Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Hopkins.
Hi Andrea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had a love for the health and beauty industry, particularly skincare and makeup. I also have an extensive background in retail management and a degree in Fashion Marketing & Management, so starting a business within the health and beauty industry was a no-brainer for me.
I saw a need for change within the industry, specifically in the African American community and I set out to slowly but surely make that change. I made a vision board and laid out all of my goals: 1. Launch The Lash Aesthetics, 2. Become a licensed Esthetician, & 3. Open my own salon suite.
The Lash Aesthetics was the first step on my entrepreneurial journey, I began with market research, product testing, and consumer sampling to gauge the needs of my target audience. I knew the need for convenience and a top-tier customer experience were priorities. I thought about trying to get my products in some stores (it’s still an option) but most people like to shop from the comfort of their homes.
It took me about a year and a half to fully flesh out my concept, find the right products, do my product shoot and build my website. On March 1, 2021, I launched The Lash Aesthetics and it has been a success ever since. I just celebrated my one-year anniversary and am so humbled by the continued support.
With the launch of The Lash Aesthetics, it was time to work toward my second goal on my vision board. In August of 2021, I began my journey to becoming a licensed esthetician. I attended Dolly Monroe Beauty Academy here in Tampa, FL. I was determined to make the most out of my time in school and learn every aspect of esthetics. In November of 2021, I graduated and was now a licensed esthetician!
In February of 2022, I gathered all of my talents, education, and expertise and embarked on one of the most important journeys of my life and career, I opened my own solo esthetic spa, WanderLuxe Skin Co. This was the final step/goal on my vision board.
As a mom of 2, I know the importance of self-care and how crucial it is to invest time into yourself. Sometimes, especially with everything that is going on in the world, we forget to invest in ourselves, we forget to do something that makes us feel beautiful or feels a sense of peace.
I set out on these business ventures to pour into others what they feel they can’t pour into themselves. With The Lash Aesthetics, I always say you give someone the right pair of lashes and they can conquer the world. The reviews I receive from my customers are unmatched.
I’ve had customers who never wore lashes at all tell me that it’s now a part of their everyday routine because it makes them feel beautiful. I have clients with WanderLuxe that tell me they were never really into skincare until they started coming to see me. It’s reviews like this that lets me know I’m on the right path.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course, there has been plenty of rough patches along the way and times of discouragement but I remind myself of my “why” & think about my clients/customers and the impact that my businesses have had on them and it makes me go harder.
I struggled a lot in the beginning with not “selling out” or having full books every day but I had to remember to give myself grace. The Lash Aesthetics has literally only been open one year, I have repeat customers, and I now have 4 brand ambassadors and a growing following.
WanderLuxe has been for 6 months and I went from only having 2 clients a WEEK to having 3+ clients a DAY.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Lash Aesthetics: The Lash Aesthetics was created to serve the need for a change in the beauty industry by focusing on selling an experience first and the product second. My brand is more than an online store; it’s a thriving community for lovers of all things beauty! I am committed to bringing out your inner beauty and confidence.
Products offered:
* Mink & Faux Mink eyelash strips
(both magnetic & standard)
* Lash essentials (applicators, glue, cases, etc.)
With The Lash Aesthetics, I’m most proud of the overall growth of the brand. We now offer a wider selection of lashes & local pickup.
WanderLuxe Skin Co: WanderLuxe was created to bring awareness and appreciation for skincare and self-care. To help my clients achieve and maintain their skincare goals and love the skin they’re in.
Services currently offered:
Corrective skincare
Facials
Body waxing
With WanderLuxe, I’m most proud of being able to share my passion for skincare with my clients and have that passion rub off on them. I’m proud of the space that WanderLuxe gives me to educate my clients and assist in them making effective skincare choices.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I wouldn’t call it luck, I’ve been fortunate enough to be put in positions to meet people that believe in me and my vision and help encourage me every step of the way.
I haven’t always been the best at it but, for anything that comes off as a negative, I try my hardest to look at all things that led up to it and how I can improve the outcome if I were to ever face such a situation again.
My positives and negatives on this entrepreneurial path have made me a more critical thinker, a better planner, and a lot more passionate about what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website:https://thelashaesthetics.com/ & www.fresha.com (search for WanderLuxe Skin Co.)
- Instagram: Instagram.com/thelashaesthetics & Instagram.com/wanderluxeskinco
- Facebook:Facebook.com/thelashaesthetics & Facebook.com/WanderLuxeskinco
Image Credits
Shank Henry, @cryscassidy, @lyrical_shae, @_picturelex, @Itsjordieee, @__domb, @itsmelforme,@makeup.by.vee, and @lyrical_shae
