Have you always wanted to own a business and be your own boss? Then performing micro-blading, eyelashes extensions, and other beauty treatments could be the answer. At Lash Pilot, we’ve been offering expert cosmetic treatments in Santa Monica since 2014. Here are some of the things we’ve learned about starting a business in the beauty industry.

The beauty services industry has long been home to female entrepreneurs. Almost half of the working stylists and cosmetologists in the U.S. are self-employed, and 60% of all beauty salons are women-owned.

Worth $49 billion in 2020, the industry is notable for having no major players with more than a 5% market share. Instead, a significant number of its 1.1 million businesses are independently owned or closely held small chains. That means newcomers have more opportunities to carve out their own niche and make their independent businesses thrive.

The industry is also growing at an above-average rate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2030, there will be a 19% increase in the number of working barbers, hairdressers, and cosmetologists. That’s more than twice the average industry growth rate. And that means there’s lots of opportunity for success!

At Lash Pilot, we specialize in eyelash extensions, brow laminations, and permanent makeup. Microblading is a type of semi-permanent tattooing that improves the appearance of eyebrows. A fine tool applies pigment under the skin to mimic the appearance of thicker, fuller eyebrows. The effects last for up to three years.

We specialize in improving the results of brow micro-blading by using the latest techniques. These include micro-feathering and micro-shading. These techniques more closely resemble the appearance of real hairs and help to create a deeper, more convincing illusion.

Microblading eyelashes involves shading a thin, dark line underneath the natural lash line. That’s why it’s also known as invisible eyeliner. Microblading lashes make eyelashes appear fuller and darker like you’re wearing perfect eyeliner all day long!

These premium services also command a premium price tag. Microblading eyelashes cost more than non-permanent beauty treatments. That means stylists who practice these skills can charge higher rates for their work.

As the beauty industry evolves, different techniques emerge to create stunning new looks. At Lash Pilot, we stay on top of the latest industry trends, helping to give our clients the most fashionable new looks. Our micro-blading and lash extensions businesses continue to innovate.

Business requirements vary by state. In California, home of Lash Pilot HQ, micro-blading is covered under the California Safe Body Art Act. This Act regulates the tattooing industry. It requires that anyone performing micro-blading services is:

• 18+ years old
• Registered with a local enforcement agency
• Trained in bloodborne pathogens
• Works at a facility that meets local health and safety codes and carries a valid permit

One exception to this is licensed estheticians. They may perform micro-blading as tattooists. But they must keep the treatment separate from other esthetic procedures and meet other requirements.

Eyelash extensions in California can only be performed by licensed cosmetologists or estheticians. They are regulated by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.

We also recommend becoming certified in your particular area of expertise. That’s why we designed the Lash Pilot Training Academy Courses, to give students a thorough education in their chosen field.

We offer a number of online and in-person courses, designed for both newcomers and experienced industry stylists. Our foundation courses in micro-blading, eyelashes extensions, and more guide students through the fundamental skills they need to master. You can take the first step toward starting your own micro-blading/eyelashes business. Or learn a new skill and expand your capabilities as a stylist!

For more experienced learners, our advanced courses teach the latest and trickiest techniques. Learn how to deliver results that clients crave, and receive a completion certificate on graduation. Select students may also be offered the opportunity to apprentice with a Lash Pilot stylist.

As part of the Lash Pilot Academy training, we don’t just teach students how to perform our styling techniques. We also provide instruction and guidance on turning your skills into a career.

Lash Pilot is the brainchild of founder Quynh-Tram Vu. Tram believes in empowering women through education and entrepreneurship. Her passion translated into Lash Pilot’s mission, to lift others with us as we rise. We want to help as many women as possible to achieve financial independence, and our course guidance can help students move toward that goal.

To make it easier for more students to join the Academy, we offer flexible payment plans and include a free training kit with the course. This way, students have an opportunity to practice the new skills they’ve learned.

Finding new clients can be tricky for any stylist or salon at first. The beauty industry relies heavily on word-of-mouth. One customer had a great experience and told her friends, who told their friends, and so on! But getting that first customer is hard. In the Lash Pilot Academy, we share some advice with students on getting started. We also provide some tools to help them.

Each Academy graduate receives a license to use the Lash Pilot Artist logo. That means we’re putting our name behind our students. We also provide free listings to our graduates through the Lash Pilot website. Our Artist Locator Services help drive new clients toward our certified Artists, helping get their businesses off the ground.

If you want to learn a new skill that could help you achieve financial independence, we want to help! Contact us today to learn more about the training courses available from the Lash Pilot Academy, and take the first step toward achieving your dreams!