Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Kelly Smith.
Crystal, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my career in 2010 at Aveda Institute Atlanta. This school opened my eyes to the many opportunities in the beauty industry and gave me a new outlook on income potential, value for the industry, and most importantly, better care for our environment. I then went on to become a cosmetology instructor and graduated from Empire Beauty School in Kennesaw, GA. Initially, I wanted to become an instructor because of the huge impact my instructors made on me while attending Aveda Institute, and I wanted to do the same for new cosmetologist eager to make their mark on the industry. While this desire still rings true, my life took an unexpected but wonderful detour when I became a stay at home mom. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at home to care for and teach my boys. They are my biggest accomplishment!
I think it’s so funny when people ask me how I got started with lash extensions. Back in 2017, I was a lash extensions model for a friend that I went to Aveda with. She had just ventured out on her own and needed photos for her new website. At that time, I thought it was pretty cool to be able to work for yourself but I left that idea there as I was perfectly fine taking care of my son. It wasn’t until July 2018, that I needed something more. Something for myself! I had been out of the industry for about four years. I wondered who would hire me since it had been so long. I had applied to many places and after no leads, I decided maybe it was time for me to learn a new skill… lash extensions! Luckily, I found a company that was willing to take a chance on me. I learned everything I needed to learn and began thinking that I can totally do this on my own, but before taking a huge leap from being an employee to being a business owner, I decided to start gathering everything I needed to run my own business. This took place over a period of several months. At this time, I was not dedicated to the idea of having my own business. It was merely just a thought. If I accomplished it great, but if not, no worries. It wasn’t until things started to go south at my job that I started to BELIEVE, “you got this girl!”
I don’t know if you’re spiritual or not but I do not believe in coincidences. Months before I left my job, an old coworker ended up leaving. I happened to run into her while at the gym. She informed me that she had opened up her own business at the salon suites in walking distance from our gym. I looked into it, and it just so happened that current tenant was moving out of the suite I was inquiring about! That week, I made more money on my side hustle (lashing for myself) than I had ever made. I noticed once I began to focus more on my own business, it started growing! I then gathered all the information I needed, plus the funds I made that week to get this suite because I just knew it was for me. With the support of my husband, family, and friends (turned clients), I was able to get a jump start. I can honestly say that without them this would not have been possible and I am truly thankful for each one of them that provided resources, time, support, and encouragement. Especially those that let me practice on them!
Has it been a smooth road?
I believe any dream comes with adversity. I think of it as a test to see how bad you want it and if you’re willing to fight for it. Mompreneurship has not been an easy road. Between juggling being a mom and owning my own business, self-doubt was a huge issue for me. There were times that I questioned if I would be able to have my own business if I deserved my own business and if I had the skill set to maintain it, but as the saying goes, “I would rather have tried and failed than to not have tried at all.”
My advice to any woman with a dream is to stay focused on the goal. Do not self-sabotage because of self-doubt or any other negativity that may pop up. Those thoughts will come but it’s up to you to move past them. The ultimate objective is to keep moving, regardless of your current reality because the current state is only temporary. Consistently doing things in little increments eventually adds up to big things and before you know it, you’ve reached your goal!
Always remember that your future self is rooting for you and waiting for you at the finish line.
P.S. I’m rooting for you too!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Luxe Lash Blvd story. Tell us more about the business.
I provide high-quality beauty services that are affordable for women across all demographics so that all women can experience being pampered. I particularly specialize in lash extensions, lash lifts, and facial waxing. Since I am a small business owner, I am able to cater to all my clients by offering a complimentary service, such as a lip treatment for brow wax clients.
My goal is to make each woman I come into contact with feel special because sometimes we forget that we are, and I want to give them a little reminder. Self-care is so important, and from time to time, a subtle change on the outside can do wonders for self-esteem, confidence, and even the spirit.
For good reason, society often focuses more on the problems rather than the opportunities that exist, because the problems need to be solved. However, we’d probably also benefit from looking for and recognizing the opportunities that women are better positioned to capitalize on. Have you discovered such opportunities?
Of course! I think women are well-positioned for EVERYTHING, but if there’s one thing in particular that comes to mind, it would be the President of the United States. I can’t wait for that to happen and I hope that I will be able to witness her story in this lifetime.
Pricing:
- Classic Full Set $120
- Hybrid Full Set $155
- Volume Full Set $170
- Lash Lift + Lash Tint $89
- Brow Wax + Brow Tint $25
Contact Info:
- Address: My Salon Suite
860 Duluth Hwy
Suite 152
Lawrenceville, GA 30043 - Website: luxelashblvd.net
- Phone: 678-341-0646
- Email: luxelashblvd@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/luxelashblvd/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/luxelashblvd/
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