eyelash extensions .. really desperate for your advice please :(

[sarahc]

ive left my partner for various reasons, and now have to figure out how im going to salvage the business ive been working hard to build up in the last 18 months:Scared::Scared:
been crying pretty much everyday for a week, he's really let us down .. just cant believe what a bad judge of character i am but im determined not to let it ruin my kids lives
we're going to have to move out and rent somewhere as looks as if going to be repossesed, just hoping can get working tax credits and help with council tax and rent as live in london and paying top whack for everything
i currently specialise in bridal makeup but not going to be able to offer this now as have no childminding and no support (he wasnt my kids father so not having anything to do with them anymore) nails are few and far between .. shellac hasnt been as popular as id hoped, but tick over with minx. the only other thing i was thinking of doing was eyelash extensions, i have had a lot interest since trained although havent really been offering much as not that confident with them.
now its a matter of keeping our heads above water and giving my kids a reasonable lifestyle, i need to do my utmost to make it work
ive drawn up a damage limitation plan and wondered what you thought -
sell off makeup kit and regular polishes, keep shellac and minx and buy more supplies for eyelash extensions, try and offer corner and half sets until i can build up speed and confidence and then perhaps do an advanced course .. im all by myself now and would really really appreciate some ideas or advise, im not very good business minded .. but can work with a plan
also as my title question asks - is it possible to make a good living just offering lash extensions if i get a name for myself (now my main goal for my kids future) and nails . how many sets and infills do those who specialise in doing lashes do a week, i was doing 1 every other week but now need write out new business plan and step it up a level

 

[Pinkbunny28]

Oh hunie I feel for you -hugs-

Ok here's what I'd do, apply for housing benefit so that you can find somewhere a bit cheaper, a single mum is likely to get a place quickly if you've not got anywhere to go. Do you not have anyone in your family that would be willing to take the kids for a couple of days a week? How old are they as maybe school could do extra curricular activities with them until u get back on your feet?

I would say don't sell your makeup because it'll cost you way more when u want to set up again and it's not worth it. Sell regular polishes though if you're doing shellac and minx.

Lash extensions are fab and you could definitely offer half sets and corner lashes but I'd do a special offer such as 10% off full sets and just don't take more than 2 hours to do them. You could practice on friends for 75% of your price to help you to get your speed up then offer to other clients after a month maybe.

Get some more advertising out there, if you're doing a set every other week you could ask them to recommend you to their friends and families to help you gain some business.

Good luck an I hope I've helped a bit x

 

[Ms.Diva]

Thanks for being so brave and reaching out to us. Guess what? I was in a similar position to you over a year ago. I culminated into me having to spend a few weeks in a women's refuge with my two sons, one who has Down Syndrome and having to find a new home because my ex refused to leave the house. Now I'm a proud single mom living in a new home with a successful Lash Extension business. I have a wonderful au-pair living with me. Contact me on [email protected] if you want support from me through this. x

 

[Blinkingorgeous]

If anyone is an inspiration to you in this situation, its going to be aoife, Ms.Diva.

As she says, she was in a similar situation to you and now has an amazing lash business and is extremely reputable.

Lashing can definately give you a good steady income, you need to practice practice practice though. Get your name on all the free business listings in your area (just google free business listings) it only costs time and will get your name up on google.

I agree with the other poster, I wouldnt sell your makeup, put it away and it will soon be wedding season again.

If you arent feeling confident with lashing or need a lil advice, put a plea out on here for someone to come and look over your shoulder for a set, give you some tips and tricks, Iv helped lashers who have felt they were struggling and all theyve really needed is a lil encouragement and a few tips, I dont think youre in my area otherwise I would have gladly helped.

Chin up, stay strong, look to the silver lining and the future :hug:

and as an aside, are you wearing your Shellac all the time??? Make sure they stand out, do some rockstar, nail art, swarovski, anything that will get your clients oooing and ahhhhing, this is the best advertising.

I make a very good living 75% lashes and the rest shellac, and a small percentage other bits lol IT CAN BE DONE