Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Cisneros.
Andrea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a 25 years old mother, wife and entrepreneur. I am the daughter of two immigrants, my mother is from Chile and my father from Guatemala, and I am the second oldest of five kids. Growing up there was always kids and chaos but my parents always made sure to constantly teach their kids about life and the hard work that comes with it.
Since I was a little girl, my parents have always instilled in me that I could accomplish anything and everything I wanted, as long as I put my mind to it and put in the hard work. Growing up my parents let us try any activity we wanted, karate, dance, soccer, orchestra, band, etc., That gave me so many options and opportunities!
In high school, I started to take cosmetology classes and fell in love but “it wasn’t a career” according to my parents, so I started to work in a bank at age 18 and continued in banking for seven years. Fast forward to age 24, I was already a mother and newlywed and I also had a “career” but it just wasn’t it, it wasn’t fulfilling, this couldn’t be what my parents had prepared me for right? So I started to look for another job, I researched different job occupations and decided that I would leave banking completely and go into another field.
Never in a million years did I think I would be back in the beauty industry but it is my passion! It is my first love and something that I can and will continue to grow in! Last year in November, I had an amazing opportunity to take an “Eyelash Extension Course”, I took the course and two days later, I was a certified lash technician! Also two days later, I had a brand new “lash kit” stocked and ready to go, only problem was…where do I find clients? It was really overwhelming in the beginning but I kept pushing. I had business cards done, I took another course, I constantly build up my social media platforms as well as started to build my very own clientele. I won’t lie, I almost gave up, I thought maybe I was too in over my head, maybe my goals weren’t realistic? I vented to my parents but I was a little hesitant but as soon as I opened my mouth, it all came out! I was reminded by my parents of everything I had accomplished to get to where I was already at, work had already being done so why give up now? Would I want my daughter to do the same? They were right, they always are. They lit the fire that was slowly going out. I remembered my parents face, their expression the day I graduated, and here they were, again giving me “the face”. From then on, I knew I CAN do it! I WILL do it! I continued to work very hard to expand my business! I networked like crazy, I got out of my comfort zone, I learned what clients wanted and how I could better my services, my clientele grew, my social media posts were getting recognition, and the ideas started to flow.
This month marks ONE YEAR since this journey started and looking back, I am beyond thankful and grateful for my parents and their unlimited support! There are so many new exciting things in store for Lashes by Andrea Teresa! I am very proud to announce that I have my very own lash cleanser releasing in January and am currently working on expanding my lash services! In 2020, I will also be teaching and giving my own “Lash Certification Course”, this includes a 2-hour course with eight chapters, exam & certificate, beginners lash kit and many more goodies!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but its a road that it still being driven on. Being new to this rapidly growing industry, I have had trial and error with different glues, different lashes, different tweezers but that is all in the learning process, you have to figure out what works best for you. I struggled a lot in the beginning (how to hold my tweezers, which ones to use, what kind of tape to use) and I would get frustrated but minor adjustments would make the biggest difference! You have to try and try and try again!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have been a certified Lash technician in Houston, TX for a year now. I specialize in eyelash extensions, creating customized lash sets. I use Russian silk lashes, individuals and professionally made pre-made fans. I work with my clients to create the perfect eyelash set tailored to their eyes.
I am a double full working mom (I also work a 9-5 as a paralegal assistant) and surprisingly, I have a very flexible schedule. I can get clients in as early as 7:00 am and as late as 11:30 pm! I completely understand when my clients need to reschedule or emergencies come up, and being so flexible, it just makes it easier for my clients and that’s my goal! Giving the best quality lashes at a reasonable price for your everyday woman!
What makes me so proud is the feeling I get when I brush the lashes out one last time before my client opens their eyes, I promise, this energy just fills the room and when they open their eyes and see the transformation, its amazing! The confidence boost it gives people, that “I can do anything” energy, that’s what makes me proud, that I can pass that along to others. The struggles I have overcome, the doubters and the naysayers, all of that just dissolves in that energy and all that hard work that I put in, repays me time and time again.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was your typical girl, right before starting high school I moved from Alief to Cypress and it was a big change but it didn’t stop me. I played soccer and danced. I also met my high school sweetheart who I now proudly call my husband and we have a beautiful four years old firecracker of a daughter. Growing up, I was always trying out new things, trying to be a Jack of all trades. Cooking? Loved it! Knitting? Not so much. Scrapbooking? Yes, please! I liked a little of everything, I never really “fit in” into a category, I was just me.
Pricing:
- New Set – $60 *Prices to change 1/1/2020
- 3 Week Refill – $40 *Prices to change 1/1/2020
- 2 Week Refill – $30 *Prices to change 1/1/2020
Contact Info:
- Address: 1960 Rd, Houston TX 77065
- Phone: 832-253-2816
- Email: lashesby.andreateresa@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashesby.andreateresa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashesby.andreateresa/
Image Credit:
Whitney Hope Photography
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