Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidney Shelby.
Sidney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My initial step into the lash industry began in 2017 when my parents opened one of the first eyelash extension studios in Chattanooga, TN. I was 20 at the time and like many 20 years old, I had a multitude of passions but no idea what direction I wanted to go in life. For the first three years, I worked the back end’s of the studio with operations & social media management and even won awards on a corporate scale. The time allowed me to explore, learn, and grow in ways I never would have imagined and much as I enjoyed the position, I had always had an eye on being “behind the tweezers”. After an unfortunate loss in my family & a year or so of contemplation it was obvious what I needed to do in order to make a future out of my passion for creating and connection, become a Lash Artist. In 2020, I began working towards my Esthetic Degree and Board License during the peak COVID19 and earned my Esthetic’s License April 1, 2021. From that date forward, I received my first certification in August 2021, later moving to GA in February 2022. For over the last year, I have been working full-time as Lash Artist, receiving multiple certifications, and continuing to advance my education.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think it’s safe to say smooth would be the last word describing my journey in the industry. My father was my lead with many things in my life especially with growing & learning in the studio, I truly owe where I am now all to him. In 2019 he began to fall ill and unfortunately passed away unexpectedly in October 2019. This flipped quite literally everything in my world upside down, and it is still a struggle to navigate. For years I had such a connection with our studio & the industry yet after his passing, I didn’t want anything to do with it. I didn’t enjoy my time in the place we had built, I no longer wanted to be a lash artist, I was disconnected. Shortly after his passing and applying for esthetics school the world faced a pandemic shifting how we do our day-to-day life. What was expected out of my education turned into zoom calls and postponed classes – many times, I had to talk myself out of dropping out. My father always told me, “choose to be happy” and as the meaning changed throughout the years, yet the root of it was all the same, “choose you.” I persevered through school despite the difficulties in hopes that my outcome would be worth it. I began therapy to better navigate my mind & live a happier life within the grief. Over the course of nine months, I was able to remember my love for this industry and now I truly feel more connected than ever. There are times where it’s hard to go about my day, but I’ve learned to give myself grace and “choose to be happy.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I love to call myself a “lash creatrix” within the industry for I aspire to create an experience that is custom, personable & creative. I specialize in individual eyelash extensions in a various assortment of styles, depending on the client’s desired look, facial features, and natural lashes. As a former client turned tech, With years of seeing what does/does not work on others it has helped me truly navigate how I create looks that are perfect for each individual, I was able to take things I didn’t enjoy about previous services and offer a unique, attentive & “Sidney” flair to the appointment. Lash-wise, I’m most known for my volume lash extensions, where each fan is hand-made and applied individually, although it isn’t for everyone – I must say it is my favorite service! Overall, what truly sets me apart from many is my passion for providing a comfortable/calm environment, the highest quality service, and the perfect lashes/lash education for my clients – all while unapologetically being myself. As a lash artist, I am not simply applying a lash, I really have to understand who I am working with & how to assure their best possible experience. Often I am met with high regard from clients and it assures me my methods of madness not only work, they are truly unlike any others.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
When they say it takes a village, they were not lying. I would truly be nothing without all who’ve helped me get to this point. My mother, Jolee, and big sister, Tayler, have never fell short of being there for me in every possible way. Helping me pay for school, letting me use them as models for training, talking me through meltdowns and always telling me how proud they are. The last few years was the most challenging for our family unit yet they never did anything aside from support and cheer me on throughout it all. My father, Jerry for inviting me into this industry, teaching me more than I could imagine & being a driving force in my life. He taught me so much about being true to you, making memories, and doing what is right that is a key factor in who I am. My partner, Alex, who has been there through all the transitions, cheering me on and keeping me level-headed, pushing me to be the best I can & being by my side every step. His support as I relocated and started new paths has been vital to my success and happiness. My best friend, Sadie, for helping me navigate into this career, being my #1 cheerleader, giving feedback & being a model anytime I am training, simply always being “there”. My best friend, Brandon, for giving advice and comfort as life happens, helping me stay focused & proud of my accomplishments. Celebrating our achievements and working hard with our failures together. My trainer/dear friend Chelsey, for inspiring me to become a lash artist, helping me with lash foundations, having someone to relate to and much more. She has brought so much joy and passion to my life and career.
I know I am missing some but when you think of those who you want to call first when something good or bad happens, these are my people. They have never judged me and they’ve always supported me in a way that means best. Without any one of them, I really do not believe I would be where I am or where I aspire to be. My deepest love and appreciation to all of you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sidney.esthetics
- Facebook: Sidney Esthetics
