Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaina Sitka.
Hi Alaina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always grew up wanting to play with makeup and hair. My dad used to always comment on how I would sit in front of my vanity he built me back in high school and just made myself feel pretty. In 2018, lash extensions were fairly fresh and a new thing that came out and I had seen someone from the area post a girl that was teaching lashes. My mom and grandma decided to help me get started and I took the class. I was a natural with it and very quick at doing it. My parents allowed me to start taking clients in the upstairs game room area and sooner rather than later, we had cars in an out from me taking clients. When I realized how much I enjoyed it, I went and got my cosmetology license from San Jacinto college. That’s when doing hair sparked my interest. I did lashes after school and when the last semester got closer is when I was introduced to @oliviadoesmyhair_ on Instagram. I interviewed for her mentorship/ assistant program and got the job with her. Olivia made everything look flawless and easy; I truly learned EVERYTHING hair wise from her. Years down the line, I am an independent stylist and rent a suite in Pearland. I love all of it!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think every smooth road has a couple bumps along the way! It’s always been fun and if I ever was introduced into a problem, I’d just remind myself that “everything will turn out fine if you remain with good intentions”. It’s not easy relying on people to come get services to pay for your rent for your suite or your personal life. Takes a lot of faith in yourself.
You run into some clients who are bit tougher to service than others. You make your own mistakes and have to make sure you tend to those appropriately to ensure a good ending.
I wasn’t always confident in my work- took a lot of trial and error and I’m thankful for the clients that have always been so patient and trusting in me!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional eyelash artist and also a hairstylist. When it comes to lashes, I specialize in customized sets to ensure the look goes with your natural eye shape. Whatever the client wants, I can produce! I’ve been doing lashes for 8 years this last October.
When it comes to hair, I specialize in blonding, lived in color, and love a side of brunettes and reds! I always tailor custom haircuts and blowouts.
I am so proud of the trust I have put in myself and the trust that clients have for me. I also have the best genuine clients and it shows me that I have attracted great people and I love to think that’s a reflection of myself. There’s just so much love and value between my clients and I.
I think what sets me apart is being able to have a little one stop shop and allowing clients to come in and debrief on life and have a safe space to come and feel pretty and confident. I’d do anything for them!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Stay consistent and as cliché as it sounds, don’t give up. Starting an independent business is hard but the hardest things are usually the most rewarding.
When it comes to the beauty industry, there are so many lash artists and hairstylists out there but there’s also so many clients for everyone! Be authentic, be yourself, and most importantly be genuine and show that you care. We’re all human and there’s always room for mistakes- it’s all about how you handle them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Vraiebeauty.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @vraiebeauty_ and @vraiebeauty_hair
