Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Le.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Valerie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I graduated from San Diego State University in 2012 with a Biology degree and intended to become a dentist. I knew that I wanted a career where I can to make people smile, feel beautiful and confident in themselves. I thought that was going to be through health care, but now is it through beauty. I first started offering eyelash extension services in order to have flexible hours while studying for the Dental Admission Test. I soon realized I wanted to switch my career path. I was happier and more fulfilled by lashes then I ever was treating patients in a dental office. I absolutely love being a lash artist and seeing the confidence that radiates on every client’s face when they get their lashes done. I truly believe if you love your career, you never work a day in your life.
Has it been a smooth road?
The hardest obstacle was mental for me, I didn’t believe in myself at first, it was my clients and friends that believed in me.
When I first started doing lashes in 2013, the industry was not where it is today. Hardly anyone knew about eyelash extensions, there wasn’t a high demand for it and people would not pay a premium price. I had to decide between pursuing dentistry, a stable career I’ve spent years in college studying for, or another path.
It was difficult for me to juggle clients while studying for the DAT, the most important exam I have ever taken. Nonetheless, I received interviews from a few dental schools because of my high exam scores and the numerous leadership roles in organizations at SDSU. When the interviewers asked, ”Why do you want to be a dentist?”
I answered, ”Because I want to help people. Because I want to make people feel confident and happy. Because I want to use my manual dexterity skills in my career. Because I want to own a business.”
At this point in my life, I realized there wasn’t a definite answer pointing me to dentistry. I’ve realized that God had given me the tools and preparation I needed to follow whichever dream I wanted. All the dental workshops I’ve taken over the years helped me with my hand-eye coordination, the leadership roles in university organizations taught me how to run a business. Doing lashes and giving women confidence, had given me the confidence in myself to change my career.
The advice I would give is to believe in yourself, to know that if God put a desire in your heart, He also gave you the knowledge and power to do it. You should surround yourself with people who will support, encourage and motivate you. And last but not least, loving yourself enough to understand that only YOU know what’s truly best for your mental and physical health.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Master Lash Artist and have obtained four Russian Volume Eyelash Extensions Certifications over the years.
I think it’s important to be a lifelong learner. Even though I have four certifications, I’m already registered for other classes and workshops in the near future. My thirst for knowledge sets me apart because of my scientific background by always being curious to learn and know more.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
The beauty industry is predominately women and there are so many opportunities! With my career specifically, my female students who have worn false strip lashes love the chance to create a similar effect for their client’s’ eyes. Females have smaller hands and a more gentle touch when it comes to applying pressure on someone’s face. Have you ever gotten your teeth cleaned from a male hygienist compared to a female? There’s a huge difference!
Contact Info:
- Address: 4509 Camino de la Plz, Ste 364, San Diego, CA 92173
- Instagram: LashedByVal
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