Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Shaw.
Hi Ariel, 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 started doing hair at the age of 13, but as I got older my interest in doing hair faded so I started to make wigs around the age of 18. I used to be a big fan of doing my makeup and of course, as you evolve, things get “bigger” or “different.” I started off using just mascara as a young girl too full-blown 25mm mink eyelashes as young lady. I got into selling lashes because I noticed how everywhere I would go, someone would walk up to me like, “I love your lashes,” “you lashes are so cute,” “where did you get your lashes from” and I just honestly got tired of telling people the “beauty supply store” so why not sell them myself? My lashes are that noticeable and pretty that my mom started calling my “tweety bird” she says, “if I move my head any faster, I’m going to fly away,” lol.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having a business is not easy at all. It takes a strong person to want to keep going when you feel like you just want to give up. Especially when your are young & sensitive. I actually stopped doing hair because my very last client was bashing me because she didn’t like her hair when it wasnt even my fault as too why her braids was falling out and with me being 15-16 at the time, it crushed my hopes and dreams of ever being a stylist, it made me feel like doing hair wasnt for me. I literally didn’t do hair for at least two years until I made my very first wig at the end of the senior year it made me feel like I was back in the game. Now at 22 years old, I feel so confident and comfortable with myself I make wigs and sell lashes. Everyday isn’t a sell nor is everyday a bump in road. I make progress everyday In some kind of way wether, it’s a new customer or one trying to dispute something.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pretty Exquisite is a brand that specializes in wholesale/retail mink Eyelashes. We also host pop-ups shops for new and/or small business owners looking to expand their clientele. What makes me different is my passion. Most people don’t have passion. They just want the money. Honestly, I feel like if you don’t have the passion for your business, then you’re business won’t last long.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Keep going! Just keep going! Everybody not going too like what you have to offer and that’s because everybody isn’t for you. Don’t get offended, don’t get mad, charge it too the game and learn from it. As you evolve so will your clientele. It’s going to be more fans than haters. The love always outshines the hate.
Also, don’t look for the love and support from your peers the biggest support WILL always come from family and strangers.
Contact Info:
- Email: arieshaw98@gmail.com
- Website: https://pretty-exquisite.square.site/
- Instagram: @prettyassarie
- Facebook: Ariel Shaw
