Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Locklear.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Julie. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I received my formal training in pharmacy and business administration, graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a Doctor of Pharmacy and Saint Joseph’s University with a Masters in Business Administration.
For the past 20 years, I have been working in executive leadership positions within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, leading teams of professionals supporting health economics and the value of medicines to treat difficult diseases. In leadership positions, I have always championed diversity in teams, whether it relates to gender, background, cultural or educational skills. I mentored many women along my journey and fought for gender equality in the workplace.
In November of 2017, I left corporate to pursue my dreams of making people, especially women, feel better about themselves. I started my aesthetics career by enrolling in a local aesthetician school. While building my small business as a lash artist, I started consulting with a small company based out of Manhattan, advising pharmaceutical and biotech companies on how to demonstrate value for money for their respective products.
This approach allows me to invest in my small business while still providing the sole income for my family of five – plus two cats and a dog! As a professional, appearance and first impressions matter. While the world is changing, one thing remains constant, and that is one’s professional appearance, emotional intelligence, and first impressions play a role. I have been having my own lashes done by lash artists for the last five years. I was so intrigued by the process, that the researcher in me wanted to learn more about the process.
During my research, I was struck by the consistent inconsistencies I found. States vary by educational and certification requirements, and there are so many eyelash extension training and certification programs from which to select. As my research continued, I found Xtreme Lashes, The program was founded by a nurse, Jo Moselli, and the company is the global leader in eyelash extensions. Xtreme Lash manufacturers their proprietary adhesive in an FDA-approved manufacturing plant and provides extensive training and certification programs worldwide.
I registered for the basic certification program and became certified in 2016. After six or more months of hard work and practice, I passed the Advanced Volumation Course. My certifications are listed on the Xtreme Lash Directory website confirming my certification training. I am now in my second studio location in downtown Hingham, MA. A quiet shore town south of Boston, but within a quick ferry ride or drive (depending on traffic) from downtown Boston is not only where I live, but where I felt a lash stylist was needed.
I am the only Xtreme Lash Certified lash artist in Hingham, listed on the Xtreme Lash Directory website. My services for eyelash extensions include the classic look, volumation for a denser more dramatic style and color options to accentuate one’s natural eye color or just to add color for fun! I offer my services by appointment to ensure I have plenty of time to attend to each client’s individual needs. Whether one is getting eyelash extensions for a formal event, a party, or just for fun, I take pride in my work and want everyone who visits my studio to leave feeling happy and beautiful.
That’s why I created Be Happy Be Lashed Be Beautiful – because that is exactly how everyone should feel when he/she leaves my studio. I have invested in high-quality products from Xtreme LashesTM eyelash extensions, adhesives, aftercare cleansing products, eyelash extension compatible eye makeup, an electronic massage table and most importantly an autoclave. I want my clients to feel secure and confident that my eyelash extension tools are clean, disinfected and sterilized.
While a barbicide/water combination is acceptable to accomplish this, an autoclave is a better option and what I use to ensure disinfection and sterilization. I hope that women who come to my studio leave refreshed (free lash nap with every service) and beautiful.
Great, 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?
It has not been a smooth transition. It takes a long time to gain new clientele. I am working very hard to expose my small business through social media including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. In addition, I support school events in the area via silent auctions and utilize the local paper to advertise my business.
I am looking to gain enough clientele to keep me busy, but no so many that I cannot accommodate requests, including last minute requests. I experience wait times myself to get my hair done or to get eyelash extensions myself. Sometimes, it is weeks before my stylist can fit me into her schedule and for me personally, I want to be available for my clients. Therefore, I will only take as many clientele as I can support for this purpose.
Investing in my small business has also been difficult. There are so many expenses to set up a small business, even those I was unaware of in the beginning. From renting space to insurance, to the cost of aesthetics school, to supplies – of course, everything costs money, and I will be in the red for a long time before I actually start to make profits. That is ok with me because I love what I do and I know that someday it will pay off financially.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jules’ Lashes – what should we know?
Jules’ LashesTM is an eyelash extension provider. I am the only certified Xtreme LashTM stylist in Hingham, according to the Xtreme LashTM website. I use only Xtreme LashTM products. Xtreme LashTM is the global leader in eyelash extensions and was founded by a nurse, which was very important to me.
The founder, Jo Mouselli, pays critical attention to sanitary products and the company has excellent customer service. I offer classic, hybrid and Russian volume eyelash extensions. In addition, I offer color eyelash extensions which are a fun way to express oneself.
I believe what sets me apart from others include my credentials as a pharmacist, the products I utilize and the sterilization of my tools. There are not many, if any, eyelash extension studios in the surrounding area that offer sterilization via autoclaves.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The quality of my work is the most important attribute to my success. I take pride in my work, and when someone leaves my studio, he/she is a walking advertisement for my services. Therefore, as a perfectionist, I want to ensure the lashes look beautiful and my client leaves happy and more confident in himself/herself. This is why I created my mission, BeHappyBeLashesBeBeautiful. It personifies my belief.
Pricing:
- Classic eyelash extensions – $250 with refills every two weeks at $75
- Hybrid eyelash extensions – $275 with refills every two weeks at $100
- Russian volume eyelash extensions – $325 with refills every two weeks at $125
- Add color eyelash extensions – $25
- Eyelash extensions removal – $50
Contact Info:
- Address: 20 Central Street Hingham, MA 02043
- Website: www.juleslashes.com
- Phone: 609-610-8685
- Email: jules@juleslashes.com
- Instagram: @juleslashextensions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulesLashExtensions/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
- Twitter: @juleslashes
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jules-lashes-hingham
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