Hidden Gems: Meet Shayla Bell of Lash Me Out

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Bell.

Hi Shayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Shayla Bell I am a 27 year old licensed esthetician currently residing in Savannah, GA. I am originally from Brunswick, GA. I moved to Atlanta in 2003 & that’s where I lived until I graduated from Stone Mountain High School in 2013. I relocated to Savannah, GA to continue my education at Savannah State University.

Starting out I was 24 years old still trying to figure it out, I dropped out of college and was working as a correctional officer. I knew this was not the life I wanted for myself and I wanted to do something I loved and enjoyed. I would use the spare time I had at work and I would be in my building brainstorming names and putting together plans to one day have my own lash business. One morning when I got off, I was up scrolling on Instagram and I saw that one of the lash influencers I looked up to was hosting a group lash class in Atlanta. I signed up for the course immediately. I had no idea how I was going to get to Atlanta because the car I had at the time was not the best but I knew I had to take that leap of faith. On January 26, 2019 I became a certified lash technician. I was super excited for what was in store. I began to order stuff and set up everything for my business but I became discouraged because I was not pleased with my work as a beginner. For months I put off taking clients out of fear and I started selling hair and lash strips to bring in an extra stream of income. I continued to work at the prison until I was terminated on August 8, 2019. Prior to my meeting with the warden that morning, I expressed to a good friend of mine that I no longer felt like this job was for me anymore. I wanted to enroll back into school and focus on my business. I had been going back and forth for weeks about resigning, I had the resignation letter in the glovebox in my car.

After my meeting with the warden, I was devastated but I did not let that defeat me. I knew I was ready for a new start but I kept trying to figure out when I would be ready. The following Monday, I went and signed back up for school and I took to my social media platforms to search for a model to practice on so I could start taking appointments. I started school and took my first real client in the same week! I was so nervous and it took me 5 hours to complete the set but the feeling I felt once I finished was indescribable. It felt so good and I finally felt like this was what I was supposed to be doing. I opened my books the very next day, ran a special, and was booked up my first month of doing lashes. I supported myself all through my last year of college just doing lashes, I was amazed!! The next goal I had for my business was to get myself out of my home and into a shop because my clientele grew faster than I expected. Before moving into a shop, I knew I wanted to expand and offer more services. I went back to Atlanta and took a volume class, I had already taught myself how to do volume lash extensions but I wanted to perfect my craft. After taking the class, I started searching for shop homes but quickly became discouraged again because although I was making the money, I did not want to take on too much overhead while still in school by adding in weekly booth rent to my bills. I tried not to stress over it. I prayed on it and trusted God’s timing. I stopped looking and continued to work from home. I received my bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University in Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Fall of 2020.

Shortly after completing my degree, I enrolled into Esthetician school at The Advanced Aesthetics Academy in Hardeeville, SC. Not only did I enroll into esthetician school, I also found a salon home! Talk about God’s Timing! I signed my lease to move into the shop on February 15th, 2021 and I started my first day of class on February 22, 2021. If anyone would have told me this would of been my story two years ago starting out, I would have not believed them. The journey has not been easy at all and I have took a few losses along the way but I am thankful for where I am today. I am a licensed Esthetician in both South Carolina and Georgia, I just signed the lease for my own suite, I am the owner of 2 businesses: Lash Me Out LLC and Sugar & Honey Aesthetics LLC! I am in the process of revamping and introducing all of the cool new services I have to offer to my existing, new and potential clients! I will continue to invest in myself and in my businesses in the years to come!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the journey has not been easy at all. I have been doing this solely on my own with no handouts. When I first started out, I had no idea which direction I wanted to go and I spent tons of money on products. I had so many lash products, lash strips and hair on hand. It was selling slower than I expected and I ended up having to mark the prices down on everything just to get it off of my hands to get new inventory in. It was also hard trying to work my business hours around my school schedule to make sure I was bringing in enough income. I would overwork myself and work super long hours. I would be up as early as 8am & I wouldn’t be done until 11pm sometimes 12am & I would get up and do it all over again.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lash Me Out LLC?
Lash Me Out LLC is my lash business which specializes in the application of lash extensions to your natural lash. I offer five different lash sets: Hybrid, Wispy, Volume, Mega Volume, and a Freestyle Set. There is also the option of adding on color, glitter, or bottom lashes to each set. I also offer Beginners, Volume, & Advanced Lash Training Courses.

Sugar & Honey Aesthetics LLC is the skincare side of my business. I offer services such as facials which includes: A Signature Facial, Dermaplane Facial with a HydroJelly Mask, Microdermabrasion Facial, HydroDerm/Oxygen Facial, NanoNeedling Facial, Wax Services, & Brow Services.

Since I am a newly licensed Esthetician and I have been doing lashes longer, I am known for my fabulous lash extensions but my clients and potential clients are quickly adapting to the new change in services and I have been receiving a lot of new appointments and inquiries about facial and wax services.

What sets me apart from others is my clients are my main focus and priority. When it comes to my business, making changes, and adding new services, I always think of how it will affect my clients. Often times I discuss new ideas I have with them or ask for their input on things, such as new services and programs I’m looking to offer which will benefit them as well. I make sure my clients understand each service and product being used during the service before I get started. After each service, if aftercare instructions are needed I make sure my clients have them. I also open up a line of communication so that my clients are always able to reach out to me whenever they need to! Somehow I always end up becoming their esthetician and therapist all in one and I love it! I love making my clients feel beautiful and good about their self!

I am mostly proud of the growth and reputation of my brand! To know the majority of my clients come from referrals and word of mouth lets me know that I am doing something right and my hard work does not go unnoticed.

This is my passion, this is something that I love doing! I took a craft and invested in it. I started out as a certified lash technician and now I am a licensed esthetician. Not only do I have the skills but I have the knowledge and education behind it. When you book a service with me, it’s not just a regular service. You will be educated whether you’re getting lash extensions, a facial, Brazilian wax, or brow tint. You will leave feeling good, beautiful, and knowing exactly what products were used!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The beauty industry will continue to grow into a billion-dollar industry 5-10 years from now. Beauty products are in a high demand and the demand will continue to increase, especially when it comes to skincare. Companies are continuing to make and introduce new products, techniques, and modalities to help with aging and to enhance different features.

Contact Info:

• Email: Lashmeoutllc@gmail.com
• Website: https://lashmeoutllc1.as.me/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lashmeout_llc?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LashMeOutLLC/

Image Credits:
Justin Wright (J.WrightSnapped)