Starting Out as a Lash Artist? Here’s What I Wish I Knew (That No One Talks About)

When I first picked up a pair of tweezers, I wasn’t just learning how to place extensions — I was stepping into a whole new world. A world where you’re the artist, the marketer, the customer service team, and sometimes your own hype girl.

It’s exciting, but it’s also a little scary. There’s a lot no one tells you — and those early days can feel like trial by fire.

So if you’re new to lashing, here’s what I really wish someone had told me at the start.

1. Slow Is Not a Weakness — It’s a Skill in Progress
You’ll probably feel “too slow” at first. That’s normal. You’re building muscle memory and trust in your hands. Don’t rush your growth for the sake of speed. Speed comes when you stop chasing it and start getting confident in your technique. Your future self will thank you.

2. Bad Retention Doesn’t Mean You’re a Bad Artist
There are so many factors behind retention. If clients have poor aftercare, humidity’s off, or your glue isn’t the right match — lashes won’t hold. That’s not always on you. It took me too long to learn that the right products really do take pressure off your technique.
(This is why I created Vlume adhesive + bonder the way I did.)

3. Your Self-Talk Shapes Your Skillset
We’re all tempted to compare our work to the best on Instagram. But constant comparison kills creativity. Instead of saying “I’m not good enough,” start saying “I’m still learning.” Because you are. And you’re doing better than you think.

Confidence comes from repetition, not perfection. Every set you do — even the ones you’re not proud of — is building the skill, the eye, and the steady hands you need to level up. Trust the process.

4. Invest in Education You Actually Connect With
Don’t feel pressured to buy every course. The best education is the one that actually speaks to you. Ask questions. Look for mentors who are generous with their knowledge. The best lash artists aren’t the ones gatekeeping — they’re the ones lifting others up.

5. Cheap Supplies = Expensive Mistakes
You don’t have to start with a $2,000 setup, but cutting corners on your glue or lashes will cost you more than you think — in redos, refunds, and self-doubt. Quality matters. That’s why Vlume was born: to give artists reliable tools without the fluff or false promises.

6. Your Business Is Allowed to Grow at Your Pace
Don’t compare your day one to someone else’s year three. Build your own flow. Set goals that excite you. Celebrate the small wins, because they’re the foundation of everything to come. Build something real, not rushed. Take breaks when you need to. Trust the compound effect of consistent, quiet effort.

Here’s the Truth No One Says Enough:
The lash industry is full of noise. But what cuts through the noise is you — your passion, your energy, your care for your craft. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.

And if no one’s said it yet:
At Vlume Beauty, we’re here to support your growth with products that perform, education that empowers, and a community that truly cares.

You’re not just building a business — you’re building belief in yourself.