Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Ciliezar.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ash…Ashley, but Ash Ciliezar. I’m a Lash & Brow artist. I have been lashing for close to 2 years and I wear that badge with honor. As a newer Lash Artist, -opposed to some artist I know that have been lashing for 10 years, I really strive for customer satisfaction. I take pride in delivering quality over quantity. In my studio I never rush a set. So if clients are looking for that “quick get in and out” as fast as they can, I am probably not the artist for them. I really take time to perfect my craft. As a people pleaser, I put my clients needs before mine. I love making my clients feel happy, confident and content with their lashes. I strive to give everyone a pleasant experience. What you get when you book with me is more of a spa-like experience without the high dollar cost. I dim the lights, put on relaxing music, have a diffuser with essential oils going and let my clients drift away. I truly try to put myself in my clients shoes and give them an experience I personally would love to walk in to. It all started on a whim. I also treat myself to eyelash extensions. Once I started, there was no way I was going back. The simplicity, the confidence, the time I saved getting ready and the glamour that came with extensions was a game changer. I knew I had found a bff in lash extensions. Interesting enough it seemed Lash Techs were always busy or full. I thought, “surely this is a booming field, I could make money if I got into this line of work” and immediately I thought “ rather, I can give girls the same experience I get out of lashes” because if you get into this field for the wrong reasons, you won’t be as successful. It takes a lot of patience and dedication to grow as a Lash Artist. My mindset changed and quickly I started thinking “how can I help other girls such as myself and treat them how I would want to be treated ?” I had bounced around and tried a few lash artists. I came across a business owner who had everything setup online. The experience was seamless, easy and self booking. She inspired me to think if I ever did lashes I would want to give a good and easy experience like that as well. Starting with first impressions and how easy you could book an appointment. No back and forth text messages waiting hours or up to a day or more just to hear “sorry, I am full that day”. I started picking her brain asking questions. I have always been drawn to the beauty industry, in fact when I was in high school, it was a dream to be hair dresser or work in a hair salon. But that’s all it was, a dream I could not afford. After much thought, I took a leap of faith and enrolled in a short crash course to get certified as a Lash Artist. I constantly doubted myself, thinking if this was a bad idea or if it was more than I can handle. “Did I bite more than I can chew?” I thought. Everything new is always scary, taking risks are scary, doubt crawled in and made me wonder if this was the correct career choice. I had no time to waste. I was going through with it and that was that. No turning back. I completed my course and applied for a business license and quickly started my business. Later, we’re talking over a year down the line I wanted to move forward and branch out. Take my home studio to a business space. To do that I needed to get licensed through the state (officially) I had to re-enroll in school and take a semester at a state accredited school. I enrolled at Paul Mitchell The School in Provo UT and graduated. I am only looking forward to what new things are coming my way. I have added new services from Brow lamination, waxing to facials. I love what I do. Sure, I still fear the unknown and get nervous to meet new people but I keep pushing forward. I haven’t thrown in the towel and I don’t plan to.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely been a struggle. My first 6 months were brutal. Constantly doubting myself. Kicking myself down, asking why I chose this route. I constantly felt like I was not good at lashing. What I failed to realize is that lashing does not happen overnight. It truly is a game of patience and practice. But sometimes I can be an impatient person so I wanted to be good and I wanted it now. I would internally cry when I took too long on a set, or if clients informed me their lashes were falling out. I would think I was not cut out for lashing and I should just quit. After much research and practice I realized lashing wasn’t going to come naturally, with ease, or magically. It was going to require constant work and attention. I had to change lots of approaches, products, tools ands much more. I was constantly learning more and more by watching other lash artists on social media. I picked up a bunch of tips and tricks along the way and started to see improvement. Little by little my confidence grew and so did my work and clients.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am fresh out of school. I learned a lot of useful information I can apply to my business to benefit my clients. With my new schooling I was able to learn new services and now start offering more than just lash extensions. I am a lash artists but I also do brows and facials now. I give a pleasant experience and atmosphere. I am more of a spa than just a lash girl with a lash bed. It’s all about the vibe for me. I even ditched the flat uncomfortable lash beds for a more comfortable approach and I lash on a comfortable recliner. It’s back friendly for those who may have back issues. I love doing facials, it’s very satisfying. My specialty is definitely Lashes! My favorite lashes to do are Classic Plus lashes. It’s more than the basic traditional “natural” Classic lashes, it’s more versatile. It’s perfect for the girls who want that “clean girl” lash but with the right amount of drama and glamour without being too heavy or mega lash. What sets me apart is I truly care. In a world where some people can’t even afford groceries, I could never feel right about charging an arm and a leg for my services. I have always tried to keep my prices reasonable, and keep them lower than some of those high dollar lash salons that charge $200 for a lash set and $120 for a lash fill. I am also a budget queen and want my prices to be able to reach all walks of life. I know I could charge more but I relate to my clients. I am a real person just like they are and I am proud of that. What I want people to know is I am a “Lash Therapist” because you can come to me and vent about your day and your secrets are safe with me. I am all ears and I want you to be heard.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I think listening to your clients needs and wants are important. Giving them options instead of trying to do a “one size fits all”. Over time I have heard one too many girls say they didn’t know they had so many options. Some artist do the same style on everyone that walks in. Having open communication helps them feel safe and that it’s a safe space to open up. I encourage feedback and tell my clients to speak up if something is not right. I also do not give them false hope, sometimes the vision they have will not physically work. So that is where my communication and transparency comes in. I can’t do a mega volume on someone who has little to no/ short or brittle lashes. Not everything is compatible unfortunately but having that open communication helps them understand I am only looking out for them and come up with a backup alternative. I want my clients to be happy with the work I do. If your clients feel heard and are happy with the results, they’ll keep coming back.
Pricing:
- Facials-$45
- Fills -$85
- New sets $130
- Brow services coming soon
- Mini fills-$40
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thelashroomwithash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__the_lash_room__
- Other: https://book.heygoldie.com/The-Lash-Room-c0dbf6f36916
