Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Serbay.
Jessie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Sometimes, breakups can be the best thing! It sparked a fire in me to want to change up my routine. Over five years ago, I enrolled in Bellus Academy and that’s where my journey began. At first, I was primarily obsessed with skin care (still am obsessed – always wear sunscreen!!), and my first month as a student, I took a lash course. The amount of patience and practice to do lashes is insane. There were many times I wanted to chuck my tweezers across the room! It still blows my mind how fast the lash industry has grown, I can remember begging my friends to let me practice and it was like pulling teeth. Now, pssh, I could probably barely get out that I need a model and have hundreds wanting to. I love it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Patience and practice! As a lash artist, you are basically performing eye surgery! When I first started, I was so nervous, the tweezers felt foreign. I would be super shaky taping the eyes down – all of it was nerve-wracking! My advice is to be patient with yourself. Everything worth doing is worth doing right, so give yourself the time it takes to be where you want. It doesn’t happen overnight! I remember when I only had five clients and it’s taken me four years to get to 160! As for your clients, I overeducate them on what to expect, hair cycles and shedding, cleansing your lashes, brushing… to how I lash… you name it – this also goes for lash babes that come to me from another artist. I cover all my bases and I never want them to feel like I gypped them. It astounds me at the number of girls I get for the first time that their previous lash artist didn’t tell them about cycles and shedding, or even ask them their desired lash shape/style. As long as they know what could/couldn’t happen, they will trust you. I believe that is one of my key strengths in maintaining clients. I mean, they are your walking advertisement so what would you want them to say about you?
Please tell us about your work.
I am a licensed esthetician and I specialize in eyelash extensions. I’ve been lucky enough to have been doing lashes for five years. I offer a variety of lash styles and my personal favorite is volume! I love my job because not only do I get to do what I love but I’m able to meet so many amazing people and have built such strong relationships with my clients that I look forward to seeing them every appointment, and they look forward to seeing me (I hope ;). I think what sets me apart is how I am with my clients. I have heard many, many horror stories of other lash techs and it makes my heart hurt. It also helps me to know what not to do! I want everyone’s experience to be enjoyable whether it’s me being your therapist or you getting in a little lash nap! The best feeling is when my client opens her eyes and is obsessed!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that a lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
If you are lucky enough to learn from someone who is extremely passionate about what they do, that will help you to be more excited and interested! Listening to clients and their experiences whether good or bad has helped. Both my parents had their own businesses growing up, so I was fortunate enough to grow up learning business hands on. Seriously – my dad put me to work at six – don’t worry it wasn’t child labor, he had us sign contracts to earn money for the ice cream truck or chuck-e-cheese. It taught me to have a strong work ethic and to be ambitious with my goals/dreams.
I love to give back to my clients as well, I set up a referral program – that helped me build my business and also gave the girls a free fill! Word of mouth is the BEST endorsement! Better than Instagram. 😉
Pricing:
- Classic Full Sets $115
- Classic Fills $50-$75
- Hybrid Full Sets $175
- Hybrid Fills $60-$95
- Volume Full Sets $225
- Volume Fills $75-$115
Contact Info:
- Address: Sola Salons ste S07
3007 Clairemont Blvd - Website: https://jessieserbay.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: /jessieserbay
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