natural next step for us, and it will allow us to mentor aspiring artists not just in technique, but in business and confidence as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lashpopstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.lashpopstudios.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashpopCA?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/lashpop-studios-oceanside
Image Credits
Photos by Salome Palomino
