Meet Trailblazer Cindy Richard

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Richard.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Cindy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I was a teenager, I knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry. I was the one who put makeup on everyone as a kid. So, I chose to study cosmetology in high school and then went on to esthetic school in 1988. I’ve been doing skincare ever since. I did take a break to be a stay at home Mom to raise two amazing kids. When I was young, I bounced around from salon to salon thinking the grass was always greener. In 2010 my boss at the time offered to pay for me to train in eyelash extensions. I figured why not learn something new. This course changed my life. I fell in love with the art of lashing and I, fortunately, picked it up with ease. I quickly established a Lash clientele and I decided to start my own Lash business by renting space in a salon. I did not want my own salon. I just wanted to be small and rent space. Owning my own salon was never a thought of mine because I was insecure and didn’t think I was good enough to have my own. I was confident in my skills but not my self-worth.

Until July 2015 when My Mom, my best friend and my forever cheerleader was diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung Cancer. This change in our lives along with my growing Lash clientele gave me the inner strength I needed to push me to open my own business. I knew my mom wanted this for me for years so I did it for her. I found a small space in Quincy close to my home, so I could be close for my now teenage kids. I did a complete build out in less then 30 days because clients were booked and epitome studios was born. My mom got to see my space and my success before she passed away in March 2016. Remembering the look on her face the first time she walked in and her belief in me continues to give me what I need to believe in myself every single day. My amazing clients continue to grow my business by referring their friends and families. I am grateful for each and every one of them. They make going to work everyday easy. Their loyalty and friendship do not go unnoticed.

I am often told to expand my business, get bigger but I am content with what I have. I have started to train other estheticians in lash extensions in hopes that they can grab the artistry, the passion and success. I want to give them a chance to do what they love and succeed at it. And to make themselves and their own personal cheerleader proud. I want to pass on the story of my failures and my successes and watch them grow.

When I was in high school a good friend said to me, “Cindy you are the epitome of fashion.” I thanked her and then looked up the definition of epitome.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Getting to where I am today was a very bumpy road. Like I said earlier I jumped from salon to salon always thinking the grass was greener somewhere else. But it wasn’t the salon that didn’t make me happy. It was me. So, my advice for people starting out is to educate yourself, decide what makes you happy every day, practice and practice and be proud of your work. Fine tune your skill and watch your success happen. Be good to your clients and Truly care about them and their families. The rest will fall into place.

I am thankful to everyone I have worked for in the past because I took away something from each one of them which now contributes to my success.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about epitome studios – what should we know?
I am a licensed esthetician and have been for 30 years. But I specialize in classic eyelash extensions. I was originally trained at Elizabeth Grady. I then went on and became certified in volume eyelash extensions through Borboleta. I am now an exclusive salon with Borboleta.

What sets me apart from others is my flexibility when scheduling and my passion for the actual artistry of lashing. You have to know where to place different lashes. Everyone gets their own customized set of lash extensions.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the good things about social media is being able to connect with people in our industry from all over the world. Watch some posts and see who you like. Follow their work and see what their clients say about them. Latch on to positive people who love what they do. Find yourself a soul sister. A friend you can trust who trusts you back. You need that person to bounce ideas, frustrations, and questions off of. I found mine a few years ago and she is now a forever friend. Real friends and fake lashes. Thank you, Danielle!

Pricing:

• Classic full set $175
• 2week Fill $60
• 3 week fill $75

Contact Info:

• Address: 171 Beale St
  Quincy, MA 02170
• Website: Www.epitomestudios1.com
• Phone: 774-218-4054
• Email: cindyrichard26@comcast.net
• Instagram: @epitomestudios
• Facebook: Epitome studios

Image Credit:
Cindy Richard, Danielle Connor, Carly Salamone, Jamie, Kim Carrigan

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