Copyight © 2017 Louise Tierney All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods,without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and certain other non commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed, “Attention: Permissions Coordinator”, at the address below. Chrysalis House Publishing Lower Ground 7 Newton Place Glasgow G3 7PR United Kingdom publishinguk@me.com www.chrysalishousepublishing.com Editor - Andi Ramsay
Contents Introduction Agnieszka Kwiatkowska Daria Ziolkowska Emily Lee Hilaree Brand Ilona ÄŒypienÄ— Kellymarie Storer Ksenia Karnejenko Miranda Tarpey Yvonne van Wieren
7 8 19 25 30 34 39 47 54 62
Introduction Lash Masters Books are published annually, featuring some of the best Lash Artists, trainers and brands of the Lash Industry. Volume 4 features some well known artists and some fairly new talents. My name is Louise Tierney owner of Lash Inc magazine and editor of Lash Inc International edition. I started putting together Lash Master books 4 years ago to feature talented industry professionals and to boost the visibility of the industry in the beauty world. I am always looking for people to feature in books and the magazine if you feel you have something interesting to share please get in contact. You can also win prizes by sharing photos of the book on Instagram to enter simply upload your photo with the hashtag #lashinc and we will pick our favourite photos to share and issue prizes. Enjoy this edition and happy lashing!
Louise Tierney info@lashinc.eu www.lashinc.eu
Introduction — 7
Agnieszka Kwiatkowska Where did you first find out about lash extensions? It was eight years ago, in 2008. I had made a booking to get my lashes done. At this time, only a few girls were doing eyelash extensions in Cracow. I knew from that appointment that I was hooked; this was my calling, this is what I wanted to do. I wanted to be in business within the beauty industry, and lash enhancements were perfect; I had found my passion! I started offering the Classic style, but I was eager to learn and experimented with new techniques. Having a background in makeup, I have an exquisite eye for detail and symmetry, and this was something that helped me with my formulation of my techniques.
So, it wasn’t that popular nine years ago? In Poland, eyelash extentions have been around for roughly twelve years; we’ve come a long way in those twelve years — from perming to eyelash extensions. And that’s just the beginning of the fun! 8 — Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
I was one of the first in Cracow who offered this excellent treatment. I started with Classic Eyelash extensions 1:1, which is straightforward and chic. Fast forward two years, I was the first to bring Volume Technique lash extensions to Cracow. I learned a few things from a friend and took her class. This was just the start; I felt a deep connection with Volume eyelash extensions. I wanted to excel, and I was determined. I began working on my technique. Being a makeup artist, I had a great understanding of the facial structure. I wanted to be able to create a personalised style for each and every customer, giving them a custom look. In 2011, I completed my first Volume class. I couldn’t wait to train again. I started to outsource and travel for training all over Europe! I wanted the best training available so that I could provide the best service and treatments for my clients. One of my International training courses was with Irina Levchuk 4 years ago, she was my mentor and she is till today.
What attracted you to this industry? Most women have a soft spot for all things glamorous, and eyelash extensions are a simple answer for the modern-day woman that’s wanting to look her best. The people within this industry are very creative. We are blessed and see amazing masterpieces. The work I see from my students around the world is incredible. It makes me very proud as a trainer to see them growing.
Agnieszka Kwiatkowska — 9
31/2 years ago, I created Starlash Academy, a premium line of innovative products that is now widely used and recognised across the world. I made it my goal to have products that were to be used at all stages of a lash artist’s career. I knew what it was like when I first started, and it can be very overwhelming. When I was first introduced to eyelash extensions, we didn’t have anything as amazing as we have today, In the past, the glue only had a 5-second drying time. Can you imagine doing Mega Volume with this adhesive? That would be a very long day! I was always looking for ways to improve the industry and find products that were better to work with. So, with the evolution of products, I was able to master and create my style of eye mapping and volume techniques. With a background in makeup artistry, I saw the eyes in a different way than most lash masters. I have managed to create multiple techniques and teach this unique eyelash mapping technique. Starlash Academy not only has products but also is a training academy in Poland. I am now traveling internationally to provide training to Lash Artists and Trainers.
10 — Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
I love training; I can see my students becoming successful in applying techniques they have learned from my training classes. I think that what attracted me is the power of beauty; I can see how models or how our customers change after our service. Also, I love teaching and meeting lots of people in this industry.
When did you find out that lashes are your passion? Nine years ago, when I got my first set of lashes, they were just a classic style, but I was in love. After that, I was looking in the mirror all day! I started looking at training; I wanted to be a lash artist.
What did you do before becoming a lash artist? I was studying Chemistry of food at University in Krakow. I was lashing, part time, so I decided to take some time off university because I was getting booked up very quickly. I never went back to finish studying. I don’t regret it; it was the best decision in my life! In school, I was excellent in chemistry. So, now, in my training, there is a lot about the chemical composition of products. I am always researching chemistry, ingredients, and how they work with biology. I want to make sure my products are always elite. I have a keen interest in this subject!
Agnieszka Kwiatkowska — 11
Please tell me more about your business. My company, Starlash Academy, started over three years ago. I was a trainer in another company for nearly two years, and after that time, I set up my own brand. I decided to open my own brand because I felt that my business would grow faster, and it did. We are extremely proud to present to you 23 trainers and more are coming every month! I have teachers who are bi-lingual spread throughout Europe (Finland, Malta, UK, Italy, and Poland). Starlash Academy has grown fast and continues to grow! Our products are of excellent quality; I have hand tested them and continue to look for and offer the best. For six years, I developed a good sense of who I should cooperate with because when I was a trainer in the previous years in the previous company, I was already discovering some manufacturers and also making purchases on my own, so I already knew who I should cooperate with. And now, the level of experience I have is high. I have tried many manufacturers since the beginning, and now I’m working with the best manufacturers, so the quality of my products is exquisite, and the level of our training is one of the best in the world. We are always improving our skills; I’m a person who is always inventing something new to improve my skill level and my trainers’ skill level. I do a lot of VIP training with them to make sure they are in perfect form to teach.
12 — Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
I am also hosting international trainers in my Academy in Cracow- Poland. Learning is so imperative to our career and growth within our industry. I host Russian and Ukrainian instructors. Three years ago, I was the first person in the World to organized a European international championship called: “Europe Lash Competitions”, in which we now have 90 competitors from over 23 countries. I’m the only accredited judge in Europe. I’ve already been judging at championships in Russia, USA, Great Britain, Australia, Vietnam, Holland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, and Ukraine. Being a respected international trainer and accredited judge in biggest eyelash competitions I have developed a unique style and method: the Volume Lash Application, the Cloudy Effect, and three Speed-up Volume techniques”, this has made me one of the most sought-after and recommended educators in the world, along with Extreme Styling - Agnieszka’s newest project. I am also known for my unique “perfect shape of the eye” styling and symmetry. I have invented a method that gives symmetry between both eyes. I have already trained more than 2000 students from all over the world. My trainers trained more than 1500 students during these 3.5 years. I was invited on to one of the most popular Polish television shows, as a master, in September 2016 and I had a lot of publications in Polish newspapers and in Russian magazines.
Agnieszka Kwiatkowska — 13
As a member of a LBAB association that gathers the top eyelash masters in Europe I keep sharing my knowledge and experience on an international level. Being a speaker at world-renowned conferences including: • • • • • • • • • •
League of Lash Masters Congress (September 2015), LASH SUMMIT UK (November 2015) World Brow (2016 Kiev) Lash Conference Tallin (2016 Estonia) Global Edition of LASH SUMMIT in Arizona (March 2016 US), League of Lash Masters Prague (September 2016) Amsterdam eyelash conference (October 2016) Stockholm (March 2017) League of Lash Masters Prague April 2017
I am honoured to be listed as one of the best eyelash masters in the world. I not only train Polish students but also organise masterclasses in English for students from abroad, even as far as Africa and I have had a student come from New Zealand for VIP Training. Starlash Academy is a family business. My mom is working with me, as well as my husband. My manager is one of the most loyal customers and has been coming to me for seven years. And the girls who are my trainers were previously my students. As such, we have known each other for nearly 6 years. Starlash is my family.
14 — Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
I have to mention that my dad always believed in me and pushed me to fight for myself and my dreams. He gave me money for my first training course. He was always there for me from when I bought my first beauty bed to the products for my company and has always supported me.
Wasn’t the market already somehow set? The market wasn’t full the way it is now, because I can say now that every month that goes by here in Poland, I can see many new brands, and they are starting to fight each other. So, it’s immense competition. But, this hasn’t affected Starlash Academy. We’re known in Poland but also internationally. I’m am a well-known lash master on a global scale because I’m an international trainer and also an international judge in many eyelash competitions. My brand is recognised on a large scale worldwide. In Poland, sometimes, I have to fight a little bit more with competitors. My work and the success of my students is a testament to my abilities. I’m euphorically proud of my trainers and the girls at Starlash Academy. We’ve achieved a lot.
Can you say right now how many people you have at Starlash Academy and what kind of products you have to offer? In my brand, we have 23 employees, including my trainers, and a total of 27 people in my company. We have thousands of products! We have two exquisite lines of lashes, and now we are coming up with a new line of lashes, named “Speed up line,” which involves a lot of “speedy volume Agnieszka Kwiatkowska — 15
technology.” We also have luxury tweezers, Dumont. We have a lot of accessories, which help with the eyelash extension service.
Tutorial: Extreme Styling is my goal, which I have been working on for nine years now. It is all my knowledge I had put onto these projects.
What is Extreme Styling? Are we going back to basics with this style? It’s similar to Strip Lashes look, but it’s a more natural look. In Extreme Styling, we use different effects on the eyes: cloudy effect, degage effect, feather effect, and the Kim Kardashian effect. We can get this effect by using different curls and mixing them all together in layers, with different thickness -- from really thin to thicker lashes -- and various types of lashes and colours. To achieve Extreme Styling, we can use different volume techniques, which will help us create wider or more narrow fans: speed up volume technique (which I developed), wiggle method, pulled technique and feather technique. Extreme Styling is a new trend, and this is what customers are looking for, it can give extremely short mega volume to extremely long lashes. I want to break the rules of the perfect line. As people are going to get bored with perfection, Extreme Styling is going to answer their needs. So I would like to present one of these techniques called: “Cloudy Effect” for which I am known. 16 — Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
What is the cloudy effect? The cloudy effect is an effect from light volume to a mega volume that creates density between natural lashes. This technique adds a black and dense effect to natural lashes and covers all natural gaps in the lash line. Sometimes it looks like strip lashes when the eyes are closed, but with open eyes, the lashes look really nice and fluffy.
The Cloudy Effect Step-by-step First, choose the preferred style for our client (i.e. Cat eyes, Fox effect, Dolly effect, natural, or Squirrel effect) Apply dots along the eyelid skin to mark the exact area of the iris (Agnieszka’s system of mapping is gaining popularity globally). This helps us to style transitions in sectors as we can divide them easier along the whole eyelid Choose a system of isolation, the, for example, the Karkaz system. Tape the bottom layer (see photo) using tape this, will make it easier and faster to apply the bottom layer at a good distance from the eyelids
How do we create the “Cloudy fan”? We mix two different lengths, for example, inner corners 7mm + 5mm, 8mm + 6mm, 9 + 7, 10 + 8, 11 + 9, etc.
Agnieszka Kwiatkowska — 17
How to place them on the natural lashes? The first fan, for example, the 4d fan, should be placed on top of the natural lashes and create symmetry between the two. However, it is 2 mm shorter, so the second one creates density in the gaps all our customers have in their natural lashes. For the cloudy effect, we can mix 4d+4d, 5d+5d, 6d+6d or 8d+8d. We can mix the thickness of two fans, but we can work with the same thickness as well. We can mix the same fan with different curls, for example, the C curl of the first fan and, on top, the D curl, so we create a more stereo effect. For the cloudy effect, we always have to remember to create the same symmetry between two fans; just using a 2 mm shorter fan which is placed on top on the first fan will give us really black lashes in the end. In the open eyes position, we can’t see any gaps between the lashes, which the Russian volume technique always gives us.
18 — Agnieszka Kwiatkowska
Daria Ziolkowska When did you first find out about eyelash extensions? Well, I think it was about 10 years ago when I saw a friend who came to work with her lashes done. This was something really new and I was surprised when she told me about the treatment. I do rarely feel stupefied but I did that day! I wouldn’t imagine something big was waiting for me just behind the corner one decade ago.
When did you first train? I did my first training course in Poland in 2013. It came out that one of my friends living in my hometown was working as a lash artist and trainer so I decided to try it and came to her to learn. She helped me a lot, telling me extra things she wasn’t supposed to at all. I knew she wanted to be very nice and she was. I’ll always remember about her, how kindly she treated me and how helpful she was. Not very often we can find friends like this – helping with no expectations about returning the favour. Anyways, maybe you were thinking like – 2013? Isn’t it an error? Well, unfortunately, it’s not a mistake. To tell the truth: Yes, I had clients without any certificate. Why? I don’t know. I felt Daria Ziolkowska — 19
comfortable to do treatments without it. I was thinking – I can do it so there’s no need to certify anything. Girls This was so WRONG! Touching any client without certified qualifications is wrong! You can’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t make the same mistakes as me. I was really lucky that nobody got hurt or had an allergic reaction. It’s not certain at all, that all the girls working without it (hope there are really not many) will have the same luck. A certificate is a perfect base to build on, a good reputation, base of clients, publicity especially if you’re very good at it. Certificates mean that you’re thirsty for knowledge, that you want to perfect your skills constantly and want to be a marvellous lash stylist and the most important thing is – you don’t have to be afraid of working! Because you’re allowed to do the treatment and you are insured, protected. See it as a shield from all the problems which you can have while working without it. Think about yourself. Don’t be careless and try to avoid unnecessary stressful situations.
What attracted you to the industry? I am not perfectly sure about the answer. Maybe I was just curious about something that was the opposite of my daily job. Additionally, I was always interested in Beauty. Since I can remember I always manifested a manual talent so I thought it can be useful finally in a way.
20 — Daria Ziolkowska
When did you know, lashes were your passion? I met that girl at work again and I started asking her about everything. After a few days, I went to do my lashes too and spoke also with the stylist. Coming home I opened my laptop and started searching in Google then I knew about my Polish friend dealing with lashes and the rest you read earlier I started with almost no clients at all. This was mainly due to lack of knowledge about this treatment. Nobody knew about it and not many girls wanted to trust eyelash extensions but this was many, many years ago Now everything has changed. My passion developed with time. I had the possibility to fall in love with lashes very calmly step by step, discovering this business and knowledge – just like all of you are – while it was still developing. I was trying really hard to be on top with every piece of news that came out about eyelash extensions. As I learned more and more I realised that they had become my passion. Passion doesn’t happen – passion grows up.
What did you do before being a Lash Artist? Surely, this information will surprise many of you – I was a technician in the mobile phone industry. In that company, I was an engineer and I would solder with hot air and hand solder main boards. Nowadays I laugh quite often about this time in my life. I am still able to read and understand electronic schematics. I know a lot about components and I’m sure this will be very useful one day [laughing].
Daria Ziolkowska — 21
Tell me about your business. At the beginning, in 2007, I had one, sometimes two, clients weekly. I would never say that I could pay the bills with this type of work. It was more like a hobby or spending time just in ‘another way’ than usual, to do ‘something different’. Then I began to like it and with this, more clients came to me, asking about eyelash extensions. Exactly 2 years ago (2015) I decided to become a lash trainer and as you already know – Daria doesn’t like to wait – I’ve done a special training course and here we are. To be honest I didn’t know from where to start with all this so I decided to participate in different competitions. This made me become a multi award winner in worldwide championships. Meanwhile, I was connected to a Polish Lash Brand where I felt a bit limited so this collaboration, in fact, didn’t last for long. This entire situation made me think that I have to do something special. After all this time of practice, I was able to develop my own techniques: DOUBLE REFLECTION EFFECT, a unique, speedy, volume technique for perfect fans and ‘how to fill inner corner within 5-7mins’ and I decided to create my own brand. I finished training for trainers, I had my own methods, knowledge, and experience so I took the risk! This is how on 11th November of 2016 ‘Velvet Lashes by Daria’ was born. My greatest creation (after my daughter, Emilia, of course!) I opened the shop with my own line of lashes – Velvet Lashes – and also my own line of tweezers. I knew this wasn’t much but you know. Beginnings are always difficult. Here my life surprised me again because not only Velvet Lashes by Daria was selling very 22 — Daria Ziolkowska
well and the opinions were fantastic but additionally one of the best Polish brands ‘Amazing Lashes’ contacted me and wanted to collaborate! I always thought of them as a good company so I decided to try. This was also to share with you the possibility to work with only the best quality lash products. In that way, my shop had a complete and wide range of products necessary for eyelash extension treatments. Not much time passed and I proudly became their instructor in February 2017 and here we go with the great part of this collaboration – now after a training course with me, every student receives 2 accredited certificates – Velvet Lashes & Amazing Lashes. Isn’t it fantastic? I was named one of the Leading trainers in the UK, became an International Lash trainer, an International Judge in different online and live lash competitions, 1 of 18 PHI Royal Artists and taking my place as one of the World’s Best Lash Stylists in Lash Masters vol. 4. I can’t believe all this happened in so little time I will never be able to be grateful enough!
Anything else to add? Yes, I have many things to add! My life surprises me very often. Every day I have new ideas blowing up in my mind like fresh grass after rain. I don’t like waiting too much that’s why I quickly realise them, you know Just in case, to be always the first! This, of course, doesn’t mean that I feel like an alpha and omega. I surely don’t but I’m trying to. I have done a lot of training courses I continue to learn and I will always do it because it’s worth it. Almost every course gave me something. Even if it was just a curious piece of information I was always happy to know about it. And you know why? Nah, surely not but I will tell you. Daria Ziolkowska — 23
I am happy to learn new things and then share them with you! My training courses are not only based on my own experience and knowledge but are also full of very wise advice I learned on my training courses with talented and well-known world lash masters. This is why my lessons are a never-ending story – I have always too many things to tell you!
24 — Daria Ziolkowska
Emily Lee “I guess you can say I was born to do this.” Emily has always been fascinated with makeup and beauty, even as a child. “I remember coloring in the nails, eye shadow, and lipstick in my Archie Comic books; I still have some of them.” She chuckles as she reminisces. Emily was born in Victoria, Canada, and was the youngest of four children. Her earliest memories of providing beauty services were from as young as eight years old, when she would carefully groom her great-grandmother’s nails. “I remember one Christmas, one of my aunties bought me the Barbie mannequin head that you can put makeup on and style her hair, and it was the best thing ever! I didn’t put it down for weeks.” Fast-forward a few years and Emily was a young teenager who sculpted her own acrylic nails from drug store liquid and powder kits. “It took me hours and hours to sculpt my own nails! I’d glop on the product and try to smooth it out as evenly as I could with the little brush, then spend the next several hours filing the thick monstrosities to shape. They always ended up looking nice, but took forever to do!” That is why in high school when the guidance counselor asked Emily what career path she was choosing, it was a no-brainer. “I was going to be Mariah Carey’s nail girl and travel the world on tour as part of her entourage!” While her class Emily Lee — 25
mates struggled and stressed over making a career choice, Emily was already practicing by working on the hair and makeup team for the school play, and even doing her friends’ hair, nails, and makeup looks for graduation. Emily was in love with the beauty industry! Shortly after high school, Emily moved to Vancouver, where she still lives, graduated from esthetics school with honors, and became a Licensed Esthetician. She then worked in various spas, beauty distributors, and even a nail academy. It was during this time that Emily got her first taste of competitions. Emily has participated in and even won a few industry competitions, that vary from nail enhancement to spa pedicure, to eyelash extension. “I wanted to learn everything I could from as many people as I came into contact with. Learning is growing, and a great way to grow is to compete!” The excellent quality of her artistry and attention to detail boosted her reputation in the industry. Emily was passionate about her personal development and desired to take her career to the next level. In 2005, she took control and founded her own studio, Queen Bee Spa, which celebrates its 12th year of success this year. Emily’s love affair with eyelash extensions began in 2009 when she accompanied her sister to an eyelash extension appointment. Emily was instantly intrigued by what she saw, and by the gratuitous results. So much so, that she started researching companies to take training from that very day. “I suffer from what I like to call Wimpius Lashicus. No amount of mascara can help, and so I usually wore strip lashes, which are a pain to apply
26 — Emily Lee
and uncomfortable to wear. Eyelash extensions opened up a whole new world of possibility for me and people like me!” Back then, there weren’t as many options for training and products as there are available today, so Emily chose two of the best-known lash companies at the time, and trained with them both. Then she took to the Internet to learn more. She came across a chat forum called Wake Up In Your Makeup (WUIYMU) where lash professionals from all over the world came to share their tips and techniques. “It was an amazing community of techs who were so generous with their knowledge. No one had any ulterior motives. We just wanted to freely share! I met many of my current lash friends there. Some days I really miss that place!” It was in the WUIYMU community that Emily first heard of the Russian Volume technique. “Some of the women from Russia and Ukraine were posting photos and at first, we all were skeptical because no one here had ever seen anything like it. We didn’t even have diameters that thin available to us yet!” Emily took her first Russian Volume (RuVol) class in May of 2013 and was hooked! One year later, North America had another historical eyelash event – the first live competition, LASH WARS, in which Emily was the Competition Director. Her prior experience in nail competitions helped her to define the rules and procedures for Lash Wars. “It can be challenging sometimes [organizing a competition] because people expect you to be warm and fuzzy, and they get mad when you give them demerits for being late, Emily Lee — 27
or they think something is unfair, but you’re just doing your job. You have to have really thick skin.” Since the very first Lash Wars, Emily has also had the honor of judging competitions overseas in England, Russia, and Ukraine, as well as continuing to direct Lash Wars every year. “I love to see how Lash Wars has evolved with my own standards. For example, I have very high infection control standards, and so it reflects in the rules that competitors must follow these standards or receive demerits. These are things I hope one day will become the industry norm, such as wearing gloves and masks.” Continuing education also plays a large role in Emily’s life. Since the very first eyelash extension course in 2009, Emily has attended 13 eyelash extension classes, 7 permanent makeup classes, and several other beauty classes, with no plans to ever stop learning. “I am very passionate about education, and I am also devoted to helping people.” Recently, Emily launched her website, BEAUTYPRO MEDIA, which is a pro-to-pro resource where she provides comprehensive, impartial reviews to help other beauty professionals better choose courses, events, and products. “It kind of naturally progressed because people kept asking me about the courses I had taken or what products I would recommend, so instead of constantly repeating myself, I’ll just film it! I guess people trust my opinion on it because I’m one of the very few who has absolutely no desire to teach or carry my own product line. It makes me unbiased, and therefore, more credible because I don’t gain anything from recommending a certain product or trainer. I just want to help people, whatever that looks like, whether it’s helping a client feel more confident
28 — Emily Lee
in her own skin or helping a beauty pro choose the right class to take.” When asked what she sees for herself in the future, Emily responded with “I don’t really know. All my life at my very core, I’ve only ever wanted to achieve one thing – change people’s lives. I don’t measure success by how many dollars I can make, but by how many lives I can touch. I want our industry to always move forward and set better, higher standards, and I believe that change can only come from within each of us. When we strive to better ourselves that is when we can better our industry as a whole. I will follow that path to wherever it leads me.” Currently, Emily has yet to meet Mariah Carey but is optimistic.
Emily Lee — 29
Hilaree Brand When did you first find out about eyelash extensions? When I was 16 and in my Cosmetology program. Here I am 16 years later, still obsessed.
Where did you first train? My first “training” was in 2009. I had taught myself how to do eyelash extensions in 2003 and when I took my course, I quickly realized that my teacher didn’t know much about eyelashes, adhesive or styling. Lashes were still very new in the Utah beauty world. No one was really teaching at that time. To make my way through, I knew I had to apply safety and sanitation along with rules of styling that I had been taught through my cosmetology program. I don’t recommend being self-taught. Especially in this day when there is SO much information available to the lash artists of the industry.
What attracted you to the Industry? I have always loved making things pretty. Humans are the loveliest when they feel beautiful.
30 — Hilaree Brand
When did you realise that lashes were your passion? Lashes aren’t my passion. People are my passion. Teaching is my passion. Speaking is my passion. Making people feel beautiful is my passion. Thank God, Lashes have been the vessel that has allowed me to do all of these things.
What did you do before being a Lash Artist? Oh boy! What didn’t I do? The small list includes Photographer, Florist, Hair Stylist, Aesthetician. Other things include Movie ticket taker, fast food worker, and telemarketer. Funny how looking back, all of these things have helped my business tremendously!
Tell me about Your Business. My Brand Lashes was born out of a need to survive. Just after my first son was born, my husband was still in college and we were B-R-O-K-E! As in, you have $30 left for the month. Would you like to buy food or put gas in the car to go to work so that you can buy food? I remember panicking because I was a new mother and when the economy tanked in 2008 people postponed and stopped buying the luxury things, like haircuts/colour and flowers. My husband was a waiter and he was making sometimes as little as $7 a night. While contemplating the problem we had, I revisited the idea of eyelash extensions as a means to make ends meet. Funny thing, I didn’t think for some reason that lashes were a luxury Item that people wouldn’t buy. I knew I needed a new lash kit as I had been primarily focusing on hair for the previous years. My plan was that if I could get 5 people at 50$ per person Hilaree Brand — 31
to help me purchase a kit that was 250$, I would be in business. They would get free lashes for life if they would simply show off their lashes, refer me to their friends and I would be booked. Honestly, looking back, it was a little naive to think it would work out so smoothly, but the crazy part is that it DID work out that smoothly. Within 4 months I went from a home-based business to a private suit. Six months later I was so busy I hired my first employee, opened an actual lash bar in American Fork, Utah. Shortly after, I moved to Las Vegas, opened another salon. I started the first Lash tips of the day called My Brand Lashes Tip of The Day on Instagram. That is now a very popular thing that many companies are now also doing and I am SO happy about it. It was definitely time to stop holding secrets and start raising the industry standards from the inside out. Because of my Tips of The Day, I was being asked to fly to Sweden to teach a Volume Course and the traveling is now a big part of my life. When I first started traveling I didn’t really have a product line and I would cherry pick items from other companies that worked well for volume lashes. After a while, it was clear that I needed my own product line. Together, with my business partner Selena Villanueva we created a lash line that was both Fun and functional. Having been an artist in the chair I knew things that I wanted that would make my lash life easier. We were the first to colour code our line and add the curl, length, and diameter to our strips. We hand test every tweezer so that we know it will perform. I wanted a lash line that made me a better lash artist. 32 — Hilaree Brand
My Brand Lashes main mission is to uplift Lash Artists everywhere. We don’t take life too seriously, but we take Lashes VERY seriously.
Hilaree Brand — 33
Ilona Čypienė It was approximately 12 years ago when I heard about eyelash extensions for the first time, which were innovative and unusual at that moment. Since I cannot boast of my natural eyelashes, long and thick ones have always been an aspiration for me. The only problem was the price of the procedure itself which was disproportionate to its quality and my earnings. The price of one lash applied was 1 Lt (€0.33), whereas the total price was calculated on the basis of the number of lashes placed on each eye. 12 years ago, this price was certainly beyond the reach of the majority living in such a small country as Lithuania, the country I was born in. However, I was very pleased to know that my friend decided to learn this craft, what is more, she invited me to go with her and be her model. Having accepted the proposal, I was really looking forward to this procedure. It was simply several eyelashes glued but it gave an impressive effect already, I was very satisfied with the result and, consequently, indulged in this type of activity. I have been living in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, for a long time. Having a university degree in business management, I have worked as a sales manager of a construction company for a particular period of time but my activities were never related to the beauty industry in any way, except for the fact that I myself 34 — Ilona Čypienė
have always tried to have a neat and clean-cut appearance. For various reasons, my family had to change the place of residence and we moved to a smaller city, since we were raising a baby, a serene environment was essential. There was plenty of free time, so I decided to take up some new activities. It all started when I came up with a thought to learn beauty secrets. Unfortunately, in our town, there was not a single institution that would provide services of this type, constituting the main reason why I came up with the idea to establish a training centre in which women could learn how to manicure, wax as well as gain practical skills in doing eyelash extensions or make-up, etc. Besides, becoming a teacher was my dream at a very young age, therefore I perfectly imagined myself in this role. The first courses that I attended were, of course, eyelash extension courses for it was completely new and original at that time. It was followed by manicure and make-up courses until I finally became a certified make-up artist. However, nothing was as interesting to work with as eyelash extension. At the beginning, I worked in a beauty salon where I had a lot of clients, partly, I might claim that I was an initiator of this craft. The work went really well, the clients were very satisfied with the results and step by step I started to train the others. It was individual training courses the most often. I made summaries by myself, prepared presentations and analysis of my own mistakes, sharing my ideas and knowledge with the clients as well as emphasizing what to do and what not to do in order to improve one’s skills. The theoretical part of the courses took an hour, whereas today it is extended to a whole day. The Ilona Čypienė — 35
main reason for this is that today a large amount of information is available concerning the sphere of eyelash extension, various competitions and conferences are held in different countries almost daily, there are many qualified professionally trained technicians, journals, and books on this topic, whereas, at the point where I started, there was no information of this type, it was the very beginning of this industry so the only source you could learn from was your own mistakes. Having gained the experience in working with the clients and training, I established a training center for beauty specialists Baltic beauty school, offering a wide range of training courses. Regarding my personal experience, I gave all my attention exclusively to the sphere of eyelash extension and the improvement of this industry in Lithuania because it has always been my passion and I am highly dedicated to my job. Currently, “Baltic beauty school“ specializes only in eyelash extension. It has already been six years since we started to operate, and now we have branch offices in three major cities of Lithuania and Stockholm. We were the first ones in Lithuania who started to organize championships and conferences, we also held the first conference in Sweden working in collaboration with our partners. It is also important to mention another new project, more precisely, The Association of Eyelash Extension and Lamination. Factors leading to the emergence of the association were such as the aim to gather all the teachers of eyelash extension and lamination in order to attain the quality, to provide the clients with a necessary amount of information so as after completing 36 — Ilona Čypienė
the training courses they would be able to offer their own services without having any doubts and knowing that they have our support, as well as to issue certificates to trainers in Lithuania and the necessity to solve the problems concerning the insured events. The objective of this particular association is to increase qualification of eyelash extension and lamination artists and issue certificates to them while collaborating with trainers and partners from foreign countries. The association is an international institution that brings together the colleagues not only in Lithuania but also in the Nordic countries. All association members belong to an international organisation, they are certified and have their personal mentors. Everyone has the opportunity to contribute to innovation, quality standards development. What is more, those wishing to start a career in training are not only properly trained, but also a team of experienced and professionally trained technicians helps them to prepare a business plan.
Several tips relying on personal experience: I am very frequently addressed with a question: “Is it possible to perform eyelash extension application faster than usual?” The clients find it problematic when they have to lie down for three or four hours, therefore, they keep repeating the word faster. I was constantly trying to figure out how to shorten the process in a way that would not have a negative effect on the quality of work and the result itself. Even though I really often improve my skills with the help of foreign trainers and collaborate with them, no one has ever talked about a secret “faster” formula, it simply does not exist.
Ilona Čypienė — 37
To conclude, it should be reminded that our natural eyelashes grow in 2-4 layers. After opening their eyes, our clients firstly notice the first layer, then, they slightly lift the eyelid and check if all the first layer eyelashes are fully applied. Hence, the essence of EXPRESS VOLUME technique is to perform a 100% application of the first layer eyelashes without leaving a piece of fuzz untouched. In this way, when they open their eyes, the clients will see a dramatic as well as full set of lashes applied. Undoubtedly, it will not last that long as a standard VOLUME extension, but the procedure itself is shorter, instead of three hours it will only take us about an hour. In order to avoid all possible inconveniences, glue the top layer eyelashes and if you want to obtain a more vivid image, cover the entire eyelash with a long lasting colour. You get a full set of bottom eyelash extension and have your bottom eyelashes dyed. Double blackness.
38 — Ilona Čypienė
Kellymarie Storer Although some countries have been actively lashing for 10 plus years, it has been not long enough for safe lashing to be a stable fact. When I learned the art of lashing 10 plus years ago in the UK, we were taught to use the 0.30’s and unstylishly “plonk” the extensions across the lash line in a simple 11mm J curl. We were educated to heavily coat the extension in adhesive and “swipe” it up and down the natural lash, forcing the natural lash to morph into the curl of the extension so it was hidden. Our clients had to have “lash breaks” and no one knew what a “stickie” was let alone how not to get one. One style suited all and we literally extended the lashes and that was it, a 30-minute treatment added to a beautician’s menu to upsell and get more cash out of clients. The thing is… A LOT of therapists still work to this and have no idea how things have evolved. Someone who was educated only 6 months ago, can have more knowledge and understanding of our industry than someone who has been doing it for 10 years! As I travel around Australia and New Zealand teaching Lash and Brow Design, I see it everywhere I go. There are salons that are still working with the old skill set. They have been lashing Kellymarie Storer — 39
for years and don’t realise there are so many changes and developments to the procedure. It was once a treatment that only beauticians performed but with the extremely explosive growth of the industry, anyone can train and enter our profession which is great, if they are being taught the fundamentals of being a beauty therapist as well. There is so much more to being a Lash Artist than just how to attach an extension onto a natural lash. I have found a few things missing from Lash courses around the world and it is Beauty Business Basics that is leaving a bit of a void. By ensuring you carry out business properly, professionally and legally, you are covering both you and client.
Consultation First things first, a consultation is a must. In most counties, it is illegal not to perform a patch test and your insurance may be invalid if you don’t perform one as it is your duty of care to follow manufacturer’s instructions. The consultation enables you to get a feel for your Client, what look they are hoping to achieve and any issues they may have, as well as getting a good look at their lashes during the patch test so you can plan the mapping for the Client ahead of time. You must check for contra indications and ensure your client is a good candidate for the treatment.
40 — Kellymarie Storer
Tips for a Professional Consultation • • • • •
Ensure your treatment room is organised and clean Wear a salon uniform Explain to your Client in full the procedures and aftercare Provide your Client with a business card Listen to your Client and maintain eye contact throughout the consultation • Find out where the Client heard about you or your Beauty Salon • Ask the Client about their expectations from the treatment (such as what look they wish to achieve natural / glamorous etc.)
Client Confidentiality In the UK there is the Data protection Act of 1964 and other countries have other rules and regulations you need to adhere to in regards to client details, treatments performed, medical history and any conversations between client and therapist. You should store your client’s details and record cards in a locked box or password protected computer.
Client Comfort Simple things like reading your clients body language can go a long way, if they’re not seemingly very open and maybe have their arms crossed and not making eye contact during the consultation, they could be shy or intimated they could even be scared to have the treatment. Put them at ease and find any concerns they have. If your client is asleep and they have Goosebumps, pull the blanket over them, if the pulse, is visible at Suprasternal notch (the dip at the base of the throat between the Kellymarie Storer — 41
collar bones) (clavicle bone), they are too hot and you may want to pull the blanket down slightly to cool them down. Ask them to remove any hair piece, hair bands or clips as they will be laid down for a long time and these items can cause a head ache. Place a pillow under their legs. Set the mood have soft inoffensive music playing or offer an audio book, a tidy salon and nice scents. Do not make your client feel like an inconvenience, make them feel welcome and important.
Hygiene It is good practice to use a soft woven couch roll between clients. Many of us have blankets on our beds and unfortunately the time and effort it takes to wash these in-between clients is unrealistic. A soft couch roll will keep linen clean in-between clients and easy to dispose of at the end of the treatment ensuring high standards are kept to reduce the risk of cross contamination, cross infection and cross infestation I.E if one client has head lice, you won’t spread the infestation to other clients.
Personal Hygiene and Presentation First impressions do count and you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. The correct setup of a treatment room is an indication of your professionalism and dedication to your Clients comfort. Ensure your room is clean, tidy, well ventilated and with adequate lighting. Your working area should be organised so that all tools, equipment and products are within easy reach. Set the mood with appropriate music and scents if desired.
42 — Kellymarie Storer
Proper grooming and professional appearance can make you stand out and be ahead of the competition. • Uniform/Salon clothing should be clean, fresh and ironed • Hair should be clean and tied back from the face • Wear minimal or no jewellery. Use a fob watch rather than a wristwatch and only wear plain ring/wedding band. • Nails should be short, clean and free from polish unless the polish is well maintained. • Use deodorant and ensure your breath is fresh-you will be working in very close proximity to your Client’s face and they should not be exposed to any unpleasant odours. • If you wear perfume, wear a lightly scented one. • Avoid eating (even lollies!) or chewing gum while with client. • If wearing makeup, ensure coverage is neat and even. Touch up between clients if necessary. • Use positive Body Language. Positive body language includes: ◦◦ Maintaining eye contact with the person you are speaking to. ◦◦ Smiling (if appropriate) but especially as a greeting and at the end of conversation. ◦◦ Sitting squarely on a chair, leaning slightly forward (this indicates you are paying attention). ◦◦ Nodding in agreement. ◦◦ Presenting a calm exterior. ◦◦ Looking interested.
Kellymarie Storer — 43
Negative body language includes: ◦◦ Not looking at or paying attention to a person when speaking. ◦◦ Tapping a foot, fingers etc. ◦◦ Rocking backwards and forwards. ◦◦ Scratching. ◦◦ Continually clearing your throat. ◦◦ Fiddling with hair, ear lobes, jewellery, jacket, glasses, etc. ◦◦ Picking at fingers or finger nails. ◦◦ Yawning. ◦◦ Repeatedly looking at your watch or a clock in the room.
First Aid It is essential for premises to have contact numbers for local and emergency services at hand. It is also strongly recommended that technicians, or in a workplace with multiple employees, at least one employee, completes a first aid course. The course should cover basic first aid, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the management of burns and eye injuries/hazards such as splashes. Make sure you record on an Accident Form any mishaps that occur and issue the correct aftercare advice. Refer to your Insurer for the appropriate form/details to be recorded. Do not under any circumstances attempt to make a diagnosis where you are not qualified to do so.
44 — Kellymarie Storer
First Aid Kit • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Basic first aid notes Sterile eye pads Eye bath Individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings Disposable gloves Scissors Triangular bandages Sterile coverings for serious wounds Normal saline Adhesive tape Crepe bandage Safety pins Different-sized sterile, unmedicated wound dressings Addresses and telephone numbers of emergency services
Insurance All technicians must hold (or if an employee, be covered by) at the minimum Public Liability Insurance. Public Liability Insurance is needed to protect yourself and your Client in the event a claim is made against you. Depending on your Insurer’s recommendations, it may also be advisable to have product and treatment liability Insurance (sometimes called ‘Medical Malpractice’). It is recommended that you speak with your Insurance Provider or a specialist broker about your individual circumstances to ensure you have the appropriate type and level of cover. It is critical that you adopt appropriate Accident/ Incident reporting and make no statements about your liability to a Client in the event they advise you of a planned claim. Refer
Kellymarie Storer — 45
to and comply with your Insurer’s policy requirements at all times to ensure you are covered.
Styling Your mission is to open the eye. Eyelash extensions at their best are a natural enhancement and should improve the appearance of the Client’s natural eyes, not draw attention to bad false lashes. If your Client asks for a look that you know won’t suit them, explain why and offer an alternative, describing the benefits of using a different style. If your client requests a style that will damage the natural lashes, offer an alternative and explain why. Your business will be more successful if you do what you can to protect the lash health rather than go heavy and cause damage. If there are items here that you feel were missing from your training, find another training provider explain that you may require an upskill course to cover the foundations, you will find all training schools more than happy to help you. Or you can contact your local council and see what the requirements are in your local area in terms of insurance and hygiene. By running your business professionally, correctly and in line with Worksafe practises, you are raising the standards for you and your clients and in turn raising the standards of the Industry.
46 — Kellymarie Storer
Ksenia Karnejenko Thinking back, my love for beauty comes from my mum. From an early childhood, I watched her getting ready, do her hair, makeup or paint nails. Since I was four years old I have attended a ballet school and we would get a big stage performance every year. Many hours of practising, costumes, hair do and stage makeup was essential. Before each performance my mum would tie my hair up into a tight bun and apply makeup as advised by our tutor, she would blend the eyeshadows smoothly and carefully, then line and fill my lips with lipstick. I was always amazed how good she was at it, as when I have tried to do it myself everything looked messy and not pretty at all, but she explained that as I grow and practise I will develop the essential skill and become better. Another vivid memory that had an impact on my relationship with beauty was seeing my mother do her nails and at some point, I used to snack on my nails, so my fingers would get sore and ugly, they looked like mini hotdog sausages. Seeing my mum’s hands with long and accurately painted nails made me want to change my habits, so she offered me a deal. If I would stop my bad habit for at least a week and let my nails grow she would give me a manicure. I kept the promise and within a week I was sitting half asleep in the evening waiting for the polish to dry. My nails were filed and painted in pearly pink, on some fingers I had Ksenia Karnejenko — 47
nail art with red, white and silver stripes painted in a diagonal. I was over the moon and I wanted them to last as long as possible, needless to say, I have stopped biting my nails since and became obsessed with nails. Later on, I had an extensive collection of polishes, nail stickers and crazy ideas. I would put on a movie, remove the old polish, soak my hands in warm water, push the cuticles back, file my nails and apply a fresh coat. The nail art was a must! Something about that routine was to therapeutic and calming and I really enjoyed doing it. At this point, I have discovered beauty forums with odd natural recipes on how to grow your hair or nails. I had a special notebook dedicated to beauty secrets, I would search the forums, write them down and eventually try them. Suddenly YouTube came around and the first beauty gurus from around the world started sharing their secrets through videos. This is how I discovered makeup. My first makeup item was mascara – I was so amazed at how even just one coat can change the look. I became obsessed with eyes and I still am, now thinking back I always wanted my eyes to appear larger and more defined. I discovered a beauty forum with recipes to promote lash growth and one of the subjects on the forum was lash extensions. I remember clicking on it and trying to understand how it is done and see how it looked on other girls. This was just before my family decided to move to Scotland from Tallinn, Estonia. I was just 15 years old but I feel like this is exactly the moment when I first found out about lash extensions! The seed was planted.
48 — Ksenia Karnejenko
A few years later, I have finished school in Scotland and enrolled into college to study Jewellery Design, at this point my mum already had a tiny beauty studio where she was offering nail and brow treatments. She convinced me to also enroll onto an evening course to study nails and manicures, so I could help out at her studio when I get free time. As I finished my course I could not help feeling that 10 is too big of a number. I kept saying that if humans had 2 fingers I would be giving manicures to everyone! At this stage, I realised that I was only interested in my nails and no other nails could make me excited. I was still studying at college doing Jewellery design and working with metals like brass, silver, and copper. I needed extra money to buy silver and tools and I wanted to get a weekend job. I believe that my mother saw my passion for art & beauty and for some reason she believed I was talented enough, so she started asking me if not nails what other things interest me in the beauty industry. As I started thinking, I remembered the forum and lash extensions. We found a salon that offered training on lash extensions in Glasgow. At this point the money situation was tough, but my mum collected all she had and I was enrolled to do the course. I was 17 when I went onto my first eyelash course. It was oneday training, we practised on each other. We got shown two thicknesses 0.25 and 0.20, J curl with the lengths 8, 10 and 12. It was only cat styling for all humans, the shape and position of the eyes were not even mentioned. We applied about 40-50 lashes per eye and that was that. On the bus home, I felt like a movie star as I had my first ever lash extensions done!
Ksenia Karnejenko — 49
The glue from the training was horrible and I started Googling what else is available in the UK. This is how I found Francesca Middleton and her lash shop. As advised on one of the lash forums her glue was a miracle in a bottle. I started working and to attract more clients I decided to take photos of my work. One evening I was reading a Russian forum on lash extensions and as I was feeling very adventurous, so I have posted one of my lash creations. The feedback was not pleasant, I was told that I need a proper education and that my work was not good. To defend myself I replied that I have received an accredited education that was available in my area and that I could not find any better. The reply was that it is not an excuse and travelling is also an option and if I want to be the best I have to learn from the best. At the time I was 17, with no money and living with parents. I got angry, as I felt like it was impossible, but another seed was planted and I kept thinking about the forum and the messages. I took it as a challenge and I started researching everything that was available online or close to where I live. I started expanding my knowledge and skill in lashes. I searched the web and found the Lash Masters book and Lash inc. magazine. The book was just published and the journal only came to the market. I was also trying to expand my knowledge in working with lashes and I found MYscara. I have found and booked the training in Glasgow, little did I know that it was all the same woman behind it all. I came to my training and met Louise Tierney. I was still waiting for my book to arrive. Can you imagine my surprise when she handed me the book and 2 magazines of Lash Inc after the training?
50 — Ksenia Karnejenko
I finished college and got into university and worked at my mother’s studio on my free days. I was offering lash lifts, MYscara and lash extensions. I decided to specialise in lashes solely and my next big discovery was Frankie Widdows and her Facebook mentoring group. It was a big step forward for me which I am very thankful for. I was able to juggle clients, university and still extend my knowledge in lash artistry. My work became better and the number of my clients started to increase. I started earning and for the first time in almost 5 years, we decided to go back to Estonia. During that holiday break, the first Lash Battle 2015 has taken place in London. I remember flying back to the UK, checking Facebook and thinking how brave and talented those people are and how I will never be able to do it. After I came back from my holidays, one evening I was scrolling my Facebook feed and saw an advertisement for a Lash Conference in Prague. I saw the speakers and my jaw was on the floor. Nataliya Morozova, Irina Levchuk, Tatyana Nikonorova. I knew that I had to be there! At the time it was unreal for me to earn enough money to cover hotel, fights and also pay for the conference. I wanted it so bad, I worked seven days per week and took all clients who enquired for an appointment. I did everything I could and month and a half later I was sitting there at the League of Lash Masters in Prague, absorbing everything like a sponge. The thought that I was able to get there and be there was unbelievable. My 2015/2016 were both crazy, fast and just filled with lashes. I have completed training with Inesa Svetkina, Petr Lhotský & Marcelka Chumová, Tatiana Terentyeva, Yulia Subbotina, Elena Stakhovich and more. I have attended London Lash Summit 2015, International Lash Conference Amsterdam Ksenia Karnejenko — 51
2015, Lash Conference Tallinn, Lash Summit 2016. I have won 1st Place Classic Lash Summit 2016 Mock Competition, 1st Place Lash Battle 2016 Nude Classic, 2nd Place in Classic Lash Games 2016 and came 4th at International Conference Amsterdam 2016 in Classic Masters Category. Currently, I work in partnership with my mother Tatyana Karnejenko. We have a fantastic studio in the very heart of Hamilton, United Kingdom. We specialise in Brows and Lashes and we love what we do! We share a special bond of mother and daughter, we are best friends and business partners. We have a lot of plans and dreams that we will bring to life one by one! I am not the world’s best lash artist or wisest person on earth but I just want to share some tips that I have learned along my journey, even if they will help one person who will be reading this book it will make me explode from happiness:
#TIP1 Do not compare your start to someone else’s middle. If you have someone who you look up to or admire, just know that they did not wake up like this. They put time, money and a gigantic amount of effort in their dream every day. If you are just starting out, please do not compare your work to world famous lash artist and feel like you are worthless. Instead just make a plan, follow the plan and celebrate every little achievement!
52 — Ksenia Karnejenko
#TIP2 Find the support. Relatives, husband, boyfriend, friend or even a dog or a cat, hamsters work too, just find someone who supports your dreams and ambitions, so on the days when you feel like nothing works and you will never be able to achieve anything it is good to have someone who will listen, hug you and show you that life is not actually that bad and there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
#TIP3 Say THANK YOU. I believe that sometimes it is essential to stop and say thank you, for every life lesson, for mistakes and coincidences, for people who come into your life and for those who leave, for amazing clients and horrible witches that sometimes fly into your salon uninvited, for support and for challenges. It is all a part of your journey and it is there for a reason! Therefore, I would like to thank my parents and siblings for the kick in the butt, inspiration, and willpower. I would like to thank my partner who supports all the craziness and shares good and bad days equally well, I would like to thank Louise Tierney for this fantastic opportunity and for coming into my life when I needed it. I thank all of my mentors and teachers who shared their secrets and sacred knowledge in lashes with me and I thank you for reading this long story about the person who you may even never met, but we share the same passion which already makes us connected!
Ksenia Karnejenko — 53
Miranda Tarpey Hello all you lovely lashers out there, I am very privileged to be invited for a second time and to be included in another Lash Masters volume book, this gives me the opportunity to write about my journey following on from Lash Masters 3 and allows me to show you my continued progression in this ever-growing industry.
A Recap of Lash Master Vol 3 Miranda Tarpey is the founder and CEO of The UK Lash Institute, a lash academy where extensive lash research and new development techniques, takes place which materialise into professional lash education and programs. The institute was created in 2012 and offers over 15 different lash classes and levels, from Beginners, Russian Volume, Mega Volume, Masters, Expert and Lash Fantasy. Miranda Tarpey is a multi-award winner having won 1St place titles in both lashes and business. Miranda is also a Lash Inc journalist, an author of lash books and more recently a lash event organiser.
54 — Miranda Tarpey
Where have the last 12 months taken your lash career? Where do I start? I have had so much fast growth it’s both scary and exciting at the same time. Ok, let me start with traveling. I always wanted to introduce my classes to a bigger market other than the UK, so teaching internationally was my next goal in life. I knew that my training programs were of very high and superior quality but I needed to get this across to the international market, so I decided that I would need to speak at conferences to introduce my classes and show the world that what I was offering was something different and unique. I was given my first opportunity by Louise Tierney at her first conference in Scotland. I am extremely grateful to Louise as this was my very first public speaking event. I was so nervous for months before the conference, I had lots of sleepless nights. This was my opportunity to show the world, well Scotland in this case, what I had to offer, so I chose a subject that I was developing in my training academy. “Understanding Lash Volumes Vs Lash Weights” I knew that so many lash stylist and lash educators alike did not really understand this subject, and many were confusing weights with volumes, so this would be my ideal opportunity to demonstrate how very different my classes are, so I had my chosen subject at the conference. Lots of people find anything related to maths a difficult topic, but I decided to simplify this confusing subject and explain it clearly Miranda Tarpey — 55
but from a different angle, this went down extremely well, and after the conference I received so much positive feedback, lash masters themselves were thanking me for making a grey area subject so easy to understand. I received lots of enquiries for my training fairly instantly, not to mention some of the speakers themselves later took my classes too. That’s how my journey at different conferences began, I started to get invites to talk at conferences in other countries, this has definitely helped to open the doors to my international teachings. Trust me it does get easier and less daunting the more public speaking you do.
What have been your most recent developments? I have always been a researcher and innovator by nature, in our training academy we practise/test new ideas that can improve our lash industry, so it was a natural progression to design an easy to use Lash Calculator to measure clients’ natural lashes and teach how many Volume & Mega Volume Lashes are safe to use, The Volumetric Calculator™ method released as an APP for both Apple & Android platforms. I am so excited as this app has is now used in over 15 countries and is still growing, throughout many training academies worldwide. The next invention was the now famous Mirror Link™ technique, I created this some years ago but it has more recently been used with Mega volume. I have also seen this technique being used for mega volume competitions, it’s very rewarding to see your techniques circulated and used.
56 — Miranda Tarpey
How can a lash stylist raise their profile internationally? I believe anything is possible and nothing is impossible. It’s easier than you may think to raise your profile within the lash industry, but be prepared to work very long hours. With so many conferences and competitions around nowadays, I would recommend getting involved with both to give you exposure. Take a look at what lash events are happening around you, which conferences are running and find the organisers, send them a message that you would like to speak at their conference and show them what you can offer, think outside the box, a new technique or if you have something different to showcase, ask if you can get involved. Another way to start would be to become a sponsor for an event, yes you will need to pay but you can also ask if it’s possible to have a 10-minute speakers slot, use this time to promote yourself. A sponsor also receives branding recognition, advertise your academy or services, this is usually advertised on social media and on banners at most events. Entering competitions is also another great avenue to raise your profile, enter as many as you can. if you are a winner you can use the title of Award Winner to show the world how wonderful you are.
Miranda Tarpey — 57
What’s next for Miranda Tarpey? I have so many new projects that I am currently working on, in the next 4 weeks I am launching my online courses, so students that cannot attend my classes can still receive education. I am an absolute lover of lash fantasy, so it’s a natural progression for me to work with fantasy art, with this in mind, the next project takes us to our amazing new Fantasy Lash Magazine with Louise Tierney and Gabriella Gerardi. The magazine is called Fantasy LASH, here we will be concentrating on the entire creative side of lashes if you are involved in fantasy or want to get involved, contact me for details. The next project that myself, Louse & Gabriella are currently working on is a huge Fantasy Live event held here in London. The VIP’s of the lash world will be present and I guarantee you will not want to miss out, make sure you keep a look out for the details on social media. I am so excited about this event, but as you can imagine, organising such events takes a lot of time and lots of sleepless nights ahead. Sending you all kisses until next time.
Miranda
58 — Miranda Tarpey
How to create the Perfectly Smooth Top Lash Line The lash industry has come such a long way in the last few years, we all strive to achieve the PERFECT set of lashes,
Untidy Top Line
We typically have around three lash layers, some less if they have sparser lashes and some could have more layers if they have a very dense natural lash line, but on average we have around 3 layers.
Whether you work with classic lashes or volume lashes we can still create the perfect top lash line, by working with our natural lash layers and blending curls.
Smooth Top Line
There are a few rules we need to keep to when we want to execute the perfect top line. 1. We must Map, this means writing on our gel patches the lengths and curls to use on our lash styling, this will allow us to work effectively and precisely, minimising any errors especially when changing lengths for a faultless transition. 2. Working with more than one curl on a lash set will help in creating great lashes
Miranda Tarpey — 59
How do we determine lash layers? The top layer are the lashes that you can see clearly and are the most visible to us when we look down at the natural lashes, these sit the highest up to the lid. The middle layer will be the lashes that are in-between the highest and the lowest layers.
The lowest layer are the lashes that are closest to the gel patches but furthest away from your vision when you are looking down at the lashes, these could sometimes be 2mm difference in distance from the top layer. If you look at all the layers together, you can clearly see that there is a difference in distance from the top layer, middle layer,
60 — Miranda Tarpey
and the lower layer, so to create that smooth top line we need to adjust our lengths and curls for each layer. So once you have decided your lash style for your client, you then need to lash map to include the layers, we call this extended mapping. Remember to also change 1mm across the lash line each time for a smooth transition in your styling, in addition to your changes within the layers.
Extended Mapping This is a view of how you would see the lashes looking down from your lash position.
Don’t forget to write on your lash patches/pads with a bright coloured pen
Miranda Tarpey — 61
Yvonne van Wieren I had my first set of eyelashes placed in a salon in 2010. I was immediately very excited and thought to myself: I want to be able to do this! I took courses and became increasingly excited the more I attended. I flew to London to attend a Nouveau Lashes training course. Approximately another 10 courses followed. Everything told me that placing eyelash extensions would grow into a major business. There were hardly any specialised eyelash salons at that time, and I felt like it was now or never! I founded Lash eXtend in 2010. Initially it was a part time job besides my job as a Personal Assistant, where I supported company boards. This quickly became impossible to combine, and I started to work on my own company full time. Lash eXtend was an immediate success and continued to grow; the company now has 15 colleagues and I can proudly say that we have become the number 1 brand of eyelash extensions in the Netherlands and Belgium! We have trained approximately 3000 eyelash specialists, from beginners to masters, in the Netherlands and abroad.
62 — Yvonne van Wieren
We always work with Multiple Award-winning trainers;. We receive students and treat our own customers in our own Experience Salon at our head offices every day. Lash eXtend is also a major online brand: we daily ship products to eyelash specialists around the globe, from the Netherlands to America. Finally, we organise our own conferences, give demonstrations at international trade fairs, and I am regularly invited as a jury member at international eyelash competitions. Lash eXtend is an outlet for my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and it is great! Every day is different and I am always completely in control of the quality of my services. That is what I want to teach all eyelash stylists: always pursue 100% quality! Both in your work and in your services. Make sure you keep improving, value your customers, and stay close to who you are. I believe that this is the basis for all success. www.lashextend.nl
Yvonne van Wieren — 63
outlash E XT EN SIO N S
ACA DE MY & PR OD U C T S WWW.OUTLAS HE X TE NSIONS. COM @OUTLASHE X TENSIONSPRO R ECEI VE 2 0% OFF ON YOU R NEXT PU R CHASE WITH COD E: LASHMASTER S2 0
Julie Knight certified Master lash stylist and trainer offering courses and coaching since 2012. She has trained with some of the top trainers in the world and has many articles published in Lash Inc. in 2016. She is also listed as an Expert Lasher. Julie offers 1:1 and group masterclasses for Classic, Skill building, Master and Volume and tailored coaching workshops • Professional training with models and case studies with high CPD • Comprehensive manuals and DVD’s • Complimentary high quality kits. Lifelong advisory support • Exclusive Student online resource hub Are you already trained but want the most up to date theory? Get your copy of the Eye by i Academy’s Classic beginners manual. A4 size, 120 pages, deliberately comprehensive, full colour and illustrated. R.R.P. £75, save £25 with Lash Master discount code LASHMASTER until 31/10/17 Are you a new or existing trainer who needs new and up to date manuals? The hard work’s been done for you! Enquire about using Julie’s course books for your students at special rates. Quote ‘LASHMASTERS’ to receive 20% discount on your order until 31/10/17
Eye by i Academy Eyelash Extension Application
Front Cover
Learning Support Guide Individual/Classic/1D Lash Extensions Julie Knight Master Lash Stylist and Trainer Principal of the Eye by i Academy Director of JK Beauty Ltd
Preview and pre-order at www.eyebyi.co.uk on the Training Academy page.
‘Julie is an amazing trainer with phenomenal passion and knowledge! What’s really amazing is her manuals. I’ve done loads of lash and beauty courses and hers are 1st class. You should sell them Julie’ Jen, Feb 2017
instagram.com/pixieseyelashextensions
Artistry
Training