Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Kalnas.
Christina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I could start this story with so many beginnings of how I got to where I am today! I’ll keep it simple though and save you the boredom, haha. About 13 years ago, I became an esthetician. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been obsessed with the world of beauty. Now, fast forward in life… I have been a stay at home mom/wife for about five years. Now, as much as I enjoy and am so grateful that I have the opportunity to stay home with my kids, there was also a part of me that was missing. I wanted to get back to doing something that I loved. One night, I told my husband, I needed more to life than just being a wife and a mom. As much as I love it, I needed something that set me apart and made me feel like my own person again.
Of course, my husband, being my biggest supporter, was totally on board. I also wanted something that would still enable me to still be a good mom/wife. I knew I had a love for Lashes and Sunless tanning… it’s kind of my jam! So, that only made sense… after doing some research and pitching some ideas around with my husband, a few weeks later, I was enrolled and a certified Lash tech. It was one of the BEST decisions we could’ve made. We set up a fun little studio in our home and had my own design printed up by an incredible local artist, Rich Zuniga. Now, not even a year later, I am busier than I could have ever imagined. I’m my own boss, I still have time for my babes and husband and I’m back to have the incredible feeling of helping people enhance their beauty! I’ve even added more services such as spray tanning and I will be adding more soon. I’m still not where I see myself, but I’m always working to get there. My clients keep me going. They make me want to be better. They are the reason I am where I’m at today! I feel so incredibly blessed!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! No sugar coating this answer! I was actually so scared to open the doors to the public and advertise and get actual people in here that weren’t just family! And once I finally did… it was a huge reality check. As much as you think, everyone wants lashes and the world is going to flock to you… not even close!! I learned that real quick. I learned not everyone is going to love your work either. I had a client who I thought I did a great job on and weeks later, I saw somewhere that she was looking for someone new. My heart SHATTERED! I literally cried! She was my first person to not come back to me and it kicked me down hard! Once my pity party was over, I got back up and decided to only work that much harder and to only be that much better of a lash artist. I started to have patience and learned things don’t just happen overnight. I wasn’t doing this just to say I have my own business and to make money. I was doing this because it was and is a passion of mine for so many reasons!
My advice for other women out there is to just be YOU! Be true to who you are and NEVER compare yourself. Always keep reaching for what and where you want to be. Comparison is one of the biggest issues in our world today. I am still having to remind myself of this daily. Everyone started somewhere, just like you are. Stay humble, trust in God and never give up. You can do anything you put your heart and mind to 💗.
Please tell us about The Dolled Up Lounge.
I am a certified Lash and Spray Tan Artist as well as a Licensed Esthetician. I’ve been doing Lashes for a little over a year now. I recently added Spray tan Into my studio. Being an Esthetician and working in Dermatology for years I saw way too many people with skin cancer so it’s a passion of mine to help people get the glow they love without having the risk of skin cancer. Also, who doesn’t love to have a tan?! I think I am most proud of how far I have come, how hard I’ve worked to get here and the confidence that I have developed. I would’ve never thought in a million years I could or would have my own business. I LOVE what I do. I LOVE my clients. They are more than just clients. They have become friends, supporters and just some of my favorite people. I truly care about them, their needs and their likes. It is such an incredible feeling seeing some of these women walk out of my studio with such confidence because of a little service that I just did. They don’t just call/text me for an appointment. They call to tell me to ask me if I just saw what happened on The Bachelor, haha. They text me on holidays and birthdays. I recently just had a huge test to take and I can’t even tell you how good it made me feel to receive Good Luck messages from them. It truly means the world and more to me.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I would have to say comparison. There is so much of it these days as well as competition and jealousy. It’s heartbreaking. I can’t tell you how many times Ive backed out of advertising or even a posting of a picture with work that I’ve done because of someone who might see it and laugh at my work or down talk my work just because it might not be as good as theirs. Sometimes in the way, others have even talked about their work or why you should choose them can be so demeaning. It’s like people forgot where they started and how they came to be where they’re at today. It’s such a huge barrier! I see it and hear it daily. Totally throwing this in here but as Kenny Chesney says… Can’t we all just get along?!
Pricing:
- Full Lash sets starting off at $85
- Spray tans starting off at $25
- Package deals available
- I always run specials 😉
Contact Info:
- Email: dolleduplashes@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @dolled.up.lounge
- Facebook: All Dolled Up
Image Credit:
My Darling Husband
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