Beautysalon L.A Jolie: nails, eyelashes and eyebrows all in one
She is only 24 years old and already running a successful salon. Lisa Smith runs a salon in L.A and shares her experiences from the very beginning. But also how she likes the combination of nail, lash and eyebrow treatments. And she speaks out loud about which celebrity she would like to treat at her nail table one day.
How did you get into the nail business?
"That's actually a fun story. As a little girl, I was more one of the guys, not concerned with nails at all. Until I got a little older, started doing a fun marketing job, and got more involved in the beauty industry. I used to get my nails done at different salons. But when I noticed that some nail stylists are very rough, I thought: I can do better. I started looking online for a recognized nail training program. I found one at Proles Beauty, near me. I immediately clicked with the owner. The small scale and the way of teaching really appeal to me, and two weeks later I start the all-round nail training. You could say that this is a very spontaneous idea."
Can you tell us something about your salon?
"I have a home salon in L.A and specialize in nail, lash and eyebrow treatments. Since I have skin-to-skin contact with the client, I like to show the face behind the treatments. That's why I set up my social media very personally. That way clients know in advance who they are getting in touch with. When a client visits my salon for the first time, I start the treatment with an intake. During this conversation, I discuss the client's needs and expectations. I am very much in the advisory role, where I take clients along in a process. Suppose someone comes to me with a problem nail, then together we can see how we can make that nail healthy again. Nails are so different: someone can have very strong nails and the other has nails that easily crack, split or break. Each time I decide which treatment is most suitable for the client and that makes each treatment I give unique."
Beautysalon L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie | The Salon
Beautysalon L.A| Beautysalon La Jolie | The Salon
How did you experience the start of your salon?
"Especially in the beginning I did find it difficult at times. You think your salon is booked up when friends, family and acquaintances drop by. Yet you can't ignore the fact that you also have to attract strangers. To achieve that, I used a lot of social media. But the most important thing in this business is word-of-mouth advertising. People speak from experience to others about what they think of the salon. If that is positive, then that is the best advertising you can have."
What do you love about the combination of nails, eyelashes and eyebrows?
"It's very diverse. I focus mainly on the natural nail and I continue that line with the eyelash treatments: no eyelash extensions, but eyelash lifting. I wax and dye eyebrows, focusing on a natural look. I notice in my salon that the different treatments greatly enhance each other. When clients come in for nails, I see them coming back the next time for beautiful eyelashes. That's why I also offer packages. You see that customers like to use an all-in package just before their vacation, so you're all set."
Beautysalon L.A | Gel polish
Beautysalon L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie | Eyelashes
Beautysalon L.A | Eyebrows
What treatments do you enjoy giving the most?
"That's hard to say, every treatment is unique. If I really have to express a preference, I go for the nails. You can really use your creativity here. The designs are very diverse: from a subtle stripe to foil in gold or silver. The designs that I put on are often minimalistic. I like it when it goes with everything. What I also like is when people start out with quiet colors and then suddenly choose a red paint. Totally out of their comfort zone and therefore a nice challenge."
What is your specialty and why?
"My listening ear. I put a lot of energy into finding out what the client wants before I start a treatment. And I give advice where necessary. With clients who come to my salon with regularity, I know which treatment suits them best. But I take time for everyone for a nice chat and a drink. People come here for an hour of relaxation."
Who would you still like to treat and why?
"Maxima, that would be cool! If we're going to do it, let's do it right. I think it would be fun to hear her experiences of the Royal Family, and I'm also very curious about her nails. I would spoil her with a manicure and advise her to choose a very neutral and elegant color."
You still attend master classes regularly. What would you like to improve yourself in?
"Painting even tighter. I think you can always continue to improve, especially in nail art. Especially in nail art. I think it's a real challenge to draw a personal design for someone. That a client comes to me with a special story and that, based on that story, I work out a design on the nails."
Gel polish in L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie
Gell polish in L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie
What do you think of the quality of the Dutch stylists?
"That is very variable. In many salons I have experienced that it is mainly mass production. One client hasn't left yet or the next is already in the chair. That is absolutely not my way of working. On the other hand, I know plenty of salons that take the time for their clients and offer quality."
Are you active on social media? If so, on which channels and how do you use them?
"I am very active on Instagram and Facebook. On Instagram I use the stories mainly for posting pictures or videos. In it I tell something about a particular product or the benefits of a treatment. In posts on Instagram and Facebook I mainly show results of treatments, new trends or the range of colors. On the website you can read more information about the treatments.
Do you do any marketing promotions, if so what kind?
"Not consistently, but every now and then I do put in a marketing promotion to bring attention to a treatment. For example, an 'eyebrow day', where a client and her mother, friend or sister may have their eyebrows waxed and dyed for a total of $40. Once upon a time I attached a promotion to a call for models. For a reduced fee, they received a treatment in exchange for photos to promote my salon."
How do you keep private and business separate?
"In addition to my salon, I have a 32-hour work week as the 'jack-of-all-trades' of a meeting venue. I maintain contact with the tenants, make price proposals and, among other things, make sure the meetings run smoothly for the client. I keep business and private life separate by going the extra mile during the week so that I can enjoy my free time at the weekend. Weekend is weekend! That's when I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Because I attach so much value to this, it is easy to maintain. Moreover, my work is a hobby: it gives me energy!"
Do you have any tips for starting stylists?
"I always want to keep doing something besides my salon. What that is in the long run can always change. After all, I'm a leapfrog and prefer to take on any challenge."
How do you envision your future?
"The most important thing: persevere! I understand that it is very difficult to build up a client base in the beginning, but make sure you show yourself. Share with the outside world what you can do, the space you work in and what the treatments are like. People do want to know, before they make an appointment with you, what they are getting into. There are plenty of times when I have thought: it won't work. But if you persevere, you'll get there!"
She is only 24 years old and already running a successful salon. Lisa Smith runs a salon in L.A and shares her experiences from the very beginning. But also how she likes the combination of nail, lash and eyebrow treatments. And she speaks out loud about which celebrity she would like to treat at her nail table one day.
How did you get into the nail business?
"That's actually a fun story. As a little girl, I was more one of the guys, not concerned with nails at all. Until I got a little older, started doing a fun marketing job, and got more involved in the beauty industry. I used to get my nails done at different salons. But when I noticed that some nail stylists are very rough, I thought: I can do better. I started looking online for a recognized nail training program. I found one at Proles Beauty, near me. I immediately clicked with the owner. The small scale and the way of teaching really appeal to me, and two weeks later I start the all-round nail training. You could say that this is a very spontaneous idea."
Can you tell us something about your salon?
"I have a home salon in L.A and specialize in nail, lash and eyebrow treatments. Since I have skin-to-skin contact with the client, I like to show the face behind the treatments. That's why I set up my social media very personally. That way clients know in advance who they are getting in touch with. When a client visits my salon for the first time, I start the treatment with an intake. During this conversation, I discuss the client's needs and expectations. I am very much in the advisory role, where I take clients along in a process. Suppose someone comes to me with a problem nail, then together we can see how we can make that nail healthy again. Nails are so different: someone can have very strong nails and the other has nails that easily crack, split or break. Each time I decide which treatment is most suitable for the client and that makes each treatment I give unique."
Beautysalon L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie | The Salon
Beautysalon L.A| Beautysalon La Jolie | The Salon
How did you experience the start of your salon?
"Especially in the beginning I did find it difficult at times. You think your salon is booked up when friends, family and acquaintances drop by. Yet you can't ignore the fact that you also have to attract strangers. To achieve that, I used a lot of social media. But the most important thing in this business is word-of-mouth advertising. People speak from experience to others about what they think of the salon. If that is positive, then that is the best advertising you can have."
What do you love about the combination of nails, eyelashes and eyebrows?
"It's very diverse. I focus mainly on the natural nail and I continue that line with the eyelash treatments: no eyelash extensions, but eyelash lifting. I wax and dye eyebrows, focusing on a natural look. I notice in my salon that the different treatments greatly enhance each other. When clients come in for nails, I see them coming back the next time for beautiful eyelashes. That's why I also offer packages. You see that customers like to use an all-in package just before their vacation, so you're all set."
Beautysalon L.A | Gel polish
Beautysalon L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie | Eyelashes
Beautysalon L.A | Eyebrows
What treatments do you enjoy giving the most?
"That's hard to say, every treatment is unique. If I really have to express a preference, I go for the nails. You can really use your creativity here. The designs are very diverse: from a subtle stripe to foil in gold or silver. The designs that I put on are often minimalistic. I like it when it goes with everything. What I also like is when people start out with quiet colors and then suddenly choose a red paint. Totally out of their comfort zone and therefore a nice challenge."
What is your specialty and why?
"My listening ear. I put a lot of energy into finding out what the client wants before I start a treatment. And I give advice where necessary. With clients who come to my salon with regularity, I know which treatment suits them best. But I take time for everyone for a nice chat and a drink. People come here for an hour of relaxation."
Who would you still like to treat and why?
"Maxima, that would be cool! If we're going to do it, let's do it right. I think it would be fun to hear her experiences of the Royal Family, and I'm also very curious about her nails. I would spoil her with a manicure and advise her to choose a very neutral and elegant color."
You still attend master classes regularly. What would you like to improve yourself in?
"Painting even tighter. I think you can always continue to improve, especially in nail art. Especially in nail art. I think it's a real challenge to draw a personal design for someone. That a client comes to me with a special story and that, based on that story, I work out a design on the nails."
Gel polish in L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie
Gell polish in L.A | Beautysalon La Jolie
What do you think of the quality of the Dutch stylists?
"That is very variable. In many salons I have experienced that it is mainly mass production. One client hasn't left yet or the next is already in the chair. That is absolutely not my way of working. On the other hand, I know plenty of salons that take the time for their clients and offer quality."
Are you active on social media? If so, on which channels and how do you use them?
"I am very active on Instagram and Facebook. On Instagram I use the stories mainly for posting pictures or videos. In it I tell something about a particular product or the benefits of a treatment. In posts on Instagram and Facebook I mainly show results of treatments, new trends or the range of colors. On the website you can read more information about the treatments.
Do you do any marketing promotions, if so what kind?
"Not consistently, but every now and then I do put in a marketing promotion to bring attention to a treatment. For example, an 'eyebrow day', where a client and her mother, friend or sister may have their eyebrows waxed and dyed for a total of $40. Once upon a time I attached a promotion to a call for models. For a reduced fee, they received a treatment in exchange for photos to promote my salon."
How do you keep private and business separate?
"In addition to my salon, I have a 32-hour work week as the 'jack-of-all-trades' of a meeting venue. I maintain contact with the tenants, make price proposals and, among other things, make sure the meetings run smoothly for the client. I keep business and private life separate by going the extra mile during the week so that I can enjoy my free time at the weekend. Weekend is weekend! That's when I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. Because I attach so much value to this, it is easy to maintain. Moreover, my work is a hobby: it gives me energy!"
Do you have any tips for starting stylists?
"I always want to keep doing something besides my salon. What that is in the long run can always change. After all, I'm a leapfrog and prefer to take on any challenge."
How do you envision your future?
"The most important thing: persevere! I understand that it is very difficult to build up a client base in the beginning, but make sure you show yourself. Share with the outside world what you can do, the space you work in and what the treatments are like. People do want to know, before they make an appointment with you, what they are getting into. There are plenty of times when I have thought: it won't work. But if you persevere, you'll get there!"
Photos used under Creative Commons from Elvert Barnes, ShortcutsUSA