Want to launch your own lash business but unsure where to begin? Starting any business requires both drive and expertise. While you’ll face moments of doubt, pushing through those challenges makes achieving your goals completely worthwhile.
Before launching an eyelash extension business, ensure you’re genuinely passionate about it. That passion will sustain your motivation when challenges arise.
So, how do you start an eyelash extensions business? While launching a successful lash business involves many components, five fundamental steps will set you on the right path.
Each of these five steps requires careful consideration. Below are the essential details for starting your lash extension business.
1. How to Start an Eyelash Business: Plan
Planning is crucial for any business venture. While some entrepreneurs prefer journaling about business aspects, creating a lean startup business plan will keep you organized and focused on your business direction.
Key aspects to determine when starting your lash business include:
- Business name and registration. Click here to learn how to register your business name.
- Company bio
- Target market
- Marketing strategy
- Beauty influencers or lash artists for product reviews
- Website hosting
- Startup costs
- Business bank account
Additionally, decide which eyelash extension services to offer. Various types of lashes are available for sale. Plan the lash services your company will provide—you might start with one type and expand to other varieties or even additional beauty products.
You’ll also need to choose your business entity structure. A sole proprietorship works if you want to launch quickly. Without significant personal assets at risk, this structure suffices since lash sales rarely involve lawsuits. However, for optimal protection and tax benefits, I recommend establishing an LLC (limited liability company).
2. Get the Proper Licenses for Your Eyelash Business
Launching a legitimate lash business requires obtaining proper licenses. Research your city and state requirements for small business licensing. Depending on your location, you may also need a seller’s permit.
If you plan to sell and apply lashes, you’ll likely need a cosmetology or esthetician license. Nearly all states mandate this certification, so research requirements thoroughly before working as a lash artist.
3. Know Your Information
Starting a lash salon or eyelash services business requires comprehensive product knowledge. Customers will ask questions about lash care and maintenance.
You must understand proper care techniques, longevity tips, and cleaning methods. Additionally, learn about lash technology, eyelash extension supplies, and various service aspects.
If you lack this knowledge before beginning your lash artist journey, conduct thorough market research on the eyelash extension industry or review this article. Study the broader beauty industry and consult with experienced lash technicians.
4. Figure Out the Logistics
Your eyelash business logistics involve multiple crucial decisions. Here are the key details to consider.
Choosing a Vendor
For finding vendors or lash brands, Alibaba or Aliexpress offer excellent starting points. For additional options, search “wholesale lashes” on Google, specifying your desired lash type. Consider local wholesale eyelash businesses in your area as well.
Thorough research is essential when selecting vendors. Numerous suppliers exist, and you must investigate extensively before associating your brand with any product. Compare prices and quality standards used by other lash businesses.
Vendors vary significantly in pricing. Remember that expensive lashes or custom eyelash extensions don’t guarantee superior quality.
Since most wholesale vendors source from China, download WhatsApp—an app enabling free international texting and calling. Request prices and lash photos from potential vendors.
Once you identify promising vendors, request samples. As a business owner, never purchase bulk inventory without testing samples personally first.
When testing samples, evaluate durability. High-quality lashes should provide 20-25 wears with proper cleaning and maintenance.
Even after selecting your lashes, avoid large quantity purchases until gauging demand from your target audience. After choosing lashes, research box vendors. Invest in packaging that represents your eyelash brand and differentiates you from competitors.
Building Your Website
For your lash business website, you can hire professional builders or create it yourself. Numerous DIY options exist—research thoroughly.
Popular website platforms include:
Choose the platform that best suits your needs. While these websites offer domain purchasing, I recommend GoDaddy for typically lower prices. Compare costs before purchasing your website domain name.
Creating a Logo
Designing a business logo for marketing materials is always beneficial. You can hire designers or create it yourself. Self-designed logos may require payment for high-resolution downloads. Click here to access my favorite logo maker, which offers completely free high-resolution downloads!
For logo creation guidance, check out this YouTube video.
Pricing Your Lashes
Research what other lash artists or beauty salons charge for their lashes and price competitively to attract customers.
Price according to your lash quality. High-quality lashes justify premium pricing, but explain the value to customers. Emphasize that your lashes surpass competitors’ offerings and provide superior longevity compared to cheaper alternatives.
Shipping
Start with Priority Mail—typically faster and cheaper than UPS or FedEx for packages under five pounds. For initial low-volume shipping (three or four lashes daily), hand-address labels and ship manually.
As volume increases, consider investing in a label printer. Regular printers require sheet-by-sheet label insertion, creating frequent desk interruptions.
Growing businesses can establish UPS or FedEx Ground accounts for scheduled pickups.
Shopify users receive shipping labels for lash deliveries automatically.
Include thank-you cards with shipped products. Encourage repeat business with discount coupons for future purchases. Discounts also attract prospective clients and lash enthusiasts.
Consider offering free shipping on orders exceeding specific amounts. This strategy encourages bulk purchases over single-pair orders.
5. Advertise Your Eyelash Business
Ready to launch? Focus on your advertising strategy. Consider these effective options.
Have a Drop Date
A pre-launch drop date builds excitement around your new business. Promote the date through social media and personal networks so everyone knows when to visit your website for purchases. Leave fliers at non-competing local businesses.
Word of Mouth
Word-of-mouth advertising remains underrated yet powerful. Inform everyone about your lash business so they can spread the word and refer customers to your website. Create business cards for customers to distribute. Whether you apply eyelash extensions or simply sell products, personal recommendations for quality and service attract new customers significantly.
Social Media
Social media advertising excels for lash businesses. Promote across multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. Capture high-quality photos featuring lashes independently or on models.
Generate buzz through giveaways. Require retweets or Instagram shares/follows for free lash entries. This sharing expands your exposure to potential customers organically.
Partner With Influencers
Brand partnerships with influencers increase visibility. Initially, major influencers typically demand payment for shoutouts or reviews.
Target smaller influencers with solid followings instead. They’re more likely to review products positively in exchange for free samples, expanding your reach cost-effectively.
Begin compiling influencer lists early in your business development. Beauty influencers span multiple platforms—YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter all offer opportunities.
Here’s a list of top beauty influencers from 2021.
Advertisements
Traditional advertising remains effective through Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or Instagram Ads. With limited startup budgets, Instagram offers cost-effective advertising solutions.
Switching to a business Instagram account enables post promotion. Drive website traffic with 6-day campaigns for just $30.
Instagram boasts approximately one billion active users—a massive potential buyer base! While Facebook has more users at 2.96 billion, beauty influencers favor Instagram’s photo-centric format for marketing strategies.
For Instagram advertising guidance, click here.
Other Considerations
Additional elements to establish include:
- Separate business account for transactions, distinct from personal banking
- Budget creation for spending control and financial tracking
- Partnership opportunities with reputable eyelash salons
- Business insurance consideration, especially for physical lash studios
- Support team for immediate client complaint resolution
Wrapping Up: How to Start an Eyelash Business
You now understand how to launch your own eyelash business. While it requires time and research, you can operate from home! Ensure you differentiate yourself from competitors and market effectively.
Discouraging moments may arise—common in any entrepreneurial venture. With hard work, ambition, determination, and persistence, you’ll create a successful eyelash business and become your own boss. So, what are you waiting for?
