Ra’Sasha Payne shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ra’Sasha , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Reading is my reset button. It’s the one thing that makes hours feel like minutes. Between the lines, I lose track of time—but I always end up finding pieces of myself I didn’t even know were missing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sasha, and I’m the founder of IHeart Lash & Beauty Academy, a licensed cosmetology school and luxury beauty brand based in Houston. What started as a single lash room has grown into a full-scale cosmetology school , salon, and product line that empowers women to turn their passion into a profitable career.
What makes IHeart Lash & Beauty Academy unique is our mission we don’t just teach skills, we teach strategy, confidence, and entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, I’ve helped hundreds of beauty professionals build financial independence through education, mentorship, and real business training. Right now, I’m focused on expanding our programs, hosting inspiring beauty events, and licensing our curriculum to help other schools grow.
At the heart of everything I do is a message of resilience: no matter where you start, you can build a beautiful life and career doing what you love.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that constantly felt the need to prove my worth has served its purpose. It pushed me to grow, to hustle, and to build everything I have today but now, I’m learning to move with peace, not pressure. I no longer need validation to know I’m enough.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The hardest seasons of my life shaped my mission. Grief, struggle, and starting from scratch were my greatest teachers. They taught me resilience, faith, and the power of reinvention. I healed by building my business, my brand, and my belief in myself. Now, I use that same strength to teach others how to rebuild too.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that success is only for the chosen few the influencers, the ones with perfect salons, or the big social media following. The truth is, anyone with passion, skill, and strategy can build a thriving career. I’ve seen women start with nothing but a dream and a lash tray and turn it into an empire.
Another lie is the industry often sells a fantasy of overnight success and constant perfection. But behind every great beauty professional is years of training, late nights, and real-life challenges. The lie is that beauty is superficial when in reality, this industry changes lives, starting with your own.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When have you had to bet the company?
I’ve had to bet the company more than once but the most defining moment was when I decided to expand from being just a lash artist to opening my own beauty school. I invested everything I had my savings, my time, my faith into building a space that could educate and empower others. It wasn’t just a business move; it was a pivotal move of belief that purpose would carry me further than fear ever could.
While the economy is currently shifting and things are getting tough, I’m betting on myself again pivoting my business model, creating fast track education programs, and reinventing how I reach students. Every time I take this risk, it’s forces growth. Betting the company taught me that comfort never built an empire.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iheartlashacademy.com
- Instagram: Iheartlashacademy
- Youtube: Iheartlashacademy
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