Wednesday Wink - The Importance of Emotional Support for Lash Startups

Posted by Maryann Matykowski on March 06, 2018

4 Comments

Just recently I was asked for some business advice. I was all ready to go over numbers, spreadsheets, the cost of doing business, supplies, insurance etc. What I missed was what the request was really for. What I heard with my ears was a request for help on business procedures. After scheduling a meeting to coach a startup lash artist, I prepared all my usual statistics. I had my coaching handouts ready, but what she needed turned out to be something completely different than what I had anticipated. We spent about fifteen minutes going over hard numbers and got a plan going, however, what I didn’t hear at first was her cry for emotional support. I didn’t hear the need for reassurance that this is a lucrative career. I didn’t hear the fear of failure, the concern that she wouldn’t be able to fit in all of her responsibilities as a mother, business owner, partner and productive member of society. I was so focused on getting the numbers right. I was armed with all the data I had collected over the years of my own experience, I was going to help her. That was my mission. It took me a bit to really look into her eyes and see the sheer fear she was going through. She wanted to follow her passion but was so fearful. When it hit me, I had to read between the lines, she didn’t really need help with numbers, she needed a mentor, friend, coach and most of all a cheerleader. When I had my ah ha moment, I figured out what to do. I shared my own story, I shared how fearful I was when I took my “leap of faith” into this amazing beauty industry. I shared how step by step, little by little I moved forward, I preserved and one day I met my goals. It wasn’t easy, downright discouraging on some days, but I kept my eye on the prize and crossed the finish line. So, in conclusion, has a friend or coworker asked for help? Take a minute, read between the lines and be that support system, let’s help one another. Remember, we are not in competition, we are in this journey together.