Untamed (Cheryl Peng - Untamed Artistry Inc.)

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, the spotlight is on high-paying clientele and whether they are the right fit for you and your lash business.

There are different levels and tiers in the industry—and one isn't better than the other. Lash Artists can not remain authentic to themselves if they aren’t servicing the clientele that naturally fits.

Today’s conversation centers on everything that goes behind attracting and keeping a type of clientele who expect more.

AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, is one Lash Artist whose clientele is affluent. She shares practical advice to help you decide if a high-paying clientele is right for you, and if so, how to attract and keep them.

AnneMarie also shares:

• What a high-paying clientele is like
• General price points
• Pros of targeting high-paying clients:
  • They respect an artist who goes above and beyond, and they will happily pay for that service.
  • They are extremely loyal once trust has been established.
  • They come consistently; lashes are not a luxury but part of their lifestyle.
  • The connections made with these clients expand your network.
  • They’re resourceful and helpful.
• Cons of targeting high-paying clients:
  • There’s more of an expectation to accommodate them.
  • They expect you to pay attention to the details, giving them the customer experience they desire, even if they don’t actually say it. They’re paying premium prices for the service, so they expect premium service.
  • Difficult to attract high-paying customers because they can choose any artist or salon. You have to work hard to cultivate this type of clientele.
  • They place a high value on their time, so if you keep them waiting, or they experience issues that take up their time, they probably won’t return.
  • Quick turnaround time, diligence, and handling situations right away are essential. Making excuses won’t work with them. The more professional you are, the more they will respect your expertise.
  • As a new Lash Artist, the upfront expense of creating the right setting is costly.
• Tips to know if a high-paying clientele is the right target audience for you:
  • Assess the cons.
  • Consider the expectations and whether you will be able to realistically meet them.
  • Location and aesthetics are important.
  • Do you have the soft skills to deal with these types of clients?
• Finally, AnneMarie reveals the type of marketing that attracts affluent clients.

Resources Mentioned:

• How To: Build a Lash Brand (Untamed podcast episode)
• Aveda Salon
• VitaJuwel

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed, the team: AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director; Sydney Nanton, Marketing and Media Manager; and Mackenzie Unsworth, Lash Artist and Quality Control Specialist, share their best tips to survive and thrive in the fast-approaching busy holiday season.

You’ll love these tips because they provide solutions to the biggest pain points of busy lash artists during the holiday season. Tips include:

• Marketing strategies such as automation tools that not only save you time but also improve the customer experience during the busiest season.
• How to prevent burnout including how to handle a waitlist and enforce your cancellation policy. If you have the resources then you can consider hiring seasonal help at your studio. This could be for simple things like cleaning, or getting another lash artist to take clients for you. Alternatively, just be honest with your client and let them know that your waitlist may be too long due to the high demand in the busy season.
• Tips on how to create extra income this holiday season without extending your hours. An example is creating holiday gift packages or gift bundles with other small businesses — not only for clients but also for them to buy as gifts for others.
• Minimizing downtime in January once the holiday season is over to keep clients coming back regularly after the holidays. An idea is to bundle multiple lash fills at a discounted price. For example, you would package three refills at 20% off. The normal value for your three refills might be $300, but they'd be able to purchase it at $240. This actually brings a refill price down to $80 from $100. Although you can offer packages anytime, offering this exclusive bundle in December for refills beginning in January is highly beneficial. Bonus tip: Don’t spend money received from packages. Be disciplined enough to keep it as a salary for January.

Resources Mentioned:

• Vagaro Pro
• Wix
• MailChimp
• Constant Contact
• Preview

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop, combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

“Just because you don’t have a horse to get where you want to go, don’t be afraid to use a donkey.”

We absolutely love this quote from today’s guest - digital business coach and consultant Linda Giang (pronounced, “yohng”). Linda recently left the corporate world to become an entrepreneur, and she is passionate about coaching others, especially women, to put themselves out there as entrepreneurs, and build businesses online. In this episode, we’ll talk about getting your clients to “fall in love with you” so that they become regular, loyal customers, no matter what business you’re in. Linda also shares some tips and tricks for social media, how to spot red flags when shopping for a coach, and what she sees for women entrepreneurs in the next ten years.

Expect to hear:

• Getting customers to fall in love – give clients what they’re looking for, listen, remember their preferences
• How can we get clients to stay “in love”? Utilizing loyalty programs, small discounts on services, and getting to know your repeat customers
• How to add value for your loyal clients
• Leveraging digital and social platforms– first, know what you want to achieve!
• Don’t get stuck in ‘analysis paralysis’!  Better done than perfect!
• How to identify “red flags” when shopping for a coach
  • Linda shares her own experience
• Can you be a coach? Yes! All you need to be is a few steps ahead of who you’re coaching

Resources:

Connect with Linda Giang:

Linda Giang Instagram

Linda Giang Website

Get Shit Done Podcast

Podcast Episode: Using Pinterest to Grow Your Business

Schedule a Coffee Talk with Linda

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

In this episode of Untamed—a show dedicated to empowering lash artists—Sydney Nanton, marketing and media manager of Untamed Artistry, shares tips around content creation and website engagement.

A jam-packed session, find out more about:

• The definition of content (a media asset that you produce: podcasts, social media posts, blog posts, and so on).
• Why content creation is critical for your lash business, and a few tips to reduce content overwhelm:
  • Use a schedule to plan your content because it saves time. To do this, try Preview (which is free), or Iconosquare, or even Google Calendar—whatever works for you.
  • The number one tip for building a social media presence: Don’t reinvent the wheel, use templates where possible (Canva is a tool that you can use to create social media posts and there are plenty of website builders that are pre-made, such as Wix).
• Why owning your own website is still important, and how it gives your lash business credibility.
• Tips for boosting website traffic and how SEO works. What keywords are and the role they play in SEO. How to easily make your own website, and what type of content is important for your visitors as well as for SEO purposes.
• What organic search is and what makes it more profitable in the long run than paying for click ads.
• Why email marketing is important, and how it can grow your lash business.
• The most important marketing strategy for lash artists is social media because clients want to see the work you do and social media is the perfect medium for this.

Resources Mentioned:

• Preview
• Iconosquare
• Google Calendar
• Canva
• Instagram
• WordPress
• Wix
• Squarespace
• Google
• Mojo
• Snapseed

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, founder and CEO, and AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director, both at Untamed Artistry, share their combined knowledge of how to gain more revenue in your lash artist business by deepening relationships with the clients that you already have. It’s less expensive than acquiring new ones, and it’s also more effective.

Most lash artists put in a lot of energy trying to convince people who are not customers to come and become customers. But that's actually counterproductive because you're exerting so much energy to do the hard thing, rather than doing the easy things that you're good at.

In this value-packed episode, discover the least discussed secrets of the trade around growing your business:

• The 10-80-10 principle, especially if you have limited resources. Identifying the clients that you should cultivate and spend the most time and energy on.
• How to nurture the relationships you already have with your existing clients. Ideas include:
  • Taking notes about each client and adding them to their file.
  • Follow-ups and rescheduling.
  • The human elements of customer service make a huge difference, going beyond the symmetry of your fans and the styling that you use. Rather, it's the little things like the cucumber water, greeting by name, and asking how their kids are that build relationships and keep clients coming back.
  • Reviews and feedback in order to continually improve products and services.
  • Allocating resources and funds intelligently, and considering what really matters to your clients. In this industry, we want certificates on the walls, yet the costs of these certificates should be assessed through the potential return on investment. Often the money is better spent scaling your business and providing a more luxurious, calming experience for your clients.
• Your client turnover rate and how it tells you whether clients are happy with the service you provide, or not.
• Training is an important aspect for every lash artist, but you are encouraged to spend as much time as you do improving your crafts on other aspects of your business. This includes your environment and customer service, because these are the things that will grow your revenue most through client retention.

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Are you happy with your work/life balance? Are you stressing yourself for clients day after day and only living paycheck to paycheck? It may be time for a mindset change. You can create the life that YOU want, but it may take some practice and methods to change your mindset. Our guest today is MacKenzie Graham, the Mack of MackLash. Mack transitioned from a full-time lash artist to a professional coach because she wanted to re-engineer her life and how she spent her time. Tune in to hear about Mack’s inspirational transformation and how she worked on her mindset and how she started sharing more of herself on social media to attract the right kind of clients to her business.

Expect to Hear:

• How Mack’s previous mindset included panic attacks and too much emotion attached to her content
• How to provide value in free content while still selling your paid content
• Basics you can implement today to improve your content
• Getting over the “I’m not creative” mindset
• Books Mack recommends (see links below)
• Money mindset – Do you have money trauma from your early family life like Mack?
• Determining if you have the right profit margin for your business and life goals
• You can structure your life however you want to! We only get one shot at this human life. Don’t do what society, your mom, or YOU think you have to do.

Resources:

MackLash Website

MackLash Instagram

Atomic Habits Book

Rich As F&%# Book

Defining Decade Book

The Alchemist Book

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, the discussion centers around the very first annual Untamed Awards and what makes them unique. Untamed Artistry will be giving away $5,000 CAD worth of cash prizes, plus sponsored branded prizes.

The 2022 competition launches on April 1 and runs until April 14. Entry is from April 1–4 and the winners are announced April 9–13, with April 14 reserved for an online closing ceremony.

There are five competition categories:

1. Educator: This category is to celebrate the educators in our industry. The winner takes home three Untamed Artistry student kits and a $1,000 cash prize.
2. New Artist: For the lash artist with less than two years’ experience, the winner gets a $500 Untamed Artistry shopping spree to stock up on supplies and $500 cash towards building your business.
3. Strict Artistry: This category is for showcasing your unique lash artistry. There will be two winners; one with less than three years’ experience and the other with more than three years’ experience. Each wins $500 cash and a $100 Untamed Artistry gift card.
4. Salon: This category is for showcasing your unique salon. Win $500 cash towards the betterment of your salon, as well as two CosmoGlo lights.
5. Marketing of Artistry: This is where you can showcase all your marketing efforts. The winner takes $500 cash and one standard entry ticket to The Lash Conference.

Untamed Artistry wanted to create a unique way of giving back to the community. So to enter the competition, there are zero fees. The entire competition will be on social media and they’ve put strict measures in place to remove all judging bias. The competition promotes creativity, individuality, and authenticity.

Resources mentioned:

• CosmoGlo
• The Lash Conference
• Competition Details

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Have you ever turned away a client because you “don’t know how” or “have not been trained” to work on their ‘type’ of hair or skin? Why haven’t you educated yourself and learned? Why haven’t you hired someone who knows how to perform their beauty service? You are not only leaving money on the table, but you do not have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)-friendly environment in your business.

Educating yourself on a wide variety of clientele and their specific needs is always the right thing to do. Our guest today is Maria Michelle’lee, a Diversity In Beauty Expert, who educates industry members on how to become diverse and inclusive, whatever service you provide. Cheryl and AnneMarie get some serious and straight talk about what the BIPOC community experiences every day in the beauty industry (and in life) and Maria tells us what we can all do to make our services diverse, equitable, and inclusive for everyone because everyone deserves beauty.

Expect to hear:

• Maria’s 14-year career in beauty includes mastering the art of spray tanning on people of color
• Maria’s journey of doing something about the microaggressions in the beauty industry
• Overcoming the common defense of: “But my demographic…” or “But I only specialize in…”
• Putting out images of the type of clients you want to attract can be a slippery slope. Are you unintentionally excluding others?
• What is greenwashing?
• How to balance educating yourself on techniques and being honest about what you’re not good at doing
• Racism in the beauty industry as a client
• Racism in the beauty industry as a stylist
• Create your DEI mission statement. How to live it and defend your diverse staff against racist clients
• White saviors vs. white allies
• Is it time for client housecleaning? How to get rid of racist clients and make room for those who want your services
• If you are a stylist in the beauty industry, your services should be for every person, no matter their skintone

Resources:

Connect with Maria Michelle’lee:

Maria Michelle’lee on Instagram

Maria Michelle’lee Website

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO of Untamed Artistry, your one-stop lash biz shop. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Are you happy with your career as a lash artist? Do you feel pressured to do more – open your own salon, start a product line, create an educational course? A lot of what we see on social media about our industry makes us believe that this is the path that every lash artist should take. But what’s the reality behind achieving all those goals? Many times the results are neglected relationships, constant anxiety, and eventually, complete burnout. Our guest today is Maggie Keysor of Maggs Lashes. She’ll share her journey that includes all of the above!

Expect to hear:

• Maggie’s backstory and how beauty school was not the training Maggs hoped for
• Maggie’s innovative education approach
• How mindset is often a stumbling block of students
• How the pandemic was a gut-check for Maggs
• Her journey with energy work and curing her IBS by finding her happiness
• Maggie’s unconventional journey on stepping back from education and going back to “just doing lashes”
  • Breaking the mold on why “just doing lashes” is absolutely amazing and rewarding
• Moving to Texas and re-establishing her clientele
• Lash Religion, Maggie’s apparel line – cool understated clothes that doesn’t scream “I’m a lash artist”
• Signals to look for in ourselves, to show we’re overextended

Connect with Maggie Keysor:

Maggs Lashes Instagram

Maggie Keysor LinkedIn

Lash Religion Apparel

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl’s Instagram

AnneMarie’s Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, we’re providing you insider info on setting up your lash studio environment. We’ll tell you about some of the mistakes we made early on in our careers so that you don’t make the same ones. From blowing your budget furnishing your entire salon to skimping on your client's bed, forgetting about how well your adhesive works when you don’t monitor your environment, and making sure your client is completely comfortable (no matter how they prefer their environment) with heat, blankets, air-conditioning, etc. We’re going to discuss every tiny detail so you stay on track with your budget, retain clients, and control your environment so it doesn’t control you.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry, and AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director of Untamed Artistry. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at www.untamedartistry.com

Expect to Hear:

• Cheryl’s early days furnishing her studio spaces, mistakes were made
• Don’t rush, do your research, get necessities only first
• Don’t focus on the spaces like entryway decor where the client spends 30 seconds
• AnneMarie’s first spaces, salon room setups
• Our deep dive into the salon furnishing essentials - client bed, equipment storage, stool/chair, and lighting
• Non-negotiables to assure your adhesive is perfect: hygrometers, humidifier/dehumidifiers, air-conditioning
• Fume extractors for comfort and safety
• Sanitation practices
• Taxes, cash, and credit cards
• Nice to have’s:
  • Waiting area - pre-and post-visit activities, social media content photos
  • Minifridge for beverages and snacks- keep it full and contents front-facing!
  • Berkey water filter
  • High-end decor - art, plants, creating the vibe
  • A great bathroom - including usable touch-up/refresh toiletries, sample size retail products
  • Salt lamps
• Don’t forget the music– get a nice Bluetooth speaker, relaxing music
• Visit a spa you or your clients love, get inspired, and take some ideas from their setup
• Take your time, it’s an evolution that is always changing

Resources:

• Please visit our blog post, here, to see our list of resources for this episode.

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, the discussion centers around raising mental health awareness.

Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, suffers from chronic depression. Here, she opens up to share her heart with Lash Artists about what depression looks like, and how it manifests itself.

Cheryl makes it clear that the information is based purely on her own personal experience, and that she’s not a medical professional, nor does she claim to be one. If you are struggling with a mental health issue, she encourages you to seek help.

However, she has a wealth of insight that may help you understand a lot about things that are rarely spoken about or understood:

• What depression looks like and how both types of depression — depressive episodes and chronic depression called dysthymia — are rarely recognizable at face value.
• How to combat information that is not helpful but sounds wise and motivational. For example, quotes by famous people advising us to “get things done”, or that “there's never a day off. If you want it, you should go get it”, just add on the burden of guilt and shame. What we need to do is take messages like this and evaluate them against our own values, and how we want to feel in life. And then ask yourself, “Do you feel this message is true and that it aligns with your values, or should you reject it?” Do you really believe that we can be a human being and never struggle, never have down days, or experience failures?
• Tips for dealing with depression:
  • Have a look back into your childhood, because a lot of how we feel today was imprinted on us by people who had the most impact on us as children.
  • Show the same kind of compassion towards the “negative”’ feelings as you do the “positive” feelings. Your joy is valid, but so is feeling upset.
  • Understand that for every success story that you see, there's also a story about failure that you don’t see.
• Tools and resources to help:
  • Build a strong support system that aligns with your own values.
  • Understand that self-love and self-acceptance are learnable skills.
  • Ask for help if and when necessary.
  • Avoid taking a perfectionist view on things.
  • Eat healthily and exercise, but exercise in a way that you enjoy.
  • Develop some sort of mindfulness practice.
  • Remember that you are good and worthy just as you are and start practicing self-love.

Resources Mentioned:

”I'm not your guru” documentary - Tony Robbins

The Body Keeps The Score - audiobook

Art of Accomplishment Podcast

Gary Vee (Gary Vaynerchuk)

Calm app

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed, it’s the two-year anniversary of Untamed Artistry. This celebratory interview with Cheryl Peng, CEO and founder of Untamed Artistry, provides a backdrop to the beginning of a unique brand that’s already engraved its mark on the lash industry.

Cheryl—raw, open, and unfiltered—shares her aspirations, and how being a “misfit” influenced the mission of the brand.

The show takes a fascinating look at how a business came to life and at the same time, the interview is packed with empowering nuggets for others who are trying to grow their own business. In an often isolated, clique-ish, and judgemental industry, this brand’s main aim is to spread kindness and empower others.

Discover:

• What made this CEO decide to start Untamed Artistry. For those thinking about new business ideas, Cheryl loved teaching but teaching alone was not the best fit for her. With the lash industry being a gatekeeper of information, Cheryl worked to combine a lash brand with teaching and hit the sweet spot.
• What makes brand inclusivity important to Cheryl and how being an isolated child and different from others impacted her desire for inclusivity. Cheryl says, “I wanted every single person who interacts with us to feel special. I want everyone to feel equal and celebrated.”
• The story behind the brand name stems from Cheryl’s character.
• What it was like trying to grow a business as a pandemic hit while also suffering from depression. Cheryl says, “Being an entrepreneur also forces us to look at a lot of the things internally about who we are as a person and why we do the things we do. And that process sometimes can be painful.”
• How creating a team helped grow the business.
• The surprising way in which Cheryl made decisions… hint: “I didn’t take a lot of time to think about things. When there was a decision to be made, I acted on it.” This is meaningful for lash artists who are delaying action because of overthinking.
• The ultimate goals of Untamed Artistry are that it be known as a study-buddy place for lash artists, and to change the narrative. On a personal note, Cheryl says she measures success by how many lives she touches.
• What she’s most proud of accomplishing so far.

Cheryl’s last word to listening lash artists this week: “Dare to be different. Dare to do things differently than other people, dare to think differently than other people, and dare to lash differently than others.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Authentik Artistry
• Maxx Lashes
• Hello My Name is Awesome (book)

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry.

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Wednesday Wood, Owner and Lash Artist at Wicked Esthetics Lash and Brow Studio near Houston. This is the second part to their conversation with part one on Wednesday’s podcast ‘The Wicked Lash’ so be sure to check that episode out (link below). In this episode, you’ll hear Wednesday’s wins and challenging experiences as a salon owner who also rents booths to other artists. From the benefits of a steady stream of revenue to the risk of those renters taking their clients and leaving, her marketing and advertising tactics, and other great advice, Wednesday tells us how she has handled many different challenging situations while still coming out on top.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Wednesday’s path to becoming a lash salon owner and artist
• Which to pick- booth renting vs employee vs. owning a salon?
• Advice on setting up both renting booths, employee structures, and owning a lash business
• How to manage lash artists that have potential, but don’t have the drive to level up
• Wednesday has rented and owned, shares her likes and dislikes, advice to others regarding large corporate chains
• The balance of giving to your employees, training them, and the risk of them leaving
• Non-compete agreements and contracts vs. holding someone’s career back - it’s about mutual respect between professionals
• Price point levels, salons vs homes, and the different types of clients – there is a structure for everyone’s preference
• Wednesday’s best branding tips - remember YOU are your business, be authentic
• How to attract new clients – Engagement through Facebook ads, be sure to set up all your Google info – hours, location, photos, etc., and get a website!
• Vagaro salon software for booking, rebooking, feedback and follow-ups
• Words of advice that Wednesday wishes she had received

Connect with Wednesday:

Wednesday on Instagram

Wicked Esthetics Website

The Wicked Lash Podcast

Wednesday Wood on LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Leola Abondano, lash artist and founder of Bewitching Lashes in the Houston area. You’ll hear how Leola started out with a desire to do facials, but later discovered that lashing was her passion. The pandemic and other life events made it necessary for her to “start over” building her business multiple times, and last summer Leola launched her first piece of apparel. We’ll dig deep into LashCon 2022 - happening November 5-7th in Pasadena.  We’ll talk about how Leola is participating this year, and the fantastic parties and events that you can be part of. Don’t let your hesitancy or shyness prevent you from attending and meeting your lash icons. You WILL leave the event with one or more lash besties in this fun community.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Leola’s path to becoming a solo lash artist
• Leaving a busy chain salon to go solo
• Keeping clients through economic downturns - loyalty clubs, customer service, holiday gifts
• Adding an apparel line- the challenges and rewards
• Advice on starting in apparel - just start with one piece, post the graphic image online and see what the response is! Stay original, do your research.
• Dealing with people who steal her content
• Content creation tips – do a bunch in batches to post later, utilize planning apps to design
• How to get other lash artists to buy your merch
• Everything LashCon - how Leola is participating - sponsorship, swag bag, and a virtual booth on the app
• Building relationships at LashCon – the Pajama Party is a favorite of Leola’s
• Speakers and topics at LashCon
• Don’t worry about fitting in, just be yourself and you’ll find your tribe

Resources:

LashCon 2022

Connect with Leola:

Bewitching Lashes on Instagram

Bewitching Lashes Website

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Sydney Nanton, Marketing and Media Manager at Untamed Artistry, explains how lash artists can use Google to market their businesses.

Utilizing tools like Google helps you build your business and reputation because they make your business seem more professional and legit. Google My Business is one of the most powerful tools and it is easy to set up. It’s also the first step to building a presence online.

A jam-packed episode full of value; learn from Sydney how to start promoting your business on the internet:

• What is Google My Business?
• How to open a Google My Business account and tips such as:
  • You can add a booking link on your Google My Business profile so that people can make bookings once they find you on Google.
  • Why it’s important to have reviews on Google (and tips for getting reviews).
  • You can set up a profile even if you don’t have a website.
  • What to include on your booking page to get more traffic from your Google My Business account if you don’t have a website.
• Benefits of a Google My Business profile.
• The difference between ranking on Google and ranking off location, and tools you can use.
• Keywords, long-tail keywords, and how to perform keyword research.
• What not to do to rank higher on Google (in summary, just provide value and quality, and create good content).

Resources Mentioned:

• Google My Business
• Vagaro Pro Software
• Google Keyword Search
• Answer The Public

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Do you feel stressed out, angry, and disrespected by clients who show up late? What is your “window of tolerance” for late customers? In this episode, Cheryl Peng and AnneMarie Lorenzini of Untamed Artistry share ways to ease your stress and develop richer relationships with clients.  They’ll talk about the best ways to set boundaries, use direct and honest communication, and ensure that the quality of your artistry is not compromised.

Whether your acceptable window is 5, 10, or 15 minutes, the key is to inform your clients right up front that if they are late, there are certain parameters that you will need to follow, as the service provider. Don’t blame or shame the client, but do let them know that they may be charged for a full service, or they will not receive as many lashes as they would within the full window of the appointment you’ve reserved for them. There may be clients that will not tolerate your boundaries, and in these cases, you may need to take additional boundary-setting steps including letting them know, kindly and honestly, that it's not a good fit for you.

Expect to hear:

• AnneMarie and Cheryl discuss how long their services take, and their tolerance for client tardiness without consequences
• Cheryl shares considerations on behalf of the late client, as a late client herself
• How to set and communicate your policies clearly and directly
  • You don’t want clients that feel the need to tiptoe or make excuses or feel guilty
  • Explain clearly what you expect from clients because they certainly expect certain things from you!
• Cheryl and AnneMarie’s take on offering discounts to friends and family. Hint: You are an artist with a business model and boundaries
• How to handle clients who won’t accept your boundaries
• Remember, “one size never fits all” when it comes to policies. Knowing what works best for you and your business is key.

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Breanna Toines, Co-founder of Fabulash Faces in Neosho Missouri. A very young Breanna went into business with her mom doing lashes when there were no other aesthetic beauty service businesses in town. Years later, there is a booming community of beauty services in their area, and Breanna has become a niche specialist in “natural” lashes. You’ll hear what it was like to open a business with family in a small town, the bumps in the road along the way, the emergence of social media as a platform for business promotion, and Breanna’s advice for others considering starting something in their area.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Welcome and a little bit about Breanna’s background and path to lashes
• Going into business with mom - a great partnership in this case
• Overcoming the conflicts of working with family- setting boundaries
• Starting a business in a town where there are no other aesthetic businesses- Breanna and her mom paved the way!
• Marketing -  A website is crucial, reviews are a close second, and social media - what didn’t work - a local billboard
• Goals in the next 3-5 years - bringing on staff, mom retiring, going solo?
• Tips - Find a niche/unique segment of the industry in your area - Breanna specializes in “natural” looking lashes - focused on a balanced, enhancing look

Connect with Breanna:

Fabulash Faces on Instagram

Fabulash Faces on Facebook

Fabulash Website

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie gives you an overview of all the policies and forms she uses for her salon, including digging down deep into terminology, phraseology, and examples. She reviews each section and explains what each means, to show you that the way your policies are written should protect you from issues 99% of the time. From payment terms to no show/cancellation charges, medical history and allergies, to specifics on that client’s lash design, documenting natural lash condition, to follow-up and aftercare - this is a tactical, practical guide to setting up your paperwork to protect yourself and your client.

You’ll want to keep this episode handy as a reference when you are formulating your policies and creating your forms, and remember, send a DM if you need some additional advice.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear: 

In this comprehensive episode, AnneMarie takes you through:

• Policy Form with Credit Card Capture
• Client Intake Form
• Lash Design Form
• Service Waiver and Release Forms
• Continuity of care = continuity of business

Resources:

Vagaro Pro Salon Software

Get AnneMarie’s Paperwork Here 

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, and AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, discuss the difference between working in your business versus working on your business.

It’s important to know the difference because while we like to think it’s our lash artistry that brings our clients back, that is only part of it. The truth is that it’s the whole experience that makes our clients return.

Discover:

• The difference between working in your business vs working on your business. For example, working in your business would be doing the actual lashing for clients, while working on your business means doing strategic things to grow your business, or improve it.
• How to allocate and schedule time to work on your business.
• Tips for outsourcing and delegation, how lash artists can afford this, as well as what should be outsourced, and why.
• What makes it difficult for so many small business owners to set time apart to work on their business (hint: it’s a mindset).
• The real ROI of setting time aside to work on your business even when you can’t see the immediate benefits. Tip! It helps to understand your ultimate end goal because this will keep you motivated to keep setting aside time to work on your strategy.
• How to achieve your strategic goals.
• Systems and processes for lash artists and salon owners, and how taking the time to invest in  your cycle of service today will save you time in the future.
• What makes a service experience memorable, so that your clients keep coming back.

Resources Mentioned:

• VagaroPro Booking System

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Carol Jaame, Founder of Lash Chance Artistry, provides insights around starting afresh and how to improve your lash business.

Carol shares her own story: One morning, after living just one-foot-in-front-of-the-other for years, she woke up deciding to change her life. Her’s is a story of courage, strategy, action, and perseverance that would eventually (but quite quickly) lead to her qualifying as an 8X Certified Master Lash Artist and coaching other lash artists to run profitable businesses.

The conversation includes:

• The source of Carol’s courage, confidence, and determination, and how childhood poverty pushed her to break generational patterns.
• Difficulties she had to face while building a new clientele in a completely new location and her own top tips to help you build up your client base.
• A look at “Dream Client Machine” and how it helps new lash artists.
• How to handle overwhelm.
• The value of mentoring coaches and how to choose the type of coach that will add the most value to you. For example, lash classes alone are not going to help you grow or manage your business, therefore coaching should not only be about improving your lash skills. If you’re thinking of getting a coach, ask yourself some questions to determine what type of coach is a priority, for example:
  • What do I need help with? It could be better social media marketing, or better systems, or better books. Whatever you need help with, that is the coach you should look for.

Ultimately, whatever goals and whatever dreams you have can be achieved, as long as you actually have an action plan and a mission on how to achieve them.

Resources Mentioned:

• Lash Chance Artistry Instagram
• Dream Client Machine
• Layer Slayer Lash Course by Lash Anarchist
• Play Nice But Win Book

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, the spotlight is on AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, to discover her biggest mistakes and victories and to find out more about the personality behind the name.

Essentially, AnneMarie is driven by curiosity and courage, as you will hear from the experiences recounted on today’s show:

• As a teenager, how doing makeup at a haunted house with a friend kickstarted her entire career.
• What makes her so open to paid and unpaid opportunities, and how they have benefitted her.
• How strong inner values drove her career actions, and how she views her mistakes not as having done something wrong, but rather as rich learning experiences.
• Change and the thought processes that go with it.
• Pivoting from many different roles in the lash industry to becoming the Managing Director at Untamed Artistry.

“Every decision that we make, whether we classify it as a mistake or a victory, gets you where you're at today.” - AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry

Questions for listeners to reflect on:

• What is your most celebrated moment in your career?
• What is one memory you cherish that no one knows about?
• What do you consider your biggest mistake? How did you overcome it?
• What do you feel others would think was a huge mistake of yours- that you didn't perceive the same way?
• What was the most difficult pill to swallow?
• If you could go back to your first year in this industry- what would you tell yourself?

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Are you hesitant or struggling to capture new clients through Instagram? Not sure of exactly what content to post to get customers to book with you? Our very own Sydney Nanton, Untamed Artistry’s Marketing and Media Manager, is with us again to share more Instagram how-to’s. From content do’s and don’t’s, to education, to including a “call to action,” Sydney gives us the best methods, proven statistics, and some technical tips on Instagram posts that will “entice and excite” followers and turn them into clients.

Expect to Hear:

• Check out the previous episode with Sydney - link below!
• What’s the current Instagram temperature with people?
• How to excite and entice followers with your content
• The do’s and don’ts of photos
• Determining your specialty and how to promote that
• The benefits of having others envision themselves in your studio through the content you create
• Content types that appeal to clients… and what to avoid
• The fundamentals of content creation
• Maximizing your link in profile
• The “seven exposures” statistic

Resources:

Check out our link tree on UA Instagram page

Listen to “Building a Digital Audience” Episode

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, discusses her industry peeve: content that does not portray either the lash industry or lash businesses in a good light. She realizes this is mostly unintentional and is simply about not understanding the negative ramifications of it.

Cheryl recounts her favorite statement: “I don't remember what you said. But I remember how you made me feel.” All content has a tone that conveys an emotion to the reader; it’s part of the brand experience.

It is critical to consider the tone of your text: does it come across as passive-aggressive or sarcastic? Or does it come out of a place of education, kindness, compassion, love?

Do's and don'ts when it comes to the tone of your content:

• Don’t bash clients or situations. For example, don’t have a “mean girl” mentality. Are you portraying your business like a clique-ish salon that makes fun of clients who aren't a certain way? Or are you coming off as a salon that's loving and accepting of everyone? Even if you do cultivate a very specific type of clientele, you still want them to feel comfortable. If they don’t feel comfortable, they will simply go elsewhere.
• Set boundaries with clients so that you can avoid feeling resentful (often this is a key reason why lash artists go on social media and post about a scenario. They really are just looking to vent, but if you find this is something you do, you must be aware that it will portray your business in a bad light and potentially hurt your revenue). Clear is kind. Setting boundaries is an act of kindness. Cheryl says, “It's not up to us to change people, especially changing them by shaming them.”
• Think carefully about who your content is attracting—it does nothing for your business if it attracts engagement from the industry instead of potential clients.

Tips and tricks for creating content that attracts the right clients:

• The type of content you want to produce should attract your target audience; as such, it should be educational, inspirational, or aspirational.
• Think about all the reasons why people would not be getting eyelash extensions from you, and then create content to debunk those myths or to overcome those objections.

Resources Mentioned:

• Netflix
• Instagram Explore
• Facebook Groups

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry.

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode, AnneMarie is joined by lash powerhouse Shelby Tarleton, the Austin Texas lash mogul who has built a successful empire that includes her own salon with multiple lash artists, a podcast, a state-approved lashing school (Lash Boss University), a pro-shop, and even a lash conference. Shelby shares some insightful knowledge about client retention and how to achieve it, including looking at your client statistics and rebooking reports run from your salon software.  Is your client retention rate at 85%? It should be. Are you aware of the full experience that your client has, from your welcome email to what they smell as they enter your salon, to what they receive as a service vs. what they were expecting? All these little things factor into a client’s decision to return, or not.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• If you are constantly in need of new clients, there may be something wrong.
• Getting good client retention. What do the clients experience from start to finish with your service?
• The client perspective. What do they see? What are their thoughts?
• The importance of keeping your station clean, put things away as you go, a client may not say anything but their brain will notice the lack of cleanliness in your studio
• Elevating the client experience with small touches throughout the studio
• How do you know a client is not rebooking?
• Prebooking is key to retention. If a client is not prebooking, they may not be satisfied with your service.
• How to effectively prebook every client
• Thoughts on online booking
• What should you look at in your salon reports?
  • Productivity - are you 90% booked? Time to raise rates!
  • First-time vs. returning client prebooking rates
  • Do your clients purchase retail products from your salon? Do you sell them!?
• The benefits of selling retail.
• Re-educating clients when new lash care or techniques are discovered.
• How to raise your pricing!
• Have you had a client suggest something and felt defensive? This may be an opportunity for you to better your client experience!
• Shelby’s thoughts on the state of the industry today

Connect with Shelby:

Shelby on Instagram

Shelby’s Lash Boss Podcast

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

Are you running yourself into the ground, working six or more days a week, and still not earning what you had hoped you would in your lash business? Tianna Seo is here to give us a reality check –  trying to do it all is not sustainable for anyone. You, your loved ones, friends and family all suffer when you’re in overdrive 24/7 and you will inevitably end up burning out. Listen closely to Tianna’s story, because she truly wants the next generation of lash artists to learn from her mistakes. She advocates for shifting focus in the industry, to prevent other up-and-coming artists from feeling the need to take on the world and build a business overnight.

Expect to hear:

• Tianna’s story including her 12 years of experience (and some hellish years) that led Tianna to finding grace in 2022
• How to build a ‘sustainable’ business model
• How to prevent burnout
• Tianna’s Asian heritage and the drive for success
• Playing “keep up” vs. finding freedom
• Can you achieve the mythical “magic life” and become a six-figure lash artist?
• Tianna’s wisest tips for lash artists coming up through the industry
  • Don’t try to barrel through and build your business overnight, commit to a reasonable timeline!
• Tianna’s new life after quitting alcohol and soda, and slowing down
• Pitfalls to attempting the wrong business model – “Margins!” are everything
• Scaling back, and charging what you should in our luxury service industry

Resources:

Tianna's Instagram

Tianna Seo LinkedIn

The Lash Exchange Website

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

It’s happening! Hosts Cheryl Peng and AnneMarie Lorenzini invite you to join them for the Untamed podcast! A show dedicated to empowering lash artists. In this introductory episode, Cheryl and AnneMarie share their best resources and information so that you can become a more successful lash artist and business owner.

A bit about your hosts:

Cheryl Peng is the CEO and founder of Untamed Artistry and a self-proclaimed #lashnerd, obsessed with anything and everything lashes. Coming from a career in professional poker, Cheryl never really fit into the high fashion, vogue beauty world. And when introduced to lash extensions, something CLICKED! Her unconventional background and passion for lashes give Cheryl a uniquely creative and valuable perspective within the beauty industry.

AnneMarie Lorenzini is the Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, with over 14 years of professional experience in the beauty industry. Her communication skills and diverse background in education, cosmetics, product development, and salon management give AnneMarie an excellent mind for business and an eye for innovation.

The type of content you can expect on this podcast is candid conversations for lash artists so you can improve both your lash skills and business knowledge.

So whether you’ve been in the industry for years or are just picking up your tweezers for the first time, you’re welcome here! And we can’t wait to geek out with you guys.

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, make themselves vulnerable by sharing their own experiences about mental health and self-care.

Since there is a direct correlation between self-care and good mental health—and that direct correlation is demonstrated in productivity and building healthy relationships—it’s an important topic to ensure your success as a lash artist.

Lash artists often feel fulfillment from making others happy and, while this is such a quality, the danger is that it can lead to self-neglect from always putting others first.

Examples of common scenarios when lash artists neglect themselves:

• Extending your book to working 12-hour days.
• Not taking the time to eat, stretch, or use the bathroom.
• Ditching events or not keeping a previously-made appointment so that you can attend to a rush-in client instead.

In today’s show, Cheryl and AnneMarie share tips for setting up routines that help lash artists to live more successful, peaceful, and happy lives that boost productivity. Tips include:

• Setting hours for yourself and not going beyond them.
• Blocking-off days on your calendar when you have something planned and taking vacations guilt-free.
• Taking lunch breaks and eating.
• Doing things you love, like going outside or taking a cooking class.
• Scheduling time each day for being non-reactive.
• Keeping a journal; this is a method of self-therapy.

Self-care is a habitual thing; it is “honoring the commitment to myself.”

While you can't control how others react or treat you, you have every control over how you treat yourself.

Resources Mentioned:

• Enjoy Bloom 
• Bullet Journal

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Trina Dial, Chief Executive Officer at Maven Artistry, talks about creation and solving problems with a product line.

Maven Artistry develops and sells innovative beauty products and is known as an expert in lash artistry education.

What’s particularly fascinating about this business is that Trina has not followed the typical “success blueprint” to achieve success. Instead, she’s deliberately chosen the path of doing most of the business activities on her own, with the help of her husband. Interestingly enough, she hasn’t needed to push the business to make it grow.

The interview covers:

• The future of education in the lash industry (remote work, trainers, and mentorships).
• In order to create and innovate products, you have to have the experience of what works and what doesn't work. Because ultimately you need to create something that solves a problem.
• How to deal with copycats: When others copy your innovations, don’t waste time mulling over it and allowing it to eat at you, as this is just a distraction from some other great things you could be doing. Keep your focus!
• The most effective marketing method Trina uses (hint: word-of-mouth and relationship building are her two primary keys). Be intentional with your marketing.
• Many artists believe that there's one blueprint to running and growing a business. They believe that you have to follow the roadmap, but Trina has had so much success by doing things her way. Trina says, “I learned really quickly what was meant for me and what wasn't.”
• Tips to differentiate yourself from the market. Tip number one is to be authentic to yourself and don’t copy what other people are doing.

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Kari Bristow lays out some hard truths and shares some difficult times she’s been through in this episode of Untamed. From life growing up to finding her lash passion after years of doing hai to advice on balancing “hustle culture” with family time, Kari’s primary focus is helping others. Her mission is to transform any lash tech into a thriving and successful lash artist. As a lash educator (focused on retention techniques), Kari strives daily to live up to her motto: Educate, inspire, mentor, and connect. Join us for a truly inspirational and brutally real conversation where all three of us get very emotional talking about our journeys to where we are now.

Expect to hear:

• Kari’s background
• Kari’s Lash Retention Course
• How Kari regained the passion that she lost during the pandemic
  • Kari wishes she had permitted herself to “take a break” during the pandemic
  • Kari’s best advice for getting through the low times
• The journey of entrepreneurship and how it extends beyond just a P&L
• The story of Angelique from Barbados
• Motherhood, work, and sacrifice
  • Set up systems to work smoothly when you’re ready to become a mom
• Cheryl’s story about her mom and work
  • Look inside - is your drive motivated by your own past trauma?
• Make the time for your kids - every moment you can - quality if not quantity
• How to balance your own ego
• Kari, Cheryl, and AnneMarie share some tales from our very different childhoods

Connect with Kari Bristow:

Kari Bristow on Instagram

KariDesigns Website

Kari’s YouTube Channel

Kari Bristow on LinkedIn

Kari’s 2019 episode on LashCast Podcast

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

In this episode, new mom of baby Avery - Cheryl - returns, and she and AnneMarie take a trip down memory lane. From reflecting on the last 3 years to the future vision for UA, the learnings and challenges along the way, and valuable advice from Cheryl and AnneMarie, you’ll hear some stories about the founding journey that you may not have heard before.

In the second half of the episode, Cheryl and AnneMarie discuss sustainability, innovation, and taking big risks. They discuss the massive challenges they encountered when designing and developing new products, working with different manufacturers, and the plan to build in sustainability, innovation, and cost savings for them and for UA customers.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Welcoming back Cheryl Peng - who is now a ‘morning person’ with baby Avery
• Untamed Artistry’s 3rd Anniversary! November 15th
• Cheryl’s future vision for UA three years ago - a friendly, fun, innovative community for all
• How Untamed has matured since the beginning
• Cheryl's favorite aspect of UA is its resilience
• Innovative product development - challenges and successes
• “UA shares!” - sharing knowledge and encouragement openly
• Our UA community of stylists - lifting us all up with purpose
• Cheryl’s biz advice- outsourcing is critical, hire experienced talent that aligns with your core values
• Innovation, sustainability, and the excitement around UA’s new product directions - debuting at the LashConference
• Creator’s Collection of lash trays and premades!
  • Other launch surprises - tweezer updates and more!
• Closing words to lash artists - be uniquely you

Resources:

Book: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In today’s episode, AnneMarie interviews Cheryl about creativity. As Cheryl puts it, everyone is creative in some way– it’s not limited to painting, drawing, or playing an instrument – if you think up ‘creative’ ways to work through problems or present your work, then you are creative. From tracking your creativity in a journal and watching for the ebb and flow, to tips and tricks for sparking creativity and preventing burnout, Cheryl and AnneMarie give you some excellent advice for maintaining your creativity in your life and your business.

Expect to hear:

• Cheryl’s self-analysis of her creativity
• How creativity stems from being curious and determining what you are creative in
• The ebb and flow of creativity and how to track it
• How to utilize your ebb and flow to your advantage. Tips include: Batching your content when you’re riding a creative wave
• How to handle a creative rut. #1- Don’t beat yourself up!
• The signs of burnout and losing your joy

Resources:

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, the discussion focuses on adhesive and retention. Because Untamed is a brand known for high-quality adhesive products and education, the episode is jam-packed with valuable information to keep your clients coming back over and over again.

Lash retention = client retention.

It’s an important topic because more than 50% of clients who have a retention problem simply never return.

The hard truth is that retention is your problem, no matter the cause — even if your client is at fault. This episode explains why this is so.

Find out the reasons why clients themselves may be the cause of retention issues, such as diet, vitamin deficiencies, health conditions, or the way they treat their lashes. As a Lash Artist, these are out of your control, but what can you do?

If a client is not getting all the nutrition that their body needs to produce healthy hair, for example, then their lashes may be lacking as well, meaning that they could be going through a faster growth cycle or their hair is just really, really fragile. Thyroid conditions, diabetes, eye conditions, and medication can all affect lash retention. AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director of Untamed Artistry, shares considerations that should be assessed prior to application.

Tip! Make sure you have a thorough intake that includes things like medical history, health, and lifestyle before seeing a client for the first time.

Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, shares in detail each step of the lash retention process so that you have the opportunity to examine your own techniques and improve them. These include:

1. Prepping, including the first consultation. Applying to a clean surface is critical. Don’t rely on your clients to do it.
2. The pros and cons of applying primer, and when to use it.
3. The basic environment, and understanding the technical aspects of adhesives.
4. How much adhesive to use.
5. Perfect attachment is a base-to-base attachment or alignment.
6. Client aftercare, and educating them to understand the importance of taking care of their lashes. It’s key to speak their language, and then create multiple formats of it. How aftercare can lead to product upsells.
7. Follow up.

Resources Mentioned:

• Client Paperwork Forms and Documentation
• Untamed Artistry adhesive workshop on YouTube
• Untamed Artistry attachment videos on YouTube
• Untamed Artistry YouTube Channel
• Untamed Artistry Facebook Page
• Untamed Artistry on TikTok
• Untamed Artistry on Instagram
• Untamed Artisty on Pinterest

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Today’s guest is lash legend Lia Juhas, Founder and CEO of LiaLash. Lia gets real and shares her past struggles openly with Cheryl and AnneMarie. As a child of immigrants who grew up with a scarcity mindset, Lia finally transformed her life from a 24/7 hustle causing multiple periods of burnout to a life that truly aligns for her. We’ll hear how Lia shot into the spotlight very quickly early on and then realized that her business was eating her alive and taking her away from all the things she treasured in life – relationships, family, and creative energy.

Expect to hear:

• Lia’s background story and journey through the lash industry
• How and why Lia transitioned from lashing to teaching lashes
• The very real costs of hustling to make more money
• Owning a salon, starting a product line, being a trainer – was that as great as it sounds?
• How the lash industry perpetuates what lash artists “should” be aspiring to
• Lia's burnout - behind the scenes of success
  • How pandemic lockdowns forced Lia to stop and step back
• The myth of working harder to make money
  • Warning signs and toxic habits to watch for within yourself
• Balancing yourself with the pressures of hustle culture
• How Lia defines success these days
• Lia’s best advice

Resources:

Book- Profit First

Connect with Lia:

Lia's Lash Instagram

Lia’s Online Courses

Lia’s Mentorship Instagram

Lia’s Mentorship Website

Lia Juhas LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl’s Instagram

AnneMarie’s Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, with typical vulnerability and courage, Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, shares the failure of a dream. She tells us how she knew it was time to quit and what she gained from the dismantling of the ‘Geek Squad,’ the Untamed Artistry brand’s Ambassador Program.

A vision that didn’t come true, the Geek Squad was supposed to provide real value for diehard fans as well as for the Untamed Artistry brand. The plan was for the program to run differently from the way other brands do it. However, what Cheryl found was that the ‘brand ambassador’ concept is outdated and, in many ways, exploits the community.

The idea can work well because referral is so powerful, and it’s more effective for clients to hear from peers how great your service is. However, if the concept does not align with your brand’s core values, it is not likely to succeed. This was true for the Untamed Artistry brand, and Cheryl explains why.

Expect to hear:

• The pros and cons of an ambassador program.
• How Cheryl was able to quit the program, despite her personal belief in it.
• How typical ambassador programs work.
• Why your most passionate vision is not likely to succeed if it doesn’t completely align with your personal values.
• What Untamed Artistry plans to do for fans in place of the failed ambassador program.

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Michelle Rowland, Chief Education Officer at La Lash Academy Sydney, shares her experience of starting out as a self-doubting lash artist to doing lashes for Hollywood celebrities—and doing it from home.

The Dancing with the Stars producer had her lashes done right next to Michelle’s bed (although she didn’t know it!)

Michelle has done lashes for some other big names in Hollywood, and the big question she answers is this: What made celebrities come to a home-based studio when they could go anywhere else?

It could have had something to do with being able to trust the lash artist, her humility, and her genuine love for her clients.

In a fascinating conversation, Michelle shares:

• What attracted celebrities to her service, even though it was home-based, and the customer experience she provided each client.
• The pros and cons of a home-based studio.
• What is absolutely essential when putting together a home-based studio to mitigate the stigma and pre-judgment about working from home.
• What to do if you feel uneasy about a new client coming to your home, your safe space.
• How to decide if a home-based lash studio is right for you (but take note that some areas do not allow home-based studios).

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes Lana Wyer, Owner and Founder of LuxUncut. Lana started in the beauty industry at the age of 16. As a creative and entrepreneur, college was not in the cards for Lana, so she secretly dropped out to focus on her lash business. A year later she was fully booked and fielding requests for training in her methods. After several setbacks, Lana moved to the UK to try her hand at the lash business there. Upon recently returning to the U.S, Lana’s current focus is on social media, content creation, and education. We hear a little tease about her upcoming projects and dig deeper into Lana’s guidelines for branding yourself and your business.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• About Lana and her path - art, beauty, and community service
• Lana’s move to the UK
• The setbacks - Lana saw rejection as “redirection” - building from a new foundation
• New goals and directions - no more hustle culture and now focusing on the positive
• Social media and content creation is part of Lana’s new focus
• Advice for developing your brand – get to know yourself and what you love foremost
• Branding words and concepts - how Lana takes those to brainstorm a brand
• The outlook for the next year - discipline and purpose, not motivation, keeps her going
• Starting young - a level of ignorance and feeling of invincibility
• What Lana wishes she knew then - surrounding herself with knowledge and mentors would have prevented many missteps
• Keeping focus on yourself and your strengths - affirmations help, keep it healthy, rewire to be inspired!
• Advice to young lash artists - you’ve made the right decision to join a rapidly growing industry, focus on your uniqueness!

Resources:

Start with Why by Simon Sinek Book

Connect with Lana:

LuxUncut Website

Lana on Instagram

Ebook and Online Course

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

At this time of the year, lash artists are busier than ever. In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, founder and CEO of Untamed Artistry, interviews AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, who over the years has invested a lot of time learning time management skills.

Learn about the tips and tricks that will help you put your best foot forward, and get the best out of your lash artistry life:

• The percentage of revenue that increases during holiday time, and the potential problem when the busy season has ended (and what to do about it).
• How to best utilize the quiet period after the chaos of the holiday season, and why you should work on a strategy to cultivate clients that keeps your income steady throughout the year.
• How to increase revenue over the holiday season by selling gift packages and bundles.
• Habits that you should develop to help prevent burnout and achieve balance, such as blocking time out of your schedule for yourself and setting a daily schedule with breaks, and then sticking to it no matter what.
• Tips for setting boundaries, especially when you’re not used to saying “no.”
• Setting breaks between clients: you could use a booking system that does it automatically, or schedule additional time into the appointment time of each client.
• Prioritizing your personal life because it has an impact on your stress level which impacts your business.
• Recommended time management books (see the resources below).

Resources Mentioned:

• Vagaro Pro (software)
• When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing (book)
• The One Thing (book)
• The Power of Habit (book)
• Why We Sleep (book)

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Are you in business (or planning to go into business) with your spouse or significant other? How do the two of you divide and conquer your business? In this episode of Untamed, Cheryl Peng and AnneMarie Lorenzini are speaking with married business partners Tussanee and Paul Luebbers, who together run Integrity Lash, host the long-running podcast, “LashCast” and also organize the largest lash convention in the world, LashConference.

Their path to success has not been easy. Paul and Tussanee reveal some very personal details about their troubled “seasons” (as they call them) in the past, in the hope that they can help others through some of the rocky times couples may experience doing business together. From prioritizing family time to showing grace and respect for each other’s skills and shortcomings, they let us in on what it’s like to spend 24/7 with your spouse, and how to navigate the ups and downs of family and business.

Expect to hear:

• How Tussanee founded Integrity Lash back in 2005
• The transition of Paul moving from film to the beauty industry
• Breaking the conventional wisdom that says don’t go into business with friends and family
• Humility and sacrifice must come from both partners
• Key considerations before entering a partnership with a spouse
• Advice for expecting moms in business partnerships
• Paul breaks the gender norms of the male breadwinner
• Financial considerations when getting into a business partnership

Resources Mentioned:

Lash Conference Nov 5-7 2022

LashCast Instagram

Integrity Lash Website

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Roxie Reese, CEO at DFW Lash University, shares what made her start a beauty school. DFW Lash University is a state-approved lash license program, and it’s the result of Roxie’s desire to impact others in the industry she loves.

Roxie explains what drove her to build this unique beauty school, and how her observation about the industry seemed very “cookie cutter.” She adds that she wanted her programs to be a central place for diversity to cultivate inclusion.

One of the highlights of this episode is seeing that behind every amazing CEO, there is a human who has their very own life experiences and struggles — even when all we see is success.

With a deep passion for lash artistry, Roxie shares:

• What DFW Lash University is, her mission is to create the highest quality educational experience, expose the limited possibilities and potential in this industry.
• The difference between state-licensed lash programs and other lash courses.
• The motivation behind creating DFW Lash University and what makes it unique.
• What inclusivity means at DFW Lash University.
• What educators can do to provide more inclusive courses, and how the lash industry and individual artists can support inclusivity efforts.
• The “person” behind the CEO: juggling the responsibilities of being a CEO and mother of a young child.

Resources Mentioned:

• Google Docs

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes Monique “Mo” Hamil, owner and lash artist at Lash Out near Houston, Texas. Mo has a Bachelors degree in Business and has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. It was only after managing a hair salon for many years that Mo took a lashing course and found her life’s passion. She has now been a lash artist and salon owner for over 10 years. Mo is focused on building the “community vs. competition” between lash artists across the U.S.,and AnneMarie and Mo speak candidly about the pros and cons of working in someone else’s lash salon vs. owning your own/working on your own.

In the last segment, Mo shares her dreams and goals for “Lash Bash”- a community event that invites lash artists of every skill level to come and meet each other, find new friends, talk about business opportunities, and more. For the 2023 Lash Bash, Mo plans a multi-city tour so watch for this event happening near you!

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Connect with Monique Hamil:

Lash Out Instagram

LashBash Instagram

Mo's Instagram

Lash Out Website

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

Hosts Cheryl Peng and AnneMarie Lorenzini invite you to join them for the Untamed podcast! A show dedicated to empowering lash artists. In this very first episode, Cheryl and AnneMarie share with you the top categories of education that are important to prioritize besides your lash technique and which are not promoted very well in the lash industry.

Cheryl is the Founder and CEO of Untamed Artistry. She built her themed artistry business into a seven-figure brand in less than a year, and did it in a pandemic no less. AnneMarie, an experienced lash stylist, boasts a background in the business side of beauty.

They urge lash artists to consider their education as an investment for their businesses. In this episode, they discuss:

• As a lash artist-entrepreneur, the importance of understanding the numbers and how this helps build a strong foundation.
• Recommended business books. These include Profit First, which is about how to set up your business and bank accounts and how to make your business profitable. The E-Myth Revisited is another eye-opener that explains business success, and Hello, My Name Is Awesome is a super short read about how to name your business.
• Learning resources for the lash industry. Skillshare, for example, offers mostly creative learning courses, but also a few business courses like accounting and bookkeeping.
• Lash artists are always their own photographers and content creators; where to learn more about photography and editing so that your shots attract more eyeballs for marketing purposes.
• Finding a mentor who you are comfortable sharing with; it doesn't have to be in conventional form; it can even be podcast guests.
• Why marketing is critical for business, and how to learn the fundamentals to grow to a place where you enjoy a comfortable clientele. How storytelling, SEO, and referral programs can boost marketing efforts.
• Why you should learn more about customer service.
• Improving skill by self-education (really just watching YouTube videos). If you want to know how to do something, take your curiosity to YouTube.
• Making learning a priority and scheduling it into your calendar.

All of these things are going to generate more revenue in your business and bring in more clients.

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Our last episode about business profitability with Tianna Seo was well-loved and started many side conversations with our listeners. In this episode, AnneMarie interviews Cheryl about her financial experiences which includes time as a professional poker player and financial advisor prior to starting Untamed Artistry. Tune in to hear much more about how lash artists should be thinking about money, the scarcity vs. abundance mindset, and some fascinating stories from Cheryl and AnneMarie about their own ups and downs around income, expenses, profit, and losses in the lash industry.

Expect to hear:

• Cheryl’s short-lived but incredibly useful stint as a financial advisor
• The calculated risks and learnings from Cheryl’s time as a poker player
• Cheryl’s experience growing up poor in China and then with abundance in Canada
  • The success found by Cheryl’s mom as an Asian immigrant in Canada
• Finding your winning mindset, abundance vs. scarcity, rich vs. wealthy, assets vs. liabilities
• Applying all this info to our listener’s specific needs as lash artists
• Influencers in the lash industry– toxic and false impressions on social media
  • Dissecting the “Can you buy two?” mindset and spending within your means
• The drudgery of bookkeeping – do it right and you won’t struggle later on
  • Tip: Flip the script– start with identifying how much money you want to take home!
• Tips for the beginning lash artist, including looking at your P & L from the start
  • If you haven’t looked at your P&L yet, that’s ok!  Just do it ASAP
• Separating business and personal expenses, credit cards, etc.
• Understanding that money is a tool, and everyone’s situation is different

Resources:

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

Many lash artists get stuck when faced with how to get clients to return after their full set/initial appointment. It’s not always evident that fill appointments are the actual bread and butter of your business, and not all of us are confident about how to keep clients on the books and coming back every two weeks for fills. It’s part client education, part pro-active booking, and also tuning in to how your client responds to their first full set and making sure communication channels are wide open.

Tara Walsh, Owner of The Lashpreneur, is with us today to talk about all things client retention.  From how to use bad reviews as an opportunity, to setting boundaries, to pricing your services correctly to be profitable, Tara tells it like it is and doesn’t hold back. She pushes lash artists to be confident, to create a business and schedule that they enjoy working in, and how to keep clients happy and returning regularly.

Expect to Hear:

• Tara Walsh and Lashpreneur intro
• The importance of mental health and common struggles of entrepreneurs
• The work involved in gaining a returning client and a breakdown of what keeps clients coming back- hint, client communication is often overlooked
• Shifting your mindset to exceed your expectations
• Common myths about clients
• Pricing strategies
• The Lashpreneur Society- what it is and how it will benefit you

Resources:

The Lashpreneur Website

The Lashpreneur Society

Lessons of a Lashpreneur Podcast

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, Founder & CEO of Untamed Artistry, and AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director of Untamed Artistry, have a heart-to-heart about their unpopular lash artist industry opinions.

(You don’t have to agree with them and they would love your opinions, too!)

Ready? Let’s go then; here’s what you can expect on the show:

Unpopular Lashing Opinions

1. Fans don’t need to be perfect and symmetrical in an application. What’s more important than perfect fans? The base, for example, that provides greater retention.
2. Although there are solutions for treating adhesive sensitivities in an application, it's not okay to take a client with a known allergy. Why? Legal issues are something that most businesses can't survive.
3. Age and number of years of experience are not important qualities for teaching others about lashing; instead, the ability to teach is what should qualify a person to be a lash educator.

Unpopular Business Opinions

1. Don’t take business shortcuts, for logical and value reasons. All the shortcuts you take will catch up with you in the future.
2. You can be a successful lash artist without making six figures. Success is defined by how you feel, not by what you have.
3. Lash artists shouldn’t charge in the first few months of their careers if they’re learning. There are surprising long-term consequences to charging small amounts just to cover costs.

Unpopular Client Opinions

1. Be flexible within reason. For example, while you shouldn’t make it the norm that it’s okay for clients to be late, be kind. If they're willing to spend less time with you so that you are not late for your next client but you can still provide quality work, take them.
2. Set boundaries when it’s important to you and your business but try not to be unreasonable, always putting yourself in your client’s shoes.
3. Never make negative content about clients or fellow lash artists.

The point of today’s show is that it is good to hold unpopular opinions because it means that you're a critical thinker. It means that you're willing to think for yourself, you're willing to go against the grain and dare to be different.

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, and AnneMarie Lorenzini, Managing Director at Untamed Artistry, discuss some interesting new perspectives around competitors and the unique benefits they bring to your business.

The conversation covers the pros and cons of competition in this industry:

• How competitors can help grow your business. For example, using competition as material for a thinking and learning exercise. In other words, it’s not necessary to reinvent the wheel; instead, look at how the wheels are made by others and then make small adjustments to them to make them your own or to improve them.
• How you can use competition to conduct research for your business.
• Knowing your competition may enable improved customer service.
• Analyzing your competition must be done with the right mindset or it can become toxic.
• Why it’s helpful to investigate any feelings you have of discouragement over competitors and what they’re doing.
• Keeping an eye on your competition without losing integrity or becoming a copycat.

Resources mentioned:

• The Innovation Book (book)
• Maven Artistry
• Apple TV
• Netflix
• Amazon Prime
• HBO
• Disney Plus
• Big Magic (book)

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO at Untamed Artistry, answers your most pressing questions about building a lash artist brand, no matter how small you are or how big you plan to go.

When entering the industry, most artists are not familiar with marketing. Branding forms part of marketing. Branding is what separates your lash business from another. When you are in a fiercely competitive industry such as the beauty niche, branding may be what makes or breaks your success.

Teaser Tip: … “When you become a solo artist, you are competing with 80% of the industry since most lash artist businesses are solo.” - Cheryl Peng, Founder & CEO at Untamed Artistry

The high competition you face as a solo lash artist forces you to offer something that separates you from the crowd.

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode, AnneMarie takes you step by step through some of her best business practices.  From keeping a lid on spending, to making your bed and salon comfortable, creating a professional website with booking functions, and some ideas for creative promotions to attract or retain clients, you’ll definitely get something useful out of this episode. Whether you’re just starting out, or a long-time pro, tune in and see if there are some new tips and information you can use to improve your lashing business and set yourself up for success!

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• AnneMarie’s background in the beauty industry
• What’s your why? Considering why you want to be in the lash industry. If it’s only money, and you don’t like people, you probably won’t find lashing satisfying long-term.

Tip #1 - Don’t overspend

• It’s fun to buy and try everything, but buy sparingly
• Make your salon space cozy - but how to do it affordably
• The salon environment - start small and replace/refresh when items are worn out or expired

Tip #2 - Customer service

• This will bring customers back much more often than your skill set
• Pre-book, follow-up, be proactive

Tip #3 - Professional software

• Website
• Instagram pages
• Booking software (VagaroPro is AnneMarie’s favorite)

Tip #4 - Creative promotions

• Give them time to provide results
• Referral promotions that give cash back are often successful
• Consider your expenses/overhead when creating promotions
• Promo Idea: Full set with “free” refill. This encourages the client to come back and allows you to begin building a long-term client relationship

Resources:

VagaroPro Booking Software

WIX Website Builder

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this real and raw episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Deanna Campese of International Lash Masters opens up about her past and how it unexpectedly led to the creation of a community in the lash industry.

International Lash Masters helps lash artists grow their businesses by offering lash education and a positive network, with the goal of mitigating the typical bullying and bitchiness that can be found in the industry.

The discussion centers around:

• How the International Lash Masters community came to be and the touching story behind it
• How Deanna was able to push through all the doubt that was thrown at her
• Advice for those who are experiencing hurt and pain from words or actions that directly come from someone that they love
• Cases of bullying in the industry, what makes people bully others, and what you can do about it
• What emotional growth looks like in reality and within the industry

Resources mentioned:

• Existential Kink (book)
• Lash Masters Conference (in Australia)

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode of Untamed by Untamed Artistry, Cheryl Peng, Founder and CEO of Untamed Artistry, shares her greatest career victories and mistakes in the hopes that her experiences may encourage others.

In this honest and vulnerable conversation, listen as Cheryl shares:

• Her most celebrated moments professionally and personally.
• How nothing she did came to fruition. Although she always had great ideas in her head, the interest to take action and see them through never stayed, but launching a product line changed that.
• Cheryl took a high financial risk to launch her product line. This gave her personal satisfaction because she understood that her investment meant she truly believed in her products.
• Her biggest mistake was putting too much trust in a lash manufacturer and purchasing too much inventory upfront only to receive faulty products. She explains how she overcame the issue with honesty, but that this cost her potential profits. Although a hard lesson, honesty proved to be the best policy because, through it, she gained loyal customers who appreciated her transparency.
• How she made the leap from a career as a poker player to a career in beauty.
• Tips for people who are trying to make more difficult decisions in their lives, such as dealing with fear, emotions, and decision-making.

Resources Mentioned:

Annie Duke’s “How to Decide” (book)

A tool called, “Fear Setting Exercise” by Tim Ferriss; a TED talk

Huberman Lab Podcast

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

Have you ever wanted to create an online course but don’t know how? In this episode, we chat with Claire Hooper, Beauty Business Educator, on how to create an online course. And the best part is that this episode will teach you how to do this for any online course you want to create! Claire shares how she found her passion and purpose in the industry – she still does lashes and makes clients feel beautiful - AND she helps beauty entrepreneurs create online courses and build email marketing systems to take it to the next level. She promises that with the right technology and some simple tips and tricks, your entrepreneurship/solopreneurship journey can be a lot simpler.

Expect to hear:

• Claire’s journey from working with children to becoming a lash artist and educator
  • A different trajectory from many in our industry
• How to learn what your superpowers are
• Why email marketing is a must and how to create content for your emails
• Creating an online education course. Your online courses don’t have to be about beauty – follow your passions! Journaling, yoga, etc.
• Online course options– ebooks, audio files, slideshows – you don’t have to use video!

Resources:

Flodesk

Mailchimp

VagaroPro

Acuity

Connect with Claire Hooper:

Claire Hooper Website

Claire Hooper Instagram

Claire Hooper LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In today’s two-part episode, AnneMarie and Cheryl first discuss their best suggestions for increasing your lashing speed, and in the last segment, tips and tricks for lashing during the summer months. From taking the right amount of time to learn and train, to keeping your eyesight in tip-top shape, to investing in the best tools and materials for your lashing business, Cheryl and AnneMarie review their own learning paths to success. In part II, rain, humidity, heat, and summer habits of your clients can all affect the lashing process. Find out how to adjust and keep your services top-notch all year round.

Expect to hear:

• How long it took AnneMarie and Cheryl to do their very first lash sets
• How to give yourself some grace while you’re learning and getting up to speed
• The stages of learning:
  • Observation
  • Practice
  • Processing
• Why scheduling learning blocks, or shorter practice sessions, is best for your learning process
• Why depth perception could be holding you back from increasing your lash speed and application quality
• How to communicate to your optometrist. They can help optimize your eyecare/eyewear, but only if they understand the details of what you’re trying to see
• Can adhesive make you faster? A look at fast and slow dry times
  • AnneMarie and Cheryl share their favorite adhesives for different situations
• Summer application tips
• Why and how your environment affects your lash application
  • Houston vs. Toronto climates for lashing

Resources:

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie is joined again by Untamed Artistry’s Marketing and Creative Coordinator and expert lash artist Mackenzie Unsworth. This episode is full of love as AnneMarie and Mack talk about Mack’s start in the lashing business, how she got hired as Marketing and Creative Coordinator at Untamed Artistry, her love of her job and the lashing industry, and some of her hopes, aspirations, and advice for artists and the future of the industry in general.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Mack’s grandmother encouraged her to become a lash artist at 17
• Finding UA on Instagram
• Surprising discoveries “behind the scenes”
• Advice on not getting sucked into influencer culture
• Learning how to ask for help- it’s necessary
• Navigating the lash industry - who can you trust?
• The future of the industry - sustainability, kindness, and support
• Career aspirations
• Proudest career moments
• Tips and tricks for self-care
• Questions from listeners
• Advice for aspiring young lash artists - stick with what is fulfilling, even if it’s non-traditional

Resources:

Mackenzie’s First UA Unboxing Video

Connect with Mackenzie:

Mackenzie on Instagram

Mackenzie on LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes back two previous guests - Roxie Reese of DFW Lash University, and Tianna Seo of The Lash Exchange. As women of color in the lash industry, Roxie and Tianna share some raw and uncut truths regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. While the beauty industry is a diverse global market, the lash industry in the U.S. does not always reflect that. You’ll hear advice on how to make your business more diverse, either with clients or employees, tips for diversifying your branding and social media feeds, and some intense discussion around who may be making your lash products in other countries, and their deplorable working conditions.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Some of the big moments of Roxie and Tianna’s careers
• DFW Lash University = “Diverse for Women” not “Dallas - Ft. Worth”
• Serving the masses - the wide spectrum of diversity in the industry
• Countering the claims that “my demographic is white” and “I can’t be diverse with a small team of 3”
• Equity within paid opportunities - balancing your time and value
• Advice for women of color in our industry
• Brand pillars and disruption
• Photo shoots and relatable, diverse looks
• Factory working conditions, sustainability, and supply chains
• Being conscious about starting your own product lines
• What’s next for Roxie and Tianna

Connect with Roxie and Tianna:

Tianna Seo on Instagram

Roxie Reese on Instagram

Tianna’s E-Books *Code: UNTAMEDARTISTRY for 25% off

Tianna’s Website

DLU Website

DLU on Instagram

DLU on Facebook

Sample Courses from DLU

Apply to DLU

Schedule an Admissions Call with DLU

Tianna Seo LinkedIn

The Lash Exchange Website

Lash Exchange Instagram

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

Our guest today is Lorena (Lor-REE-nah) Ashmore, podcast host, author, lash artist and Founder of Dear Lash + Love, an online retail shop selling lash-inspired apparel and accessories to beauty professionals and salons.

Join us as we talk about Lorena’s “accidental career” as a social media influencer, her tips and tricks for content creation, and how to stay laser-focused on your business goals. We’ll hear how to build your personal brand on social media, balancing work and mom life, and marketing yourself with storytelling.

Expect to Hear:

• In an open conversation we ask Lorena:
  • How did you decide to do everything your own way, not following the “rules”
  • You seem like a natural ‘social influencer’ – was there anything in your background that led to this?
  • What advice can you give to someone who might want to become an influencer?
  • What was the lightbulb moment that sent you in this direction?
  • Your confidence is very striking, you don’t hold back - where did that come from?
  • Your content is very intentional, yet seems so organic, any tips on how to create content like this?
• Lorena’s path to her current career
• Find out what makes you unique, tell stories
• The desire for passive income is everywhere, but it takes a lot of work
• Surgery, covid, and pregnancy

Resources:

A Beauty Industry Guide to Social Media (Use code: UntamedDLL for 20% off)

Lash Love Apparel (Use code: UntamedDLL for 20% off)

Dear Lash Love Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LnkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

This episode is brought to you by Untamed Artistry

Untamed Artistry is your one-stop lash biz shop: combining helpful knowledge and amazing eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). We want to make you successful by giving you high-quality products and showing you what you need to use them well. Find great products, all the education you could ever want, and a healthy dose of quirk at untamedartistry.com

In this episode, AnneMarie is joined by Untamed Marketing Coordinator and expert lash artist Mackenzie Unsworth. Mackenzie is here to help talk through some of the difficulties lash artists may encounter when applying classic sets. From technical tips to make these sets look fuller, last longer, and not damage natural lashes - to time-saving and pricing recommendations - Mack is happy to talk with us and encourage anyone who may be discouraged or “anti-classic lash sets”. They can and do take time, but it’s just important to practice, focus, and build your skills with some of the tips Mack shares with us today.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Cheryl had her baby and is enjoying her newest journey as a mother! Catch up with Cheryl’s journey on Instagram @agoodenoughhuman
• How to achieve a fuller look with classic sets
• How to attach to baby natural lashes without damage
• The difference of adding 7-10 tiny extensions to create a fuller look
• When classics look crooked – tip is to apply straight, not in the direction of the lash growth
• Some say classics don’t have good retention – but they absolutely do! It’s all in the technique, what you apply, and the adhesive you use (see our fav below!)
• When sets look messy - make sure you’re using the right diameters
• Managing client expectations
• Mack’s best tips on improving your classic technique – distance, direction, and layering make all the difference
• Attachment tips to get the best classic application
• Tips for avoiding “snags” when brushing out – check your work for stickies or lifted bases
• A discussion around pricing – don’t make your classic sets “wildly” cheaper than volume
• Send us your classic set photos on Instagram!

Resources:

Mack’s favorite adhesive for classic lashes

Connect with Mackenzie:

Mackenzie on LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes back Roxie Reese of DFW Lash University. Roxie is both a passionate educator and a successful entrepreneur - serving as a role model and working to create opportunities for her community. Roxie’s passion for the industry started when she enrolled in a lash licensing program that did not live up to her expectations. This experience drove her to curate a learning experience that would inspire and empower women to take control of their future.

The DFW Lash University program offers scholarships, mentorship, and workshops that go beyond the basics. Roxie Reese stands by her mission: Passion is easy, execution is hard, and improving the beauty industry by empowering the lash artist and master educators of the future. DLU’s program allows you to obtain your license from the comfort of your home, and the program focuses on building a sisterhood inclusive of single mothers, nurses, high school graduates, and even established lash artists who are looking to level up their business.

You’ll hear how Roxie started lashing, her journey to founding DLU, and her advice on building teams, hiring talent, and creating community within the lash industry.

Expect to hear:

• Roxie’s background and journey, starting DLU (DFW Lash University)
• Roxie’s sense of purpose, serving a community, being a role model
• Combating negative stereotypes
• Balancing ambitions and prioritizing deliverables
• Running a school - advice for anyone interested - know your costs, how many employees, and the importance of a team
• Roxie’s focus on community
• Side note to any interested students outside the state of Texas - you can still enroll, but the license is only valid in TX
• How to prioritize all your grand ambitions
• Advice for hiring staff and who to hire first
• Roxie’s unexpected challenges running a beauty school
• Advice for lash artists - push through the tough times, show up for yourself, and customer service is always number one

Resources:

Untamed Podcast Episode 17: Inclusive Lash Education: An Interview with Roxie Reese

Connect with Roxie and DFW Lash University:

Roxie Reese on Instagram

DLU Website

DLU on Instagram

DLU on Facebook

Sample Courses from DLU

Apply to DLU

Schedule an Admissions Call with DLU

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Samantha Klein, a lash artist that received her first set of lashes as a model for AnneMarie. Since that moment, Samantha fell in love with lashes and her life was changed as she became a lash artist herself - to help other women feel the empowerment she felt with her first set of extensions! Samantha shares some of the incorrect statements about lash extensions from her clients over the years, and how she responds to clients when they have been misinformed. AnneMarie and Samantha talk about retention, refills, different types of client lashes, how misinformation is spread online, and how they educate each client about each scenario.

The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com

Expect to hear:

• Samantha’s background in the lash industry
• From being unhappy at work to finding a passion to now working in management
• The dangers of being treated terribly at work. Your self-worth can really be affected
• Running your own lash studio vs. working for someone else
• Misinformation about lashes - some of the things Samantha has heard in the salon
• Client education about lashes - clearing up misconceptions with honest responses
• Refills, retention, and different types of customer lash applications
• Advice for other artists: Don’t give up, the industry can be so rewarding!

Connect with Samantha:

Samantha Klein LinkedIn

Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:

Cheryl's Instagram

AnneMarie's Instagram

Cheryl Peng LinkedIn

AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn

Untamed Artistry Website