Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Barlow.
Andrea, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the founder and CEO of my own lash company, Lashed By A. Marie. On 22 July 2019, I took advantage of my calling in the beauty industry. It was not just about selling lashes, applying lashes, or even receiving the payment after the work was done. It was the smile that I was able to put on so many faces. My number one goal was to make sure that all women embrace their natural beauty. Loving everything about yourself is so important. The way lashes can bring out the eyes or just add that last pop to your makeup look is amazing. Starting off, I only did individual lashes.
Shortly after, I wanted to expand my business with selling mink strips as well. I had to decipher through several styles of lashes along with investing in the perfect vendor. I was always learning something new. With the lashes, the focus lied within the quality. I studied lash care in order to give knowledge to clients, and I watched a load of tutorials on lash care while coming up with my own remedies to test. I’ve had the opportunity to ship to Hawaii, do a collaboration with one of the biggest MUAs in Killeen, Texas, and much more. The goal is always to go to the next level and continually build my business. A year after establishing Lashed By A. Marie, I became a certified lash technician. I was able to sit in a room with Atlanta’s number one lash instructor, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. I’ve done a soft photoshoot with some of my different collections, my website is up and running, and I have currently introduced five different lash collections. Every day I’m thinking of new ideas to continue to grow. Just a heads up, I will be dropping a new lash collection soon.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been far from smooth. Being a small black-owned business is an honor, but you most definitely have to put your all into it if you want results. There are so many businesses that are selling the same product, but I truly believe there is room for everyone. The business has not always great, but it has always been worth it. Some months I profit well, and there have been months that I have not made a profit at all. Rather business is going good or bad. I am always giving my all: continually posting , doing sales, and posting content. Nothing successful that you will have in this life will ever be without obstacles. It is about taking it one step at a time and always coming up with new ideas to keep your clients coming back for more.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business specializes in beauty and cosmetics. I am known for my many different collections and their creative names, such as my Players Club collection. Before dropping a collection, I’m constantly asking for feedback and doing test runs. I am sure to give clients new products to try before deciding to release them. Every purchase from me is satisfactory guaranteed and I can stand by that. I have so many clients that have never worn lashes before, but once they do, they’re hooked. I make sure to have a wide variety of collections to choose from. There is a lash style for every occasion.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. Here, there are so many black-owned businesses that are making a difference and leaving their mark. Montgomery has some of the best MUA’s, lash technicians, and so on! The support is so amazing. Friends from my home have promoted my business in Hawaii, New York, and Detroit. I also conduct business in Georgia, planting my roots there as well. The experiences that I have encountered there have been nothing but amazing. The sites are wonderful to see, along with the lifestyle. Being a business owner, these are two great places to network! Someone is always on the hunt for new lash styles and lash technicians. As long as you are dedicated and willing to battle a few obstacles, there is nothing to dislike about either city. The goal is to remain optimistic!
Contact Info:
- Email: lashesbymarie19@gmail.com
- Website: https://lashedbyamarie.square.site/
- Instagram: Instagram.com/lashedbya.marie
- Facebook: Lashed By Marie
