Life and Work with Lauren Ashley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ashley.

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a little girl, I started dancing very young, we had worn makeup on stage obviously. Growing up I continued to dance and then into pre-professional dance through college. I loved stage makeup so much I branded my first business in 2012 becoming solely a professional makeup artist for the next 6 years dabbling in multiple genres, like special FX, photo shoots, glamour, weddings, etc. I actually started my clientele with local Arizona models trying to bring attention to my new-found company. But while doing their makeup, I started to realize that no matter how hard I tried… to prep their skin before applying the makeup. They sometimes would have skin-related imperfections that I couldn’t fix with a corrector, concealer, and foundation. That’s where my love for skincare came into play. I signed up to become a licensed Esthetician. After lots of training, hours and vigorous testing, I received my Arizona state board license. I soon after that, completed more certifications with different brands of skincare lines, modalities, and advanced treatments. After all of this, I am hoping to become the ultimate one-woman, one-stop-shop sometime in the near future!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To be honest, it was not easy. Those six years ago… opening your own business never is; regardless of gender. I’ve hit so many bumps in my road it’s not even funny. Licenses, certificates, equipment, inventory, vehicles, websites, marketing… those are just a few to name, of the many things it takes for the startup of your business. You will get frustrated. You will be so done with it at some point and be like “why am I even doing this?”… even though it’s tough it will be worth it in the end. It takes perseverance, passion, dedication and the ability to look past the bad at your end result. Some people will not want your services, and that’s okay. Here is the thing I learned early on, if you give them an amazing experience, they will remember you. Just be yourself, be confident in your trade and just roll with the punches. You’ll be amazed at how easier things will get when you don’t sweat the little stuff after a while. I encourage any young female just starting out to just do it. Even if you have to work a job while starting your business. As long as you have the drive and the want, nothing should stand in your way of becoming your own brand. It’s an empowering feeling to be my own boss.

Please tell us about Moonstone Aesthetics.
I’m a licensed esthetician. I am basically a skincare therapist… I cleanse, treat and rejuvenate the client’s skin to get them to their end skin goal. Under my license, I am also a lash artist, a professional makeup artist (specializing in wedding and special FX makeup applications). I am most proud of my Wedding services and SPFX applications. Halloween is my absolute favorite so that is my time to let loose. What sets me apart is that I am not even remotely done receiving the certificates I’m set out for. By 2020, I will have three more services to add to my website for availability. Also, I have been commended by endless people of not only my hospitality and customer service but the luxurious experience that they have had with me during their service(s).

Who have you been inspired by?
The women that have inspired me would be my grandmother and my mother. Growing up they have always taught me the attitude, you do it because it just needs to be done. Whether that be with business, work or just life in general. I come from a very artistic background on both sides of my family. My grandmother and mother both being very crafty. My mother though has always had an obsession with skincare and makeup throughout my childhood… her, having her cosmetology license as well, understands my need for learning in this industry. There is so much that they have done for me, I just can’t give them both enough credit it would take 20 pages to do so.

Other people I admire and has inspired me makeup-wise, are the many beauty influencers and business owners that I have found online or have come to personally know. In which, there are way too many to name to give them the special kudos that they all deserve.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MoonstoneAesthetics.com
• Phone: 6026995310
• Email: MoonstoneAesthetics@cox.net
• Instagram: moonstone_aesthetics
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/moonstoneaesthetics
• Twitter: moonstone_esti

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