Meet Lakenya Whatley of Glam Game in South of Atlanta (Clayton County)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakenya Whatley.

Lakenya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story starts with a 23-year-old young girl looking to find herself in this big beautiful world. I was working multiple jobs at the time serving at bars and restaurants in Atlanta and also doing retail at Lenox Mall. I had just moved back home with my mom and felt like everything was going downhill at that moment in my life. I tried college but I didn’t complete my schooling. I didn’t feel what I was majoring in (dental hygiene) was for me. I started my first small business called Choke Me Chokers and was hand-making every piece I sold. It worked out for a while. I started to gain clientele but I knew it was more that I wanted to do within creating business for myself. While working at Zara at Lenox Mall, I ran into a girl with the most beautiful, natural looking lashes I’d ever seen. We engaged in conversation about where and who did her lashes. Along with her was the lash tech responsible for her look. The tech then explained to me how you could take up a class to learn the trade and from there I was hooked. Anyone that personally knows me KNOWS that I love lashes, strips were my thing; long and bold ones. After doing plenty of research online and also through social networking, I located a tech that I was interested in doing a Lash extension workshop with. From the day I left the instructor in April 2017, I’ve been doing what I love, Lash extensions. Two years later, I now work in a professional black-owned Salon by the name of Shearendipity Salon south of Atlanta. I entered my self back in school which was encouraged by a talent I truly love, making women( and men) feel even more beautiful than they already are. I attend a school in Atlanta for Aesthetics which is where my lash journey has brought me so far. I’m set to graduate by the end of 2019 where I will expand my services as a skin & beauty therapist. Wish me luck!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting up my first small business has definitely came with many challenges. Some struggles I’ve experienced as a new entrepreneur is building clientele and keeping a consistent amount, finding a salon that I trust to work in with a team that supports unity and working together as women, and also being an independent worker, maintaining & providing all products and items that is needed to make my business successful. Even though it hasn’t been a smooth road its always worth it at the end.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Glam Game – what should we know?
Glam Game is a beauty business that specializes in creating a glamorous lash look by enhancing the length, curliness, fullness, and thickness of the natural eyelashes. Glam Game also includes other services such as facial waxing and brow maintenance. What I am most proud of as a small business is that I am able to help other women feel even more beautiful than they already are by enhancing their lashes. The satisfaction from seeing them smile and express to me how much they love my work is the most rewarding part of it all. What sets me apart from others is my welcoming personality and professionalism. I have learned that the way you represent your business will determine the type of clientele you attract. As a business professional, I always aim to care for my clients and their lash needs by treating them with kindness and respecting their time and money invested.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Someone who definitely deserves credit would be my mentor Ms. Sharon DeJohnette. I’ve known her since I was in middle school and she has also been my hairstylist for the past 10 years. She’s been one of my biggest supporters since I mentioned the idea of wanting to do lashes. At the time, when I was preparing to learn the craft of lash extension, Ms. Sharon was in the process of opening her own salon in 2017. The day she found out that I received my lash certification she offered me a place in her salon. She believed in my talent before I even realized the potential I had within myself. The greatest gift I received from it all is being able to work right next to my life and business trusted advisor. Ms. Sharon has been a master cosmetologist for 20+ years and running a successful business is her specialty. She is know in our community for great things like giving to kids in need, hosting yearly back to school drives to supply kids with utensils for schooling, and is the organizer and owner of the Do It For Kahlin Foundation which helps bring awareness to a condition known as Athletes Heart Syndrome, named after her son who passed at the age of 16. She has inspired me by showing no matter what you go through in life your troubled times does not make or break the success you deserve to have in life. She has helped me by opening her salon door and allowing me to work and build my brand in a positive environment. Ms. Sharon has taught me the ups and downs of owning your own business by giving me useful tips and leading by example. I am more than grateful that God placed her in my life for everything happens for a reason.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://glamgame.as.me/schedule.php
• Phone: 4046442490
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamgame_/

Image Credit:
Earl Skates E-Z-AZ THAT PHOTOGRAPHY

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