IG name: @pinkladylash 

Best way to connect with you:  Shelby@lashaffair.com

Where do you work? I own Pink Lady Lash. We have one location in Austin and one in Cedar Park, which opens in a few weeks! 

How long have you been lashing? I dabbled in 2011 but got serious about it in 2013.

What certifications do you have? In addition to a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, I am an esthetician and am certified in classic lash extension application from JB Lashes and certified in volume lash application from Borboleta. As well, Lash Affair has certified me as a trainer for both classic and volume lash application.

What is your story? 

I was raised in Austin, Tx and come from a large family. As a middle child, I had a lot of amazing people to look up to in my family and loved being able to influence my younger siblings too. My parents are complete opposites, and I think that's what helped mold me into the type of lash artist and business owner I am today. My dad taught me about hard work, dedication, and progression. My mom taught me to lead with my heart and to have compassion. I appreciate both of them for supporting me in the ways that I needed to be successful. I will still call both of them for advice, each for different subjects, to this day. 

I was an entrepreneur at a young age; always planning my next gig, whether it was coordinating clubs within my neighborhood or running a lemonade stand. I've always had a knack for building systems and enjoy problem-solving, but I also really enjoy getting my hands dirty. Arts and crafts was a passion of mine while growing up. I would build miniatures out of clay, Play-Doh, and paper, so it makes sense that I'd be doing such tedious, detailed work later in life. During my school years, I participated in cheerleading, dance, and track. Nowadays, you'll typically find me with my family or furbabies on my off time.  

How do you feel about owning a studio?

Owning a salon is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Most days I am the first one there and the last one to leave, and it never slows down. There has been a lot of stressful times but when I remind myself of the reason I am doing this, it puts things into perspective and makes things a bit easier. I'm blessed to have such a fantastic team and miss them when we aren't at work. My favorite thing is getting to see the impact that my team makes on our clients and seeing my team happy. I still get emotional sometimes when I sit back and think about it all. Having your heart so attached to your workplace and your work can be good and bad at times though. I've learned a lot over the last year since I expanded to my first storefront, and I know we've got a lot more ahead! It's exciting. Always something new to tackle.

Can you expand on something you've learned that might help someone looking to start their own business?

What advice would you give a new lash artist? 

Practice makes perfect! Don't compare yourself to others, and know that there is room for all of us to shine in unique ways. Know your foundations and repeat them until it becomes muscle memory. 

What is your favorite thing about being a lash artist?

Getting to see my work come to life! It's rewarding to be talking to a friend or client who is wearing your work and seeing how the lashes brighten their face and watch their confidence boost once they have them. I get to connect with a lot of women and have made so many life-long friends out of being a lash artist. It's not just about the lashes.

What do you believe is your role or mission in this industry?

I know that my mission is to mold and guide lash artists to their highest potential. I see a lot of students get down on themselves, but I'm like, "Wow they have no idea how much better they are than I was when I first started!" It's my job to give them that confidence that will push them farther. I still keep in touch with most of my students who enjoy my mentorship, and I love being that person for them. As for my staff, I'm always pushing them to be better as well. My team is great, but it doesn't stop us from aiming higher everyday.  

What sets you apart from other lash artists?

I still enjoy learning. Not just in lashing but growing as a person and soaking up new experiences is fascinating to me. I let go of trying to be the best because it leads to a lot of strain and stress.  I start with loving what I'm doing at any given moment and focusing my attention on positivity. It makes my work better and more fulfilling, so naturally, I'm becoming better, but also happier, in the process.

I set my intention towards my work, and I swear my eyelash retention is better from it. When my intention is set that I'm going to create a perfect bond between the natural lash and extension, my mind is geared towards doing so. I notice how well I rinsed the lashes when cleansing, exactly where I placed my lash, how fast the adhesive is drying, the slightest change in consistency in my adhesive drop, etc. Just changing my intention, in general, sets me up to do better work and makes me a happier lash artist and able to give more positive energy towards my clients and staff.

What’s next for you?

I want to continue leading the Pink Lady Lash team here at home.  We are about to open another location, and it keeps me very busy! My team has great vision and shares the same passion that I do. I get emotional talking about them because I am so proud and we all truly love what we do. A lot of artists work alone and build their own name. Pink Lady Lash is about all of us, so I have to be here with my team, leading and loving them through all of the ups and downs that we share together! I will also, of course, be teaching my Lash Affair classes year round and you will be seeing me at a lot of trade shows and conventions this year.