LASH ARTIST OF THE MONTH: ANDREA NAVA
MEET ANDREA NAVA
IG: @thelashjoint_
SAN DIMAS, CA
"This was my calling. I ended up losing my job and I knew I had to make a decision: continue to be unhappy with my career or follow my passion and go for it!"
WHAT'S YOUR STORY?
I was born and raised in a small town in La Verne, CA. I worked in the medical industry for over 10 years and did freelance makeup on the side. I always knew the beauty industry was my passion but chose the “safe” and practical career choice. During this time, I was gifted a full set of eyelash extensions from my mother-in-law and I was hooked! I loved everything about them. After each appointment, I left feeling beautiful. It was instant gratification and I knew I wanted to make other people feel the same way I did through the beauty of lashes. This was my calling.
I ended up losing my job and I knew I had to make a decision: continue to be unhappy with my career or follow my passion and go for it! Although I was scared, I decided to go for it and I’m so happy I did. It changed my life. I started the Esthetician program in 2016, completed the program and obtained my license. I worked at 2 lash studios and gained so much knowledge, but I knew my ultimate goal was to have my own business. Creativity and music have always been such a huge part of my life. Hence, The Lash Joint was created in 2019!
The journey has not been easy but it’s been definitely worth it and I can’t wait to see where it goes!
WHO INSPIRES YOU?
Some of my inspirations are my beautiful son, family and friends.
Andrea with her Son
Andrea and her family at Disney
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
My favorite thing about being a lash artist is the freedom to be creative. Every client is different and I’m constantly being challenged. I love that! Also, building relationships and bonds with my clients is so important to me. They are my lash family!
I love the flexibility with my schedule so I am able to attend my son’s school events and spend time away with my family. I love that I am able to create a work environment that suits me and my clients.
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION IN THIS INDUSTRY?
I believe my mission in this industry is to encourage and inspire anyone who crosses my path. I want to see more boss babes in the industry and see them thrive!
WHAT HAS THIS INDUSTRY DONE FOR YOU?
This industry has done so much for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and has helped me grow tremendously. I’m so thankful for that! It has pushed me to my limits and has shown me I’m capable of anything if I just believe in myself and my craft!
HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT LASH AFFAIR AND WHAT MADE YOU FALL IN LOVE WITH THE BRAND?
I was introduced to Lash Affair when I went to their booth at IBS in Las Vegas in 2018. I was approached by Lisa, love her, she was so sweet and helpful! I instantly fell in love with their lash collections because they were so dark and the curl was to die for!
I worked with My Addiction Skin Care at the time when Lash Affair came in to do a product training for us. They really valued our input and opinions about their products and were open to our suggestions. I truly admire that about their company and respect them as women in this industry. Not to mention, their products are amazing!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LASH AFFAIR PRODUCT AND WHY?
Clear Connection is my favorite Lash Affair product because it’s so versatile. It works in different humidities and is great for my sensitive clients. I also love the Couture and Luxury Lashes. They are dark and lay beautifully on the lash line.
Want to see more beautiful work from Andrea? Connect with her on Instagram: @thelashjoint_
Become our next Lash Artist of the Month! To enter, make sure to follow us on Instagram at @lashaffairbyjp. Look for the LAM photo and follow the instructions in the description. Good luck and happy lashing!