Today we’d like to introduce you to Miri Choi.
Hi Miri, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am from South Korea. I had no previous overseas living experience in the past and landed in Atlanta back in 2017 since my husband had to relocate to the USA for his new job. Without knowing how life is in the states and with my basic English, going to a grocery was even a big challenge for me. I was building my career as a nutritionist in Korea, but I was just nobody in Atlanta who was afraid of stepping outside of the house. To overcome the stress of the new environment, I took out my old passion and started uploading pictures of nail artwork on a tip. Luckily, a big beauty salon reached out to me and offered me a job as a nail technician.
Although I barely communicated with the customer, they returned and sought my service. It encouraged me and motivated me to be fluent in English because I wanted to communicate with them. In addition to doing nail art, I paid attention to various services such as lash extensions, hair, and makeup. Among those beauty services, the thing that intrigued me the most was eyelash extensions. After two years as a nail technician, I made a dramatic turn to become a lash technician. Often, I don’t realize how fast time flies by when I am doing lash extensions. I especially like how those little lashes boost the customers’ beauty and make them look so amazing. Since I began my career as the lash technician, I have consistently worked 12 hours a day, six days a week for three years. My passion toward the lash extension is so great that once an insurance company asked about my occupation and I answered, ‘Making people beautiful’. Since then, it has become my motto and my enthusiasm. Last year, I started my own beauty salon, LA LA LASH and I planned to continue making people beautiful.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Obviously, it was not a smooth road for someone like me who is still stressed out from English. Life in the USA is culturally and systematically so much different from what I have learned for my whole life. The first struggle was communication. It took me a long time to fluently communicate with the customer.
The second struggle came with the people. In the beginning phase of the business, I was the only technician at the salon and as the number of customers increased I had to staff up the salon with qualified technicians. It was very challenging to find a skilled and talented technician who would fit into the standard I set up for my salon. It took me a lot of time searching for the right talent and people with the right mindset. However, even though my staffing was slow, I maintained the quality of the staff even though I was losing the opportunity. I believe the right people in the right seat drive the business to the right place. With all the efforts and thanks to great staff, we were able to acquire 200+ 5 stars Google reviews.
The third struggle was myself. If the owner is unable to trust the staff and extract themselves from the daily work of the business, the business will hit the limit fast because the owner only has two hands. It was very challenging for me to reduce time at the salon bed applying lashes and move that time to focus on the business and making future plans. I am still trying to reduce my time at the salon bed and provide more authority and responsibilities to staff.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about LA LA LASH?
LA LA LASH provides high-end eyelash extensions and brow services performed by certified professionals. LA LA LASH pride on the quality of lashes as well as the application process. Customers will experience eyelash extensions adding length and volume to eyelashes with a semi-permanent application of high-quality synthetic lashes.
LA LA LASH considers lash extensions as an art form. Through the consultation, we will help customers to determine what extensions look the best for the customer and customize the look the customer wants to achieve.
The differentiators are
1, Customized lash designs to match an individual’s face and eye shape.
2. Fast application speed – Classic full set: 1 hr
3. High-quality product – We never give up on product quality
4. Various types of glue available for customers with glue allergy
5. Modern interior design and clean environment
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Running a business is consistent risk management. Opening my own business was a risk. I opened a salon last year in May but I started to prepare the business from November of 2020 when a serious pandemic fear arised. It was not an easy decision to make but I moved forward because I believe risk often can turn into an opportunity.
When I searched for the space, my proposal for multiple leasing offices in the mall was declined because I did not have an existing business. In order to convince the landlord, I created a business plan report which includes market analysis and business strategy in order to succeed. Luckily, one of the landlords had positive feedback and I was able to acquire the space in a difficult time.
In conclusion, I think the risk is either to manage or convert them into opportunities
Pricing:
- Lash Full Set: Starting from $149
- Lash Fill In: Starting from $65
- Brow Service: Starting from $20
- Lash Service: Starting from $25
Contact Info:
- Email: lalalash1217@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.lalalashatl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalalashatl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lalalashatl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKo8YkzVOlTuBlwXx2nt2Bw/about
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-la-lash-atlanta
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/lalalash
