We recently had the chance to connect with Shika Rogers and have shared our conversation below.
Shika, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about lash extensions is that it’s simply “putting lashes on.” In reality, lashing is both an art and a science that requires extensive knowledge, precision, and training. Every step of the process involves science, from the adhesive we use to the way each extension applied.
For example, the adhesive (glue) used in lashing doesn’t dry with air. It cures with moisture in the environment. That means lash artists must constantly monitor the humidity and temperature in the room. If the air is too dry, the adhesive cures too slowly, causing poor retention. If it’s too humid, it cures too quickly, which can lead to clumping, sticking, or weak bonds. A skilled lash artist knows how to adjust the environment by adding or removing moisture in the air or switch to a different adhesive formula designed for specific conditions.
Another key factor is lash weight and diameter. Your natural lashes can only hold so much. Applying extensions that are too heavy can cause stress or breakage to the natural lash. That’s why artists calculate the correct extension length, thickness, and curl to ensure both safety and longevity.
Even the drying time of adhesives is important. Every formula has a specific “grab time” that determines how quickly the lash bonds to the natural lash. The artist has to work with precision and speed, balancing science with artistry to achieve clean, long-lasting sets.
And let’s not forget the sheer detail. The average person has 90 to 150 natural lashes per eye, each in its own growth cycle. Lash extensions are applied one by one to individual natural lashes, not on the skin or in clumps. This is what creates a natural, seamless look that can be completely customized to each client’s eye shape, lash line, and personal style.
Beyond the science, there’s also sanitation and safety. Every tool must be sterilized, every lash isolated properly, and every product chosen with eye health in mind. When done correctly, lash extensions do not damage your natural lashes. Problems only happen with improper application or lack of training.
So, when you sit in a lash chair, you’re not just paying for longer lashes. You’re investing in a service that blends biology, chemistry, precision, and artistry. A professional lash set is customized, safe, and designed to enhance your unique beauty while protecting the health of your natural lashes.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shika Rogers, and I am a licensed aesthetician and lash specialist with over six years of experience. I am the founder of So Shik Lashes, where we create customized lash experiences that enhance natural beauty while prioritizing lash health. I love giving clients a truly exceptional experience, taking the time to understand exactly what they want so they leave feeling confident, beautiful, and cared for. My goal is to help women look and feel their best while providing a relaxing escape from the stress of everyday life.
What makes So Shik Lashes unique is our focus on precision, artistry, and education. Every set is tailored to a client’s eye shape, natural lashes, and lifestyle, and we also offer training programs to empower aspiring lash artists. At So Shik Lashes, we’re not just providing a beauty service we’re creating an experience that leaves clients ready to take on the world feeling refreshed, confident, and beautiful
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly, my clients have taught me the most about work. I wouldn’t have a business without them, and the fact that they consistently book with me pushes me to show up as the best version of myself and provide the highest level of service. Over the years, some clients have become more than just clients they’ve become close confidants.
Through them, I’ve learned business skills, financial literacy, relationship building, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Even the clients who are not easy to please have taught me valuable lessons in conflict resolution and how to ensure that, no matter the circumstance, I am doing everything possible to keep them happy and my business running smoothly. My clients are truly the reason I’ve grown into the professional I am today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Less than a year ago, I made the difficult decision to close my thriving business in Tallahassee and restart everything from scratch after moving to a new city. I had no clients and wasn’t making any money, and for someone who had experienced years of success, that was a humbling and challenging season. While my previous success came from education, training, and networking, none of that prepared me for the lessons I would learn through real struggle.
Suffering taught me resilience, how to trust the process, to believe in myself, and to have faith that God would guide me through tough circumstances. In less than a year, I’ve built a thriving clientele, opened a new salon space, and stepped out of my comfort zone by hosting events. This experience gave me a level of confidence, strength, and self assurance as a businesswoman that success alone never could. No matter the challenge or circumstance, I now know I have the ability to rise, adapt, and come out stronger and that lesson came only through overcoming adversity.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I believe a lot of people think that being smart automatically leads to success, but that’s not the case. You can know a million things, but if you don’t apply that knowledge, it won’t get you anywhere. Often, it’s not the smartest person who achieves the greatest success, but those who are willing to take action, even with limited knowledge.
Many smart people get stuck analyzing, planning, and overthinking before they take the first step. The truth is, taking action, learning along the way, and adapting as you go will take you much farther than simply knowing everything in theory. Success comes from doing, not just thinking
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
After closing my previous book of business, I had the privilege of hearing directly from my clients about what they missed the most. Many shared that they missed having a safe space to share their feelings, relax, and even listen to an interesting podcast while getting pampered. They also valued the trust they could place in me knowing that when they opened their eyes, they would get the lashes they wanted without ever having to worry if they would love the results. It’s that combination of care, trust, and a truly relaxing experience that I believe my clients would miss the most.
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