Today we’d like to introduce you to Clementina Richardson.
Hi Clementina, 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 was born and raised in the Bahamas, and despite our financial struggles, I had a very happy childhood. My mother worked tirelessly to support me and my siblings, often selling candy, cookies, or alcohol. We lacked indoor plumbing, and there were times when even basic food shopping was a challenge. While the Bahamas is beautiful, it primarily caters to tourists. I realized that if I remained there, I would likely follow the common path of serving tourists, but I always knew I was destined for something greater. One fateful day, while watching the news, I stumbled upon a segment about lash extensions. Witnessing their growing popularity and lucrative potential ignited an instant curiosity within me. Determined, I self-trained in this art. Initially, I worked on the front desk girl and practiced on my sister-in-law. My passion for lash extensions grew into an obsession, and dedicated time to travel to all of my clients. However, the demand became huge, and traveling no longer worked.
Starting with just one day a week, I rented a room on Thursdays and gradually expanded my availability. I also brought my brand to Long Island. As my clientele flourished, I found myself in the bittersweet moment of having to turn away potential clients due to my limited capacity. Now, I am delighted to operate from my salon in the heart of Times Square.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Many of my obstacles stemmed from racism. Initially, it was disheartening to encounter others looking down on me because of my race and gender. However, I’ve come to realize that laughing off these challenges is the most effective approach. I’ve always believed in letting my work speak for itself. Regardless of others’ opinions, I refuse to let their perceptions overshadow my success. For those who are just starting out, I want them to understand the importance of not allowing others’ opinions to obscure the bigger picture of achieving their goals. It’s also crucial to recognize that success doesn’t happen overnight. It took me 16 years to get where I am today, all through hard work and determination.
What are your plans for the future?
My ultimate goal is to continually expand and offer the Envious Experience to people around the world. However, New York holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I want to ensure that I provide a haven for New Yorkers, a place where they can feel safe to be vulnerable, yearn to be pampered, and receive customized looks that perfectly complement their lifestyle. I aim to convey to others that beauty is not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather an elevated and glamorous experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.enviouslashes.com
- Instagram: Envious lashes
- Facebook: Envious Lashes
Image Credits
Envious Lashes
