Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Hansen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up most of my life here in Texas. Growing up, I was an only child which helped me be the creative and imaginative individual that I am today. As I grew, my passions changed from art to theater to beauty, fashion and my first love, make-up. I graduated high school and from there, I went to a beauty school where I became a licensed Esthetician in 2004. It wasn’t until 2009 where I discovered eyelash extensions. At the time, I had only been a customer to eyelash extensions. It wasn’t until 2011 that I decided to take the plunge and make this my full time career. I did as many stylists did in the beginning which was to practice on their friends and family. That simply didn’t cut it, so I sought out a full-time job as a lash stylist in Houston. I was employed with a company for over a year then decided to branch out on my own. The second year of my career was spent in the second bedroom of my house where I converted it into a small studio. One car after the other every hour would come and go. As I began my third year, I had gotten so busy that working from home wasn’t the most ideal situation anymore. I rented a small 100sq. ft. room out of a privately owned spa for the next two years. Eventually I had outgrown that space too. I wanted a salon I could call my own, so in 2015, I officially opened Dollface Lashes and Beauty. I’ve been doing eyelash extensions for nearly eight years and even after all this time I’m still learning amazing new techniques from artists all over the world. I specialize in volume eyelash extensions mainly these days which are thinner strands of extensions applied in multiples attached to one natural eyelash. I’m so blessed to call this my job. I worked really hard and definitely had to put in the years of work to get to the level I’m at but it’s of course always worth it in the end.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This Journey has been for the most part a very smooth journey. I didn’t rush the process and I took things as they came. I only did what I felt comfortable with.
Learning something new is always a struggle. When I learned how to do Volume lashes, I was awful at it in the beginning. It wasn’t until almost a year later of solid practice that I felt like I was picking up the technique.
My greatest advice would be to not compare yourself to others that have been in the industry for years longer than you have. This applies to any job. I used to beat myself up that I wasn’t skilled like the other stylists I saw on social media but I realized that I was on my own path and that they were on their own path. Trust the process and everything will come together in the end.
What should we know about Dollface Lashes & Beauty? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in eyelash extensions and more specifically classic and volume technique extensions. Classic eyelash extensions are individual synthetic hairs glued one by one to your own natural lash. Volume eyelash extensions use thinner synthetic hairs to form beautiful fans in groups applied to one natural lash.
I’m really proud of myself for taking this dream from my second bedroom all the way to owning my own salon. In the years of being in this industry, I’ve created an amazing reputation for being a punctual, respectful and professional stylist who always gives her very best every time someone visits.
What sets me apart from other salons in Houston is my skill as a lash artist, my professionalism and the overall personal experience I give to every client that comes through my door.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Advice to a young woman starting her career would be to hone into what really makes you happy. Following your dream can make you feel uncertain and question every step of the way. Surround yourself with positive supportive people like family and friends that can help lift you up when you have self-doubt. Self-doubt is your number one enemy so pay no mind to it. Trust your journey and don’t be hard on yourself when you fall or struggle.
Pricing:
- Classic Full Set $150
- Classic Refill 1-2 Weeks $50
- Classic Refill 2-4 Weeks $65
- Volume Full Set $225
- Volume Refill 1-2 Weeks $60
- Volume Refill 2-4 Weeks $75
Contact Info:
- Address: 2000 N. Loop West #115
Houston TX 77018
By Appointment Only - Website: Www.dollfacelash.com
- Phone: 713-825-6491
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Kirsten_dollface
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/dollfacelashesandbeauty
Image Credit:
Kirsten Hansen
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