How to Get Clients as a New Lash Artist in Chicago

(Even Before You Graduate)

You want a full calendar the moment you finish training. That is possible in Chicago if you start the right way. You do not have to wait until graduation to build interest, a waitlist, and real momentum. This guide shows you exactly how to do it while respecting Illinois rules, so you leave LucyLu Lash Academy with a portfolio, a plan, and paying clients ready to book.

Read this first

In Illinois, lash extensions fall under professional practice. You should not take paying clients until you meet state requirements and hold the proper license. During training you can work on supervised models for education and for your portfolio. While you are in school you can build an audience, collect leads, create content, and prepare a launch so your first paid appointments begin the moment you are eligible. If you are unsure about requirements, ask us during your campus tour or orientation. We cover it clearly and give you an ethical step by step path.

Build a simple waitlist right now

Set up a one page interest form. Ask for name, email, mobile number, and neighborhood. Include common areas like Wicker Park, Logan Square, River North, South Loop, West Loop, Lakeview, and Pilsen. Keep it short so people complete it on their phone in less than thirty seconds.

What to put at the top of the form
I am training at LucyLu Lash Academy in Chicago. I am building my model list for supervised practice and my first client list for right after graduation. Add your info to get early access to model days and first week booking. Limited spots each week go to the waitlist first.

Where to place the form

1. Instagram bio and TikTok bio
2. A pinned comment under your best post
3. Your personal link page if you have one
4. Your phone notes so you can paste the link in DMs and texts

Why this works
People love early access and they want to feel like insiders. A waitlist creates social proof and gives you a warm audience you can convert the minute you open your first schedule.

Run smart model calls during training

Model calls are supervised practice for education, not paid appointments. Treat them like real sessions. The experience should be clean, calm, and on time. Great model appointments often become your very first paying clients.

Where to find models in Chicago

1. Friends, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, and gym friends
2. Facebook neighborhood groups and beauty groups across Bucktown, Avondale, Logan Square, and Lincoln Park
3. College communities at DePaul, UIC, Columbia College, and local community colleges
4. Boutique gyms and studios that welcome student boards

What to post
Model call for classic lash extensions during training at LucyLu Lash Academy. Free for supervised practice. Includes consultation, photos, and aftercare kit. Spots are limited. Add your info to my interest form in bio.

Set expectations clearly
Ask models to arrive without eye makeup. Let them know the session may be longer than a standard client appointment because you are focused on perfect technique. Ask for written permission to take photos and short clips. Tell them you will check in the next day about comfort and retention.

Create a portfolio that sells while you sleep

You do not need hundreds of photos. You need a tight set that proves consistency and safety.

Aim for this kit

1. Twelve strong before and after photos with clean close ups
2. Three short vertical clips that show isolation, placement, and the final brush through
3. Three full face lifestyle shots near a bright window
4. One short on camera testimonial where the model says they felt comfortable, safe, and loved the result

Practical shooting tips
Natural window light beats overhead light every time. Clean the under eye area before photos. Brush through lashes slowly for the final clip. Keep edits light so the work looks true. Crop distractions out of frame and wipe the lens before you start.

Turn Instagram and TikTok into your storefront

People will decide in seconds if they trust you. Your profile should read like a business card.

Profile checklist

1. Name and area for quick relevance, for example Jessica Lash Artist, Wicker Park and Logan Square
2. Services you will offer after graduation such as classic, hybrid, and volume
3. A clear call to action like Join my model and first client list, link in bio
4. Story Highlights for FAQs, policies, aftercare, and pricing once you are licensed
5. Three pins at the top of your grid such as your best transformation, your intro video, and your current model call

Content ideas that convert searchers

1. A short reel that shows classic, hybrid, and volume on three different eye shapes and explains how you choose a style
2. A calm clip of sanitation and station setup which builds trust fast
3. A time lapse from bare lashes to final brush through with a simple voiceover about comfort and aftercare
4. A talking video about how to sleep with fresh lashes and what pillowcase helps retention

Write captions that include Chicago and neighborhood names. Add alt text that says exactly what is shown. Local language helps local people find you.

Set up Google the right way

Once licensed, you will want a Google Business Profile. Draft your listing details now so you can publish quickly. Use one business name, one phone number, and one address consistently across the web. If you will rent a suite or share a space, confirm permission to list that address before posting it publicly. Add three great photos in natural light and one short video of a brush through.

Your two day training launch plan

Before training

1. Build your waitlist form and pin it everywhere
2. Post a supervised model call for LucyLu practice days
3. Prepare three pinned posts for Instagram and TikTok
4. Draft your Google Business Profile text and photo set
5. Create a simple script for DMs and texts so replies are fast

DM script for friends and warm contacts
I am training at LucyLu Lash Academy this week and I need a couple of supervised models. It is free and I will include an aftercare kit. Want me to hold a spot for you

Day 1 at LucyLu

1. Bring a model if your session allows it
2. Capture close ups, a brush through clip, and one full face shot
3. Record a short face to camera intro. Example I am training at LucyLu in Chicago and opening my first client spots right after training. Join my list in bio to get first pick
4. Ask your model for one sentence of feedback and permission to share it

Day 2 at LucyLu

1. Bring a second model if allowed and choose a different eye shape so your portfolio shows range
2. Film a clean setup clip and voiceover your aftercare routine
3. Ask both models to join your early bird list for your first week of booking
4. Draft your launch message so you can send it the day you are eligible to accept paying clients

Days 1 to 7 after training

1. Publish your best before and after and your intro video
2. Open ten to twelve launch spots for classic or hybrid only so timing is predictable while you build speed
3. Offer a small introductory price for your first twenty bookings with a clear end date
4. Send your waitlist a private link for one full day before you post publicly
5. Use a simple follow up routine
   a. Booking confirmation with location and parking tips plus prep steps
   b. Night before reminder
   c. Day after check in with aftercare in writing
   d. One week retention check and an invite to book a fill window

Days 8 to 30

1. Ask every new client for permission to share one photo and a short sentence of feedback
2. Give each person two share cards. When a new client books using their name, both people get a thank you on the next visit
3. Post three pieces of content each week. One transformation, one educational clip, and one trust builder
4. Partner with one nearby business such as brows, nails, spray tan, a blowout bar, a bridal artist, or a photographer. Trade two shoutouts and leave five QR cards at each location

Follow up like a pro

Most beginners lose repeat bookings because they do not follow up. Keep it kind and simple.

Confirmation text
Thank you for booking with me. Your appointment is at our studio near Wicker Park. There is street parking on Milwaukee and a garage one block away. Please arrive without eye makeup and avoid caffeine that morning so your eyes can relax.

Night before
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow. Bring your aftercare kit if you received one during training. Text me if you have questions.

Day after
How are your lashes feeling today. Here is your aftercare checklist. Avoid steam and heavy water for the first day. Do a gentle cleanse tonight and brush lightly in the morning. If anything feels off, tell me and I will help.

One week later
How is retention. I have fill spots on Tuesday at four and Thursday at eleven. Would you like one of those times

Two weeks later
Last call for a fill in your ideal window. I can hold a spot on Tuesday at four if you want it.

This rhythm shows care and gives people clear next steps without pressure.

Avoid the mistakes that keep calendars empty

1. Waiting to post until you feel perfect. Real progress beats perfection
2. Over editing photos so viewers cannot trust what they see
3. Underpricing with no end date and then feeling stuck
4. Forgetting to collect consent for photos and video
5. Skipping rebooking scripts and hoping clients remember on their own
6. Posting without location tags and neighborhood names
7. Hiding your face. Clients book people, not logos

How LucyLu Lash Academy sets you up to win

At LucyLu you learn in person with working artists who understand what Chicago clients expect. You practice on live models with real time coaching, which means your hands learn what your eyes are seeing. You leave with portfolio content, on camera proof of sanitation, rebooking scripts, referral thank you cards, and a launch plan that follows Illinois rules. We also coach you on business basics like pricing, policies, and simple marketing that does not feel pushy.

If you want help building your waitlist, ask us during training and we will set it up with you. If you want a script for DMs and model calls, we provide it. If you want advice about where to list your services or how to approach a salon owner about renting a room, we have done it and we will share what works in West Loop, Lincoln Park, Avondale, and more.

Frequently asked questions

Can I start charging right after training
You can accept paying clients once you meet Illinois licensing requirements. Until then, keep all work as supervised model practice. We will help you understand the exact steps and timeline.

How many photos do I need before I open booking
You can open with ten to twelve strong before and afters plus two or three short clips. Add more as you go. Quality matters more than volume.

What if I do not know where I will work yet
Build your list anyway. You can share your neighborhood while you finalize your exact studio address. When you secure a location, update your Google listing and your socials on the same day for consistency.

What if I am not comfortable on video
Start with short voiceovers and station setup clips. Then record one simple face to camera welcome. People want to hear your voice. It builds trust faster than any caption.

Ready to leave training with a calendar already filling up

If you want a clear path to real clients, come see LucyLu Lash Academy in person. Book a campus tour, meet an instructor, and ask every question on your mind. We will map out your two day training, your model plan, and your first thirty days after graduation so you can move with confidence.

Book your in person training with LucyLu Lash Academy today.
Choose your start date, start your waitlist this week, and fill your first booking block next month. Your lash career in Chicago can start faster than you think when you train with the right team. Call or text 773-870-2816 with any questions.