How to Start a Lash Business After Certification: Beginner Guide
How to Start a Lash Business After Certification: Beginner Guide…
How to Start a Lash Business After Certification: Beginner Guide
You’ve finished your lash certification—congrats! That alone is a huge step. But now comes the question every new lash artist asks:
“How do I actually start my lash business?”
The truth is, getting certified is just the beginning. If you want to build a career that gives you real income, freedom, and flexibility, you need more than good lash skills, you need a plan. Whether you dream of working from home, opening a studio, or becoming your own boss full-time, this guide will walk you through the exact steps to get started.
At LucyLu Lash Academy in Chicago, we’ve helped hundreds of women go from total beginners to fully booked lash bosses. This isn’t theory… this is exactly what works in the real world.
Step 1: Build Your Confidence Through Practice
Before you jump into taking paid clients, practice, practice, and practice some more.
- Do 5–10 free or discounted sets for family, friends, or models
- Take before/after photos of every set
- Ask for honest feedback and keep refining your technique
It’s normal to feel nervous at first. But the more you lash, the faster your confidence (and speed) will grow. And don’t worry if your first few sets aren’t perfect. What matters is that you’re improving and showing up.
At LucyLu, we encourage our students to practice on live models during training, and we include a live model test day with feedback—so you’re not starting from zero.
Step 2: Choose Where You’ll Work
There are three main options:
- Home Studio – Low overhead, flexible, but requires licensing/zoning approval
- Rent a Salon Suite or Booth – More professional space without owning a full salon
- Mobile Lash Tech – Traveling to clients (less common due to setup and sanitation challenges)
Make sure to check your local state board requirements—some allow home-based lashing, others don’t. If you’re not sure what’s legal in your area, reach out to a licensed mentor or local inspector.
Step 3: Set Up Your Business Legally
This part might feel intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think. You’ll need to:
✅ Register your business (LLC is most common for solo lash artists)
✅ Get a business license (check your city/state)
✅ Set up a separate bank account
✅ Consider business insurance (especially for client safety)
We walk you through these steps during our business training module at LucyLu Lash Academy, so you’re not left guessing.
Step 4: Create a Brand That Stands Out
You don’t need a fancy logo or expensive website to start, but you do need to look professional. Here’s what you should have:
- A business name (keep it short, memorable, and lash-related)
- An Instagram and TikTok account with your brand name
- A clean profile photo (yourself or a logo)
- A simple bio: who you help + where you’re located + how to book
- Start posting: your work, behind the scenes, client reactions, tips
Social media is your storefront. Clients will stalk your page before they book, so post regularly—even if you’re just starting.
Step 5: Price Your Services Wisely
Avoid undercharging just to get clients. Your time, skill, and supplies cost money. Here’s a beginner pricing strategy:
- Start with a discounted “model” rate for the first 5–10 clients
- Gradually raise your price as your sets improve
- Add $10–$20 every 2–3 weeks until you reach your target rate
Track how long each set takes you. Your goal is to price your sets so you’re eventually earning $40–$100+ per hour.
Our students at LucyLu learn how to price their services confidently, without fear of rejection. We even provide sample pricing menus based on your experience level and location.
Step 6: Get Booking Systems in Place
Avoid the chaos of DMs and texts by using a booking app from the beginning. Clients trust businesses that are organized.
Try tools like:
- Vagaro
- Acuity Scheduling
- GlossGenius
- Square Appointments
Make sure your booking link is in your IG bio and that it includes:
- Service names + descriptions
- Prices
- Cancellation policy
- Deposit requirements
Step 7: Start Building Your Client Base
Here’s how to attract your first real clients:
- Offer a limited-time discount for new clients
- Ask every friend/family member to repost you
- Post consistently on Instagram and TikTok (3–5x a week)
- Share before/afters and client testimonials
- Use hashtags like #chicagolashes #lashextensionschicago
- Run a giveaway: “Win a full lash set! Tag 3 friends + follow to enter”
We teach all of this in our course. We don’t just give you the lash skills—we show you how to get booked.
Step 8: Offer a 5-Star Client Experience
Once someone books with you, you want to keep them coming back. Focus on:
- Cleanliness and sanitation
- Making them feel comfortable and welcome
- Having soft music, cozy blankets, and a peaceful vibe
- Being gentle and explaining aftercare
The best marketing is word of mouth. If your clients feel amazing when they leave, they’ll tell their friends—and that’s how you grow.
Bonus: Continue Learning and Leveling Up
The lash industry moves fast. Once you’re comfortable with classic sets, consider adding:
- Volume and Mega Volume lashes
- Lash lifts and tints
- Brow services (lamination, tinting, shaping)
At LucyLu Lash Academy, our training covers classic, volume, and mega volume—and we offer advanced courses so you can keep scaling your skills and your income.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
Starting your lash business is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have everything perfect. You just need to start.
Every lash boss you see now started with shaky hands, nerves, and a dream. What sets them apart is that they took action.
Ready to start your lash career the right way? ✨ Enroll now at LucyLu Lash Academy and get hands-on training, business mentorship, and the step-by-step guidance you need to build a thriving lash business. Call or text 773-870-2816.
