Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Myers.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always been into hair, makeup, and fashion! As much as I loved playing sports and getting dirty outside, there was nothing better than cleaning up and putting on a great outfit with my signature ‘5 Minute Face.’ I truly enjoyed the freedom of both and I still do to this day!
I went to a high school that had both an academic focus and a trade alternative. I was very drawn to Cosmetology and realized for the first time I could be a creator professionally. By this time I had participated in some modeling and pageantry, so I understood beauty from several perspectives. I also continued to play sports and hang with the guys which made sweats and sneakers just as satisfying.
Unfortunately, my parents wanted me to have a ‘more solid footing’ and decided to trade in Cosmetology and a modeling career, or even worse, a pro-athlete weren’t the best choices and we settled on Elementary Education. Although I went to college on an athletic scholarship after a gap year, I still wasn’t truly happy off the court. I eventually dropped out and pursued my passion for all things beautiful in Cosmetology School.
Best decision ever! Here I am 14 years later, loving it more than ever!
Alright, 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?
What is anything worth having without a struggle?! I’ve backed out of being a full-time hairstylist more times than I can count!
There were many times in my career I worked more outside of the industry than in it. Between retail, restaurant work, bartending, real estate, fear, self-doubt, and excuses putting in the work to build a business seemed more than I was capable of doing. We really have the capacity to talk ourselves into or out of anything we choose.
We dare not forget the petty people problems, closed doors, missed opportunities, and wrong moves that can seem devastating and career crippling. All of those tests and trials are necessary to propel you forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I was trained in a very diverse environment and I’ve carried that through my entire career. In addition, with my need to continue to flex creative avenues I find myself adding and removing services constantly.
My focus these days is Simple, Customized Hair and Makeup look. I deal with a lot of curls and coils but I need the wavy and straight textures to keep my personal creative balance. I encourage my Guests to stretch their comfort zones by manipulating their texture, adding color, and/or changing hair shapes. Makeup balances the overall aesthetic of personality.
I believe what sets me apart is my scientific understanding to customize my approach. I’ve always seen shapes in hair, color theory in makeup, and the scientific process of chemical services. The end result depends on this. My guests think my work is effortless and that’s the highest compliment. They trust the process because they have full confidence in my depth of knowledge. My experience in hospitality makes the environment comfortable and efficient.
Lastly, my years of formal education have allowed me to not only teach at the collegiate level and on stage in beauty expos but allows me adequately explain my process to alleviate any fears and educate my Guests on their specific regimen. They leave knowing how to better care for their investment.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
My biggest lesson has been to do it scared! It might sound cliché but it has been my biggest eye-opener!
I literally was without a place to work coming right out of the covid shut down. Although I had been keeping a very light, left eye open to other options, I hadn’t made any firm decisions. And the inevitable happened and I was forced out to what seemed like the wild jungle of ownership.
I didn’t have time, I didn’t have a place, I didn’t have furnishings, and I didn’t have a clue! But I did what I did best; I worked. I signed a lease I hoped I could pay. I found a mentor with the money I hadn’t made. I took a course with the money I could have saved for a rainy day. I bought templates for content I had no clue how to create. I just stopped thinking and worked.
When I came up for air, I was steady, growing, and making moves in this creative pocket. I all of a sudden felt brave enough to plan my future, confident enough to anticipate growth, and proud enough to enjoy my accomplishments. The fear of moving went away when I was forced to move without a plan.
I won’t let myself be forced ever again. I can move willingly and get great results!
Contact Info:
- Email: Laurenfromlebeaute@gmail.com
- Website: Beautybylebeaute.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lebeauteacademie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonlylo/
Image Credits
KVL Media
