Untamed

In this episode, AnneMarie is joined again by Untamed Artistry’s Marketing and Creative Coordinator and expert lash artist Mackenzie Unsworth. This episode is full of love as AnneMarie and Mack talk about Mack’s start in the lashing business, how she got hired as Marketing and Creative Coordinator at Untamed Artistry, her love of her job and the lashing industry, and some of her hopes, aspirations, and advice for artists and the future of the industry in general. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Mack’s grandmother encouraged her to become a lash artist at 17 Finding UA on Instagram Surprising discoveries “behind the scenes” Advice on not getting sucked into influencer culture Learning how to ask for help- it’s necessary Navigating the lash industry - who can you trust? The future of the industry - sustainability, kindness, and support Career aspirations Proudest career moments Tips and tricks for self-care Questions from listeners Advice for aspiring young lash artists - stick with what is fulfilling, even if it’s non-traditional Resources: Mackenzie’s First UA Unboxing Video Connect with Mackenzie: Mackenzie on Instagram Mackenzie on LinkedIn Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes back two previous guests - Roxie Reese of DFW Lash University, and Tianna Seo of The Lash Exchange. As women of color in the lash industry, Roxie and Tianna share some raw and uncut truths regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. While the beauty industry is a diverse global market, the lash industry in the U.S. does not always reflect that. You’ll hear advice on how to make your business more diverse, either with clients or employees, tips for diversifying your branding and social media feeds, and some intense discussion around who may be making your lash products in other countries, and their deplorable working conditions. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Some of the big moments of Roxie and Tianna’s careers DFW Lash University = “Diverse for Women” not “Dallas - Ft. Worth” Serving the masses - the wide spectrum of diversity in the industry Countering the claims that “my demographic is white” and “I can’t be diverse with a small team of 3” Equity within paid opportunities - balancing your time and value Advice for women of color in our industry Brand pillars and disruption Photo shoots and relatable, diverse looks Factory working conditions, sustainability, and supply chains Being conscious about starting your own product lines What’s next for Roxie and Tianna Connect with Roxie and Tianna: Tianna Seo on Instagram Roxie Reese on Instagram Tianna’s E-Books *Code: UNTAMEDARTISTRY for 25% off Tianna’s Website DLU Website DLU on Instagram DLU on Facebook Sample Courses from DLU Apply to DLU Schedule an Admissions Call with DLU Tianna Seo LinkedIn The Lash Exchange Website Lash Exchange Instagram Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes Lana Wyer, Owner and Founder of LuxUncut. Lana started in the beauty industry at the age of 16. As a creative and entrepreneur, college was not in the cards for Lana, so she secretly dropped out to focus on her lash business. A year later she was fully booked and fielding requests for training in her methods. After several setbacks, Lana moved to the UK to try her hand at the lash business there. Upon recently returning to the U.S, Lana’s current focus is on social media, content creation, and education. We hear a little tease about her upcoming projects and dig deeper into Lana’s guidelines for branding yourself and your business. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: About Lana and her path - art, beauty, and community service Lana’s move to the UK The setbacks - Lana saw rejection as “redirection” - building from a new foundation New goals and directions - no more hustle culture and now focusing on the positive Social media and content creation is part of Lana’s new focus Advice for developing your brand – get to know yourself and what you love foremost Branding words and concepts - how Lana takes those to brainstorm a brand The outlook for the next year - discipline and purpose, not motivation, keeps her going Starting young - a level of ignorance and feeling of invincibility What Lana wishes she knew then - surrounding herself with knowledge and mentors would have prevented many missteps Keeping focus on yourself and your strengths - affirmations help, keep it healthy, rewire to be inspired! Advice to young lash artists - you’ve made the right decision to join a rapidly growing industry, focus on your uniqueness! Resources: Start with Why by Simon Sinek Book Connect with Lana: LuxUncut Website Lana on Instagram Ebook and Online Course Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie welcomes back Roxie Reese of DFW Lash University. Roxie is both a passionate educator and a successful entrepreneur - serving as a role model and working to create opportunities for her community. Roxie’s passion for the industry started when she enrolled in a lash licensing program that did not live up to her expectations. This experience drove her to curate a learning experience that would inspire and empower women to take control of their future. The DFW Lash University program offers scholarships, mentorship, and workshops that go beyond the basics. Roxie Reese stands by her mission: Passion is easy, execution is hard, and improving the beauty industry by empowering the lash artist and master educators of the future. DLU’s program allows you to obtain your license from the comfort of your home, and the program focuses on building a sisterhood inclusive of single mothers, nurses, high school graduates, and even established lash artists who are looking to level up their business. You’ll hear how Roxie started lashing, her journey to founding DLU, and her advice on building teams, hiring talent, and creating community within the lash industry. Expect to hear: Roxie’s background and journey, starting DLU (DFW Lash University) Roxie’s sense of purpose, serving a community, being a role model Combating negative stereotypes Balancing ambitions and prioritizing deliverables Running a school - advice for anyone interested - know your costs, how many employees, and the importance of a team Roxie’s focus on community Side note to any interested students outside the state of Texas - you can still enroll, but the license is only valid in TX How to prioritize all your grand ambitions Advice for hiring staff and who to hire first Roxie’s unexpected challenges running a beauty school Advice for lash artists - push through the tough times, show up for yourself, and customer service is always number one Resources: Untamed Podcast Episode 17: Inclusive Lash Education: An Interview with Roxie Reese Connect with Roxie and DFW Lash University: Roxie Reese on Instagram DLU Website DLU on Instagram DLU on Facebook Sample Courses from DLU Apply to DLU Schedule an Admissions Call with DLU Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, new mom of baby Avery - Cheryl - returns, and she and AnneMarie take a trip down memory lane. From reflecting on the last 3 years to the future vision for UA, the learnings and challenges along the way, and valuable advice from Cheryl and AnneMarie, you’ll hear some stories about the founding journey that you may not have heard before. In the second half of the episode, Cheryl and AnneMarie discuss sustainability, innovation, and taking big risks. They discuss the massive challenges they encountered when designing and developing new products, working with different manufacturers, and the plan to build in sustainability, innovation, and cost savings for them and for UA customers. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Welcoming back Cheryl Peng - who is now a ‘morning person’ with baby Avery Untamed Artistry’s 3rd Anniversary! November 15th Cheryl’s future vision for UA three years ago - a friendly, fun, innovative community for all How Untamed has matured since the beginning Cheryl's favorite aspect of UA is its resilience Innovative product development - challenges and successes “UA shares!” - sharing knowledge and encouragement openly Our UA community of stylists - lifting us all up with purpose Cheryl’s biz advice- outsourcing is critical, hire experienced talent that aligns with your core values Innovation, sustainability, and the excitement around UA’s new product directions - debuting at the LashConference Creator’s Collection of lash trays and premades! Other launch surprises - tweezer updates and more! Closing words to lash artists - be uniquely you Resources: Book: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Wednesday Wood, Owner and Lash Artist at Wicked Esthetics Lash and Brow Studio near Houston. This is the second part to their conversation with part one on Wednesday’s podcast ‘The Wicked Lash’ so be sure to check that episode out (link below). In this episode, you’ll hear Wednesday’s wins and challenging experiences as a salon owner who also rents booths to other artists. From the benefits of a steady stream of revenue to the risk of those renters taking their clients and leaving, her marketing and advertising tactics, and other great advice, Wednesday tells us how she has handled many different challenging situations while still coming out on top. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Wednesday’s path to becoming a lash salon owner and artist Which to pick- booth renting vs employee vs. owning a salon? Advice on setting up both renting booths, employee structures, and owning a lash business How to manage lash artists that have potential, but don’t have the drive to level up Wednesday has rented and owned, shares her likes and dislikes, advice to others regarding large corporate chains The balance of giving to your employees, training them, and the risk of them leaving Non-compete agreements and contracts vs. holding someone’s career back - it’s about mutual respect between professionals Price point levels, salons vs homes, and the different types of clients – there is a structure for everyone’s preference Wednesday’s best branding tips - remember YOU are your business, be authentic How to attract new clients – Engagement through Facebook ads, be sure to set up all your Google info – hours, location, photos, etc., and get a website! Vagaro salon software for booking, rebooking, feedback and follow-ups Words of advice that Wednesday wishes she had received Connect with Wednesday: Wednesday on Instagram Wicked Esthetics Website The Wicked Lash Podcast Wednesday Wood on LinkedIn Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Leola Abondano, lash artist and founder of Bewitching Lashes in the Houston area. You’ll hear how Leola started out with a desire to do facials, but later discovered that lashing was her passion. The pandemic and other life events made it necessary for her to “start over” building her business multiple times, and last summer Leola launched her first piece of apparel. We’ll dig deep into LashCon 2022 - happening November 5-7th in Pasadena.  We’ll talk about how Leola is participating this year, and the fantastic parties and events that you can be part of. Don’t let your hesitancy or shyness prevent you from attending and meeting your lash icons. You WILL leave the event with one or more lash besties in this fun community. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Leola’s path to becoming a solo lash artist Leaving a busy chain salon to go solo Keeping clients through economic downturns - loyalty clubs, customer service, holiday gifts Adding an apparel line- the challenges and rewards Advice on starting in apparel - just start with one piece, post the graphic image online and see what the response is! Stay original, do your research. Dealing with people who steal her content Content creation tips – do a bunch in batches to post later, utilize planning apps to design How to get other lash artists to buy your merch Everything LashCon - how Leola is participating - sponsorship, swag bag, and a virtual booth on the app Building relationships at LashCon – the Pajama Party is a favorite of Leola’s Speakers and topics at LashCon Don’t worry about fitting in, just be yourself and you’ll find your tribe Resources: LashCon 2022 Connect with Leola: Bewitching Lashes on Instagram Bewitching Lashes Website Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Samantha Klein, a lash artist that received her first set of lashes as a model for AnneMarie. Since that moment, Samantha fell in love with lashes and her life was changed as she became a lash artist herself - to help other women feel the empowerment she felt with her first set of extensions! Samantha shares some of the incorrect statements about lash extensions from her clients over the years, and how she responds to clients when they have been misinformed. AnneMarie and Samantha talk about retention, refills, different types of client lashes, how misinformation is spread online, and how they educate each client about each scenario. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Samantha’s background in the lash industry From being unhappy at work to finding a passion to now working in management The dangers of being treated terribly at work. Your self-worth can really be affected Running your own lash studio vs. working for someone else Misinformation about lashes - some of the things Samantha has heard in the salon Client education about lashes - clearing up misconceptions with honest responses Refills, retention, and different types of customer lash applications Advice for other artists: Don’t give up, the industry can be so rewarding! Connect with Samantha: Samantha Klein LinkedIn Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Breanna Toines, Co-founder of Fabulash Faces in Neosho Missouri. A very young Breanna went into business with her mom doing lashes when there were no other aesthetic beauty service businesses in town. Years later, there is a booming community of beauty services in their area, and Breanna has become a niche specialist in “natural” lashes. You’ll hear what it was like to open a business with family in a small town, the bumps in the road along the way, the emergence of social media as a platform for business promotion, and Breanna’s advice for others considering starting something in their area. The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: Welcome and a little bit about Breanna’s background and path to lashes Going into business with mom - a great partnership in this case Overcoming the conflicts of working with family- setting boundaries Starting a business in a town where there are no other aesthetic businesses- Breanna and her mom paved the way! Marketing -  A website is crucial, reviews are a close second, and social media - what didn’t work - a local billboard Goals in the next 3-5 years - bringing on staff, mom retiring, going solo? Tips - Find a niche/unique segment of the industry in your area - Breanna specializes in “natural” looking lashes - focused on a balanced, enhancing look Connect with Breanna: Fabulash Faces on Instagram Fabulash Faces on Facebook Fabulash Website Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website

In this episode, AnneMarie takes you step by step through some of her best business practices.  From keeping a lid on spending, to making your bed and salon comfortable, creating a professional website with booking functions, and some ideas for creative promotions to attract or retain clients, you’ll definitely get something useful out of this episode. Whether you’re just starting out, or a long-time pro, tune in and see if there are some new tips and information you can use to improve your lashing business and set yourself up for success! The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com Expect to hear: AnneMarie’s background in the beauty industry What’s your why? Considering why you want to be in the lash industry. If it’s only money, and you don’t like people, you probably won’t find lashing satisfying long-term. Tip #1 - Don’t overspend It’s fun to buy and try everything, but buy sparingly Make your salon space cozy - but how to do it affordably The salon environment - start small and replace/refresh when items are worn out or expired Tip #2 - Customer service This will bring customers back much more often than your skill set Pre-book, follow-up, be proactive Tip #3 - Professional software Website Instagram pages Booking software (VagaroPro is AnneMarie’s favorite) Tip #4 - Creative promotions Give them time to provide results Referral promotions that give cash back are often successful Consider your expenses/overhead when creating promotions Promo Idea: Full set with “free” refill. This encourages the client to come back and allows you to begin building a long-term client relationship Resources: VagaroPro Booking Software WIX Website Builder Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie: Cheryl's Instagram AnneMarie's Instagram Cheryl Peng LinkedIn AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn Untamed Artistry Website