Lash Confidence Suffering? Get Your Mojo Back By Addressing 5 Key Questions

Posted by Maryann Matykowski on April 26, 2016

33 Comments

We all remember the day we made the decision to start something new, a new technique or service. After all, breaking new ground is so important to moving your business ahead. We do our research, and make the decision to get educated. We put in the required amount of hours, practice, practice and, practice some more. Finally, we are ready and showcase our new found skill. There should be a sense of accomplishment and positivity when we reach these milestones in our professional life, right?

1. Why then do we find ourselves asking questions like this?
2. Why do I feel like I don’t measure up?
3. Why do others make everything look so easy?
4. Will I ever be satisfied with my work?
5. How long will it take me to actually make money?
6. Will my clients come back?

These are all natural emotions when we find ourselves new situations. And they are questions that I’ve heard time and time again throughout my career.

How Confident are You?

Let’s peel back the petals of the beautiful blossom of confidence. The following are just a few of the confidence building questions I’d like to take a look at today. By digging deeper into our emotions, we are able to understand what makes our confidence tick.

1. Why Doesn’t My Work Measure up to Others’ Work?

“...I have seen other artist’s work and I just don’t think I will ever be as good.” Guess what? You may not ever be as good. What does that actually mean, and does it actually even matter? Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You are on an individual journey. You only have to be ”good” in the eyes of your clients. Your clients come to you for several reasons. They may like your touch, your compassionate nature, your fun attitude, or the feeling they have when they leave you after a service. It’s not always about the technical skill. Some of the most successful salon professionals I know have average technical skills, but their clients could feel their passion. This builds confidence.

2. Why do Others Make Everything Look so Easy?

Whenever I conduct training and demonstrate technique, someone always comments. “Wow, you make that look so easy”. Well after 10 years it better be easy. Honestly, there are days I feel all thumbs, my eyes bother me, and I’m just plain not in the mood. Those are the exact times to call on your past successes and strive for just a bit more. Most of us who are lash artists know when we get in the “zone”. It’s almost like meditating, you find a peace, a center, and you become calm and get about creating your masterpiece. This zone is is also as flow. It's a real thing, and as you’d know, it’s not always easy to get into. However, every time you do push past the, “I’m not in the mood” feeling, you build your confidence. You know you can get it done, and done beautifully.

3. Will I Ever be Satisfied with My Work?

Possibly not! You will always want to be better, faster, and more creative. This is us by nature. We are the creative types, our own worst critics. We are always looking for a new tool, glue, new lighting and supplies. We even have doubts about the environment in which we work. Is my workplace esthetically pleasing, is the table comfy enough? Should I work in a salon or a spa? Should I try it from my home? I wonder if mobile would be worth it? I hear these questions quite a bit. In my experience, clients don’t get too hung up on the esthetics, if what you offer is clean and welcoming, that’s all that matters. The big beautiful spa down the road is amazing, but so are you. Clients come to you, not the address on the door. If you work in a beautiful spa, and you are happy, that’s great. If you work in a studio at home or somewhere in-between, your clients come to see you and enjoy your work. Every time they come back, you build your confidence. It’s a good thing to strive to be better, just not at the expense of your confidence.

4. How Long Before I Make Some Money?

Out of all the things that can affect your confidence it’s the compensation you receive. As you are building your skills it is necessary to keep things in perspective. Rome wasn’t built in a day. How many times have we heard that expression? The same is true as you build your business. Patience is important here. Just when you are about to throw in the towel, a client sends you a few referrals or posts a raving review on a social media. Then your heart warms, and boom! Your confidence soars. You are on your way to owning your worth. You may be very tempted to discount your services because you lack confidence. Please resist this urge! The clients that are truly your clients, will stay with you and witness you blossom into the talented artist you are destined to be. This will build your confidence.

5. Will My Clients Come Back?

Let’s talk statistics. I have been in the beauty industry since 1981. I wondered for years about client retention. It takes on average ten new clients in your chair to keep a client coming back long term. If you are performing multiple services they will stay on with you longer. If you retail to them, they will follow you to the moon. So keeping those numbers in mind, you will have to lash many clients to build your book of business. Don’t get disappointed if it takes awhile. It’s worth it. Each and every time your client looks in the mirror after your service and grins from ear to ear, that’s building your confidence. It may be tempting to reach out to other lash artists for pointers and advice, but remember, you are opening yourself up to criticism from someone who may not have your best interest at heart. If you need support, advice or more training, in the first instance you should reach out to the person who trained you. If that isn’t possible, consider a mentor in the industry for support. I am always so happy to hear from my former students. I love seeing them grow and become better than I ever will be. I love to hear of their stories of success in their business, their continuing education, and the satisfaction in their choice to become a lash artist.

Ask Yourself

When you find your confidence wavering, consider these questions and try to evaluate your feelings objectively. Put strategies in place to make improvements where necessary, but don’t beat yourself up. Confidence builds more confidence. I know that each one of you who put in the hard work and perfect your skill, treat your clients with compassion and respect will become more confident in your craft. Just know in the end you are the only one who walks your path. You are awesome!