Lash Simulator

No filter. Just lashes!

I can’t wait to begin teaching again in-person!

I always knew I would become a teacher, even from a young age. I didn’t want to be a teacher in the conventional sense because they are so severely underpaid for the amazing work they do working with kids and young adults.

I found the art of lash extensions and fell in love because it challenged all of my skills. Even though I grew up a self-taught vocalist, musician, and formal artist, I quickly discovered that lash extensions was not easy to teach myself. It took many years of trial and error, along with multiple certifications later to finally feel comfortable and confident with the craft.

It’s been a little over 7 years since I began practicing lash extensions and now understand the true precision and delicacy that it requires. There’s a reason why not many of us do it - because this career is challenging in more than one way. No one can simply walk in and master it overnight.

Teaching is one of my specialties. I believe the future of the lash industry is education and accessibility. I believe there is power and influence in our unique voices.

I can’t wait to meet you! Whether you are a student or if I see you at an upcoming event.

Thanks for being here 💙

Today is World Mental Health Day

Of course, I won’t be able to find the right words to express what advocating for mental health means to me, because I have too much to say.

Funnily enough, I’ve been going through a mental health crisis the last few weeks that boiled to a head this past weekend. Despite my inner turmoil, I took the step of seeking help at a local mental health facility to start the long process of moving into therapy and psychiatric evaluation.

I may appear like I know what I’m doing most of the time, but it does not come without the darkness that surrounds my mind on a daily basis. I suffer with depression, anxiety, C-PTSD, BPD (borderline), OCD, and other very difficult symptoms that create a cauldron of dynamic emotions and reactions. A whopping 10% of all individuals with BPD alone will complete su***de in their lifetime. A January 2021 paper in Sweden states that half of all their su***des could be attributed to PTSD. I know the odds are against me and I am at the mercy of mind. It’s a battlefield most days, where I’m fighting off the voice telling me it’s not worth the suffering.

Although my safe group of friends who I can count on is small, I’m so grateful to have people in my corner that help in the fight to keep me alive. Something as small as being given love and care is not given to all children. Although my mother loved me very much, you can’t always protect your children of the world’s inherent atrocities.

Please do something kind for someone today (and every day). Find a reason to do something nice for someone, say something nice to a stranger, and be a kind human to others.

It is up to us to make this world a better place, a safer place for everyone. You never know what someone is dealing with and one wrong comment could send a hurting person over the edge.

Sending love to all of my friends and community that also struggle with mental illness. You are seen and I appreciate you being here, continuing to push every day and doing the best you can. It’s all we can do 🧠🩵

Isn’t it a gift to make money doing the thing that doesn’t feel like you’re working? 💙✨

I remember a time when I was posting photos of my lash work every single week. I would put so much passion and thought into my captions, that I think potential clients would often become very hungry for the next thing that I would say.

When you figure out what types of content your audience is consuming, then you can cater everything you create to that person.

Example: I like being around other thoughtful individuals who care about the details, and appreciate deep conversations. Knowing this about myself, I utilized every outlet of my marketing material to exemplify who I am, thus attracting those types of people.

My audience is a direct culmination of people who enjoyed what I had to say, not just at a surface level. Many of which whom I’ve had countless meaningful conversations with over the course of the last 6 years.

It’s understandably very difficult to break down the invisible barrier between a stranger online from somewhere else in the world and yourself. Reaching through the wall to somehow get people to not only trust you - but also pay you - is a tough feat.

This is why finding the balance of *being yourself* online is crucial to attracting clients through social media.

🥞0.03 Vaude trays (now only $10)
on my dear friend

This is how I respond to my previous lash students when they ask for help. I don’t leave anything out and they deserve all of my knowledge. There are no secrets.

In fact, I don’t think students ask enough questions. 8 out of 10 students are normally quiet: either too shy to speak up in class or they become too overwhelmed so they just don’t say anything.

It’s important for you, as a student, to always ask questions. You will not receive anything if you do not ask for it.

If you are a previous student of mine, or you are just a lash artist that needs some help, I don’t leave anything off the table. I love when people trust me enough to send me a DM. The more questions you ask, the more I am able to hone in on detailed and better articulated educational material that I create for you.

How cool is it that the career I retired from (photography) is the one I get to return back to once I started working for . 🧡

In 2011-2012, I attended the Graphic Arts program at the local technical college. It was the first time in my life that I was surrounded by other creatives who made me feel at home. The classroom was a safe-haven, designed by the gentle and kind teacher Cheryl Cooksey. She is what made me realize that there are amazing teachers out there that truly care about their community and students’ lives. The quality of her expertise gave me confidence as a graphic designer and artist. Unfortunately, I dropped out of the Graphic Arts program after only 1.5 years due to at-home issues I was experiencing. I had one semester left to complete the course.

My last time walking away from the building and my creative space was in December of 2012. I never went back to the technology center, not even to visit, because it brought me so much shame and sadness. I didn’t know if I would ever be able to put my design skills to use, let alone find a job where I could nurture those parts of me that were dying to simply create.

On Monday, I had the honor of going back to Autry Tech to speak to the morning and afternoon classes, telling them my story of overcoming. I shared with them what I get to do now, living my dream job, manifesting and working hard to get there. I shared all of the tough parts of being a human: dealing with mental illness, life’s ups and downs, focusing on the wrong things, and finally coming into my own where I prioritized my happiness. But I wanted more than anything to be able to reach students that were struggling with self-worth and not knowing how to reach their goals. I also got to see my old teacher, Mrs. Cooksey, which was one of the main reasons I wanted to go back to speak to the class. She took me out to lunch at a delicious Japanese restaurant and we were able to share really sweet moments.

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to speak to other aspiring and blooming artists. It brought me more fulfillment than I’ve felt in a really long time. These kids have so much life ahead of them and it reminded me of my own insecurities when I was their age (17-21). I hope they give themselves more grace than I gave myself.

I honestly feel like the luckiest person on the planet. I get to wake up every day with the best job I could have asked for and never feel like I’m “working”. All of my art and creativity is utilized and my business partner is the sweetest, most understanding, hilarious friend - it couldn’t possibly be a better fit. I feel so lucky to have not only fallen into this career but then to have been given the opportunity to work for an amazing brand. It feels like I’m dreaming and haven’t woken up. I relish in the busy days and endless projects. My heart is full and my gratefulness cannot be measured. In 2017, I was scrounging up quarters and dimes to feed myself. Today I can be the artist I am, without the starving.

Thank you for believing in me, Carlee. I wish I could describe to you how happy I am to be on this journey with you.

Last two images were taken by the talented 💜

I’m so incredibly honored to be able to go to events like these and meet so many other AMAZING, intelligent, and motivated women. I was blown away at the conversations I was having that were both insightful and validating from lash artists and brand owners from all over the world at ! How lucky am I that I found this industry and also found my people.

Forever grateful that I am able to work with Carlee at and now come to these events and meet all of you. If you ever see either of us running around, please come say hi!

Thank you a million times over for having us. We LOVED our experience and can’t wait for the next one!

✌🏻

50% off of all physical products in the store until it’s gone.

Thank you, friends, for being here. 💙🥹