Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Sanford.
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I went to school for esthetics in February of 2020. About one month into the program the state issued a stay at home order that would go on for the better part of a year (I was living in California at the time). Due to closing of the state board testing site and all the subsequent backlogged test appointments, I would not be able to test for my esthetician license for another 9 months. My experience in this industry started rocky and stayed rocky for a long time. And I can honestly say that going out on my own has been the most peaceful and creatively freeing part of my career. I worked for two salons over the first three years of my esthetic career focusing on eyelashes extensions, lash lifts, and brow laminations. The leadership at these salons almost drove me out of this industry. Without naming any names, I’ll just say everyone who is skilled in esthetics is skilled in owning a salon with employees. I decided to go out on my own because I could not keep working under people I did not trust. I wanted to make the decisions in my career; to charge a reasonable price and provide quality work while treating people with kindness and respect. I started my own business because I wanted a serene place to work with none of the drama or chaos and I have never looked back. For anyone in this industry who is in a toxic work situation (there are so so many) who’s afraid to go out on their own, make the jump it’ll be the best thing you ever do.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I really feel I have been blessed on my journey into entrepreneurship. I found a suite that was very reasonably priced with very kind and helpful landlord. My client base has grown steadily despite being a relatively young business. A lot of it (like everything in life) is learn as you go. Two of my previous coworkers went out on their own within 6 months of me and that’s been a great resource to be able to bounce things off of them. I really feel like this is the road I was meant to take though because things have just kind of fallen into place for me as I go.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I provide esthetic services including brow waxes, tints, and laminations, lash lifts and tints, and eyelash extensions. I love interior design and I really wanted to create a beautiful and serene environment for clients to come and relax. I wanted the service to feel luxurious and boutique and I succeeded. I provide customized lash extensions suiting the map, density, length, and even color. If a client asks for something I don’t have in stock, I’ll order it for them. I really strive to give my clients the best and most customized service possible.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Brow waxes terrify me. Ive offered them throughout my entire career and I have never done a bad one but the fear has never left me. I think it’s PTSD from attempting skinny brows in the 2000s and ending up with 1 1/2 brows.
Pricing:
- Hybrid Full Set: $135
- Volume Full Set: $150
- Angel Full Set: $95
- Lash Lift & Tint: $60
- Brow Lamination, Wax, and Tint: $75
Contact Info:
