Today we’d like to introduce you to Breanne Jensen.
Hi Breanne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Lashing full-time in 2014 after a car accident that wreaked havoc on my neck and back. I couldn’t hold my arms up to do hair full time anymore but I didn’t want to waste my license. That’s a lot of time and money spent to not be put to use so I decided to lash. When I was in Cosmetology school 11 years ago lash extensions weren’t as big of a thing as they are now so it wasn’t part of our curriculum. I had to take outside courses from lash brands like Borboleta and Minkys. My husband and I moved to Texas in order for him to attend law school in 2014 so I got a job as a lash artist in order to support us. Once he graduated and we decided to move back to Utah we then had a 2 yr. old and I knew I didn’t want to have to answer to a “boss”. I wanted to work on my own time so that I could still make as much time for my family.
I started JP Lash Studio and my first little room was just a couple blocks south of where our Orem Studio is located now. I built my clientele through word of mouth and Instagram. I took more lash courses in order to improve my technique.
Once I was pregnant with my second child, I knew I didn’t want to risk sending clients away while I was out on maternity leave and risk them not coming back. This led me to hiring my fist employee, Amanda. Amanda is amazing, she’s been with me 4 years in August and she’s grown so much and her lashes are exquisite. The two of us outgrew our little room and I wanted a space that appeared a bit more stand-alone so we moved down the street to our current location. I’ve had several other girls work for me and they’ve all been great. I don’t ever want to have an environment where the girls are uncomfortable or think I’m demanding, always looking over their shoulder or not allowing them to grow as much as possible. I want these girls to gain as much experience as they can and the. If they choose to leave and do their own thing, they feel confident enough in how to get started and their skills as an artist to break out on their own.
We’ve done really well; I love the environment we have and we stay quite busy.
In December my husband was in the ICU with Covid on life support for 5 weeks and through that I was so grateful that my girls took over everything and I didn’t have to worry about clients at all or what was going to happen to my business. When he miraculously was able to come home, we were sure what his recovery would look like so I opened a second location, an in-home studio at my house so that I could be close enough to help him if needed. While his recovery has been amazing and shorter than anyone expected I’ve had enough clients who have liked the American Fork location so I’ve decided to keep it open long-term.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Haha Absolutely not. I’d like to know who answers that with a yes, I need their secret. Anything your passionate about is going to take work. You’re going to get burned out. You’re going to have days where you wonder if it’s worth it and want to quit.
Having three kids and running a business is a lot. Running a business, being a working wife, being a mom are all hard and time-consuming on their own let alone together. It’s hard to find balance.
I struggled in how I wanted to brand JP Lash. What I wanted from it and how to make sure I was creating a good work environment for any artist that wanted to work with me. Client boundaries and expectations are also a struggle. Setting clear boundaries in regards to cancellation or no-shows or even just appointments, in general, made a big difference in helping the studio run smoothly.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We specialize in all things Lashes. Lash extensions, lash lifts, tinting…we got you. I’d say we are best known for lash lifts as well as creating natural lash lines that maintain the health and Integrity of your natural lashes. We aren’t just going to put whatever picture you bring into us on your lashes. We do a thorough consult to see what your natural lashes can withstand and what will look good with your eye shape. I tell my artists all the time that what you put on your clients’ eyes is their marketing. That person is going to be a walking billboard for them, so make sure it’s work that they are proud of and that the client will love. If they come in with a picture of what they want and it isn’t something we feel their lashes can handle or a look that we don’t specialize in… we don’t do it. We refer to someone else. It isn’t worth whatever the service cost is to have them leave with something we’re not proud of or something that the client isn’t happy with. We are very upfront and honest with our clients about their lashes. We get a lot of clients coming in from other quick lash places who have had their lashes wrecked my improper application and we pride ourselves on being able to rehab those lashes and educate our clients on what is best for their lashes.
What do you think about happiness?
I think I’m still figuring that out. We’re always changing, evolving as people. What made me happy as a 17 yr. old isn’t going to necessarily make me happy as a 31 yr. old. I enjoy the journey I’m on to figure out who I am as a person without the Influence and pressure of others.
My kids make me happy; my husband makes me happy; my friends and family make me happy. My job and having something that keeps me labeled as something other than just a mom or wife makes me happy. I’m still discovering what makes me happy. It’s hard. And letting go of things you think or are told should make you happy but don’t is painful. But I think well-being able to listen to my innermost person and trust her, that’s going to make me the most happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: JPlashstudio.com
- Instagram: jp.lashstudio
Image Credits
Amber Prusse Photography
