LA Spotlight on Mehae Kim
This month's spotlight is on Mehae, celeb lash artist and Lash Affair Brand Ambassador who works at Damone Roberts Beverly Hills. We sat down and got to the bottom of who she is, how she got there and what inspiration she has to those coming up in the lash world.
IG NAME: @mehaekim
BEST WAY TO CONNECT: Instagram
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN LASHING: 4 years
So, what is your story?
I'm based in LA, but I was born and raised in NYC. (Queens!) I was working for Damone Roberts in New York, and I moved out here two years ago when he offered me a job to work at his flagship in Beverly Hills. Best decision I've ever made! I moved out here not knowing anyone, but I figured as long as I have a job, everything else will fall into place.
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." -Unknown
I can honestly say I love my job. There is so much you can do in the beauty industry! I'm passionate about my craft and always strive to better myself! When I'm not working, I need time to recharge. I’m a real introvert and being around such high energy, and the high volume of clients coming in daily can be draining for me. I like to recharge by heading to the beach or rollerblading.
What was your first experience of lashes?
Years ago I was working for a salon that did in house training. Let's just say it made me hate doing lashes and I honestly believed it wasn't for me. When I decided to give it another shot with another company two years later, I realized how much I wasn't taught, and I was determined to be better! I'm so glad I went through that experience because sometimes you need to challenge yourself!
If you've had poor training with one company don't give up and do your research on other trainers.
How did you hear about Lash Affair?
I’m always looking on Instagram and came across this artist @lashchronicles (Krystal Ruiz) and became slightly obsessed with her work! I saw she was a trainer with Lash Affair and was having a class in Los Angeles, so I reached out and coordinated something with her.
Lash Affair as a company caught my eye because they were so interactive on social media, posted great content and had talented lash artists. When I actually met Krystal & Jenelle, I was literally blown away by how nice and genuine they were that I knew I wanted to continue using Lash Affair!
What’s your fav Lash Affair product?
The True Love adhesive is my favorite because this product changed my whole lash game. I felt like I was struggling before with retention and ever since using this my clientele doubled!
Do you have a particular style you prefer?
I really like a natural look. I'd have to say one of the main things I hear from my clients is, "No one can tell that I have extensions on."I don't think that's a bad thing! Lashes are not the first thing someone should notice on you. Lashes, like anything else you put on, is part of the whole look. It shouldn't compete with the rest of your makeup. I've lost some clients because I wouldn't go really heavy on them, but something I've realized is if you stay true to yourself and maintain the health of people's lashes they respect you. With that being said, I now have the clientele that matches my philosophy. You win some; you lose some!
What's it like working for the Eyebrow King, Damone Roberts?
Throughout the years of working for different salons/spas, it's hard to find people to work for that you like. I've been at Damone Roberts salon for over four years now from New York to LA, and it's been a great opportunity. He's very respected in our industry and considered one of the top celebrity beauty gurus. His salon has been in Beverly Hills for 15 years and has a huge clientele/following from all over the world. As an artist, it's great working for him because you have that client base coming in!
But it's your job to make sure they stay in your chair! That's why I'm always looking to perfect my craft and stay on trends because this industry is always changing and you can easily get lost.
Even though I work for someone else, I have that mentality that I will treat it like my own because at the end of the day it's a win-win situation. I love my job and working for him- I mean when else would I have the chance to be at the homes of the Oscar-winning actresses and Grammy award winning musicians? I can't believe it sometimes!
What is the best way you’ve found to attain and retain your clients?
Definitely through social media. I was always big on using it to connect with my friends, so It was natural for me to continue with it through work. I've had so many new clients come to me saying they found me on Instagram and love my work. It's a great way to keep your clients informed of new services and promos. I also keep an online booking link in my profile to make it easier for them to make appointments with me.
How have you used IG to grow your following?
Taking better pictures It’s all about the angles and detail. I’ve noticed that since I’ve improved on that, I’ve gained more of a following for sure. Also using popular hashtags! Make sure you’re tagging the brand you use, because if they re-post, then you will get more exposure!
What advice would you give a new lash artist, or someone struggling with their craft?
Don't think one company is the end all be all. Try different products and see what works best for you. You're not going to be an expert after one training! Keep practicing and take continuing education classes! It's worth it!
Hope you've enjoyed getting to know Mehae as much as I have. Great tips for any lash artist who wants to go above and beyond in their craft!
xoxo,
Sydney Farrell | Lash Affair | Editor in Chief
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