Hi, Maren, what's your story?
Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a passion for everything related to art and beauty. When I started my career as a hairstylist after graduating from cosmetology school in 2007, I truly thought I had found what I was meant to do.
It wasn’t until a few years later when I discovered eyelash extensions, that I realized I finally found my true passion! I was introduced to lash extensions through one amazing and intimate training in 2009.
While I loved my first lash training, it left me wanting for more. I began researching everything I could get my hands on within the lash extension industry. I searched for the highest quality products and training with industry leaders to develop techniques, and soon I stood out in the community.
As a result, my clientele flourished! While my clientele was expanding, many of my peers in the lash community would reach out to me and ask me to mentor them. I loved to help them improve their techniques. It was very enjoyable helping each one of them and watching their businesses grow as a result.
It was at this point that I realized that there was definitely a need for more quality training and education. I poured my heart and soul into creating a curriculum that combined creativity and artistry with hands-on precision techniques.
For me, it is important to teach each student that lash extensions are more than a service to get your client in and out as quickly as possible. Eyelash extensions are actually an art.
We need to analyze the clients' face shape, eye shape, lash directional growth, and the symmetry of the eyes to create a design that enhances the unique, natural beauty of each and every client.
I sincerely believe that our clients deserve the highest quality products available.
This is why I am proud to be a part of one of the most innovative companies in the world! BL Lashes is an industry leader and has a culture that I want to incorporate into my career and life.
Using the highest quality products is an integral part of becoming a successful lash artist, this is why I feel confident welcoming each new student into the industry with BL Lashes.
What do you believe is your role in the lash extension industry?
I believe that my role in this industry is to educate the lash community about all of the latest and most innovative products available to them.
BL Lashes is the leader in the industry when it comes to creating new and exciting products. This year my goal is to create a blog on blinklashstore.com. My blog will dive into each BL product.
My goal is to make sure that lash artists feel confident in using our products, and that they have confidence in encouraging their clients to use BL Lashes' aftercare products.
I additionally want to dive into the level of artistry that can be achieved by using the many curls, lengths, diameters, and lash styles that BL offers. I also have a passion for teaching lash artists, helping them hone in on their techniques and skills to help their businesses grow.
Do you have a certain lash extension application style you prefer?
As far as my style goes, I love to do both classic and volume applications. First and foremost, I am an artist, so I see each client as an individual. I look at their face shape, eye shape, eye setting, and lash directional growth to create a customized look that enhances their natural beauty.
I tend to enjoy clean, symmetrical lash sets but have been branching out into more textured sets and loving it. I am planning to focus on textured sets this next year. I would say textured lash sets are very in right now, this is why I want to make it my focus.
What's the best way you've found to attain and retain your clients?
I do lashes in an area that is extremely saturated, and my price point is much higher than the competitors'. I have always had a full clientele with a waiting list, and I attribute it to a few things, the most important being retention.
My clients come every four weeks, and they typically have 50-70% of their lash extensions left. I attain this retention through a thorough prep, clean sets with isolation as a priority, and I apply an extension to every lash (I only use .03's on the delicate lashes).
What are your favorite BL Lashes products?
I have so many favorite BL products that it is difficult to choose just one. I love the laser lashes because they are unique to BL and provide amazing retention. I also love the black diamond sealant.
I have tried sealants from many other manufacturers an have never found a single one that compares.
What advice would you give to aspiring lash artists?
My advice for aspiring lash artists is to practice. Practice, practice, practice on everyone you can. If you do this, you will gain experience in every eye shape and lash type. Don't be afraid to take your time to set your work apart.
Learn more about lash extension industry here:
5 Tips to Get You Started As a Lash Artist
Share These Secrets with your Lash Clients
Will the Eyelash Extension Market Continue to Grow?
Make sure to follow our Instagram for more inspiration: BL Lashes on Instagram.
