Today we’d like to introduce you to Corie Ford.
Hi Corie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m from East Atlanta and I have always been an artist. I take a liking to any avenue that allows me to express creativity, so any sort of visual or performing art. When I was younger I used to sing day in and out. I loved being in plays, drawing, and making things. I got my first sewing machine when I was 11. As a lash tech specifically I was in college looking for work to support myself and for some reason, there was just nothing for me there. I chose to come home and work where l would have better chances and the jobs came but nothing was a good fit for me. I’d thought about becoming a lash tech before or starting a business in general so I did my research and booked a class. Long story short my class was not thorough because the instructor noticed that I was catching on so quickly and easily that she was comfortable enough not to cover certain basic practices; I felt cheated and discouraged thinking that I was underprepared. Nevertheless, I decided to play the hand I was dealt and groomed myself into The Lash Genie of ATL through studying, consistent practice, and no matter what, I never quit!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I can honestly say I’m amazed with how well it’s going! That being said there were definitely trials and tribulations for example when I earned my certification I had nowhere to take clients. I was a 100% mobile lash tech in the beginning dragging my entire set up across Atlanta to service clients at $50-$65 a set. Sometimes being in complete strangers homes would trigger my anxiety and I had to deliver quality service under that pressure. Fast forward about eight months into lashing; at the time I was home-based and I was just starting to have consistent clientele, seeing significant growth in my business, when someone close to me spitefully forced me to stop taking clients at home because they didn’t want me occupying a vacant area in our house unless I was willing to pay them 1,300 a month for it. A member of my own family was trying to extort me and was willing to stunt the growth of my business as fall out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a certified lash technician and owner of Cici’s Beauty Vault, located in Atlanta, GA. I’m known for the personal approach I take to lashing each of my clients. Each doll’s set is customized for their comfort and overall appeal; mapped out intricately to accentuate the clients’ eye shape and size so that the finished product flawlessly highlights their natural beauty. In fact, My highly requested signature sets like “Rich Girl”, “Baguettes”, and “Latto” were named after the clients they were designed for.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I have to say the most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey besides perseverance is to break the mold. It’s hard to shine when you only strive to do things that have already been done. Instead of limiting or comparing yourself to the standard, find what makes you different and build on that, be original. Creativity and passion for what you do will be your drive and distinction.
Pricing:
- Each set is $90.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cicis-beauty-vault.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cicisbeautyvault/
Image Credits
Devonte Gray
