Conversations with Cassandra Lanter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Lanter.

Hi Cassandra, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Though I graduated from cosmetology school back in high school, I didn’t truly dive into the beauty industry until 2021. Coming out of the pandemic, I had been working a stable 9–5 office job for years. It was steady, but stressful, and it never lit a fire in me. I’m extremely grateful for the business knowledge I gained there, but I never felt connected to the work or that industry.

I kept circling back to the idea of taking an eyelash extension course I’d seen online. At first, I thought it might just be a small side skill, but once I took the class, I fell in love. Lashes are such a detailed craft — you’re working right near someone’s eyes. That means really knowing your products, respecting safety and sanitation, and paying close attention to each client’s unique needs. The level of care and precision it takes gave me a deep respect for the work. And then seeing clients’ reactions after those first few sets — that joy and confidence they felt — it hit home for me and showed me I was on the right path.

I started with just a couple lash appointments a week, but I knew I needed more if I was going to make this a long-term career. That’s when I added nail services. First gel manicures, then Gel-X, thanks to a mentor who encouraged me to try it (hands down, one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!). Nails quickly became my focus, and with time I built a book of clients I’m incredibly grateful for — some who have been with me religiously since that first year in 2021! Today, I’m painting artwork I never dreamed I’d be capable of creating with my own two hands, and on such a tiny canvas. If you had asked me ten years ago, I never would have thought this is where I’d end up — but now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Knowing that my clients get to wear that art and feel special because of it means everything to me.

What began as a leap of faith in a tiny rented space became the foundation for everything that followed: moving into bigger spaces, expanding services, hiring a team, and building what has now grown into its own small brand. It’s been a constant evolution, but every step has been rooted in the same thing — following my passion and trusting that if you show up, put in the work, and keep learning, you can make it happen.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. If anything, the road has been full of pivots, trial and error, and a lot of lessons I had to learn the hard way. Building a business from scratch meant figuring out things I never thought I’d be responsible for: navigating CPAs and payroll, dealing with insurance and licensing, understanding social media algorithms, managing client communication, even keeping up with federal and state requirements. None of that is glamorous, and it’s not what a lot of people see or think about, but it’s what keeps a business alive and running.

There were also personal challenges: balancing long hours in the chair while trying to run the business side at the same time, and then throwing parenting into the mix. My daughter has been with me through it all, and she’s my “why.” I want to show her that you can keep going when things get tough, that you can have faith in yourself and your vision. That it’s okay to lean on others, to build trust, community, and lean into the support around you when the weight gets heavy.

I’ve made mistakes, I’ve had setbacks, and I’ve had to start over in ways I didn’t expect. But those moments pushed me to grow as a leader, not just as a nail tech or an independent professional. One of the hardest parts has been learning how to manage people while also staying true to myself and the vision I have for the brand. The industry has changed so much — the economy, how clients spend their money, the way client loyalty works now compared to years ago. It’s harder than ever to build and keep a book of clients who are truly aligned with your work.

What I’ve learned is that showing up matters, even on the hard days when self-doubt creeps in and makes you second guess everything. Every single step, no matter how small, is building something bigger than you can even see in the moment. And while the road hasn’t been smooth, after a while you learn to ride it out — and even sit back and enjoy it a little bit more.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a nail artist and salon owner, but I see myself as more than that — I create wearable art that makes people feel confident and seen. My specialty is gel manicures and Gel-X extensions, paired with hand-painted designs that are tailored to each client’s vision. Over time, I’ve become known for detailed artwork that pushes past “just a manicure” and into something personal — almost like carrying a tiny canvas (and a conversation starter) with you everywhere you go.

What I’m most proud of is the community that has formed around my work. Some of my clients have been with me since the very beginning, and that loyalty means everything to me. They’ve trusted me through new trends, different phases of life — engagements, weddings, babies, you name it — and through my own growth as an artist. That continued trust and support is the most rewarding part of what I do.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just focus on the end result, but on the entire experience. My chair is a safe space where clients can come as they are and leave feeling better than when they walked in. I’m also constantly learning — whether it’s new techniques, products, or ways to grow as a leader. That commitment to artistry and growth, combined with my passion for building a welcoming brand, is what makes my work stand out. The experience is simply different.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that everything you go through — the wins and especially the struggles — teaches you something. I’ve had some serious lows where I felt like things would never get better, times where frustration or setbacks made me question everything. But looking back, those hard moments are the ones that built me up the most.

Every challenge forced me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. It made me stronger, more patient, and more resourceful. And now I see how those experiences help me be a better leader. They allow me to guide others with empathy, to motivate people from a place of real understanding, and to show by example that you can keep moving forward even when it feels impossible.

I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about avoiding failure — it’s about showing up through it, taking the lesson, and letting it make you better. Every step, even the messy ones, has shaped who I am and what I’m building today, and I couldn’t be more proud of it.

And honestly, it feels like a full-circle moment. Years ago, I was the one reading interviews like this from artists I admired, soaking up every word and feeling inspired to keep going. Now I get to share my own story, and if even one person out there feels that same spark from reading this, then everything I’ve been through has been worth it. You never really know who’s watching, or who you might be inspiring just by showing up.

Pricing:

• Gel-X Extensions – $95.00
• Gel Manicure – $60.00
• Structural Manicure – $80.00
• Level 1 Nail Art – $10.00
• Level 4 Nail Art – $30.00 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blossombeautystudiocle.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blossombeautystudiocle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlossomBeautyByCasey