Meet Whitney Cunningham of Whicked Lashes in Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Cunningham.

Whitney, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, it all started when I moved from my home town, Milwaukee, WI to Phoenix, AZ in 2015. I decided to enroll in beauty school to pursue skincare at The Studio Academy of Beauty, spring of 2016. Fast forward to Fall 2016, I graduated from school, and was officially a Licensed Esthetician. So over the course of the next few months, I went on several interviews at different spas, and none of them really seemed like they were the right fit for me. A former classmate of mine texted me and asked me if I’d like to work at a lash studio that she currently works at. I excitedly agreed to meet with the owner of the lash studio the following day. Upon meeting with the owner, she offered me the job that same day.

I started working that same week, I got trained for the first couple of days..and after that, it was sink or swim. (Lol) I started to take on 5-7 clients daily. With the demand for lashes being so high, I was able to kind of teach myself certain techniques, because I looked at it like every client is a chance to reach my self something new. By July of 2017, I was pretty much-doing lashes full time and decided to rent my own studio and be my own boss. I officially opened Whicked Lashes July 30th, 2017. Business took off extremely fast, faster than I could’ve ever imagined. I would do on an average 10-11 clients Weds-Sun. I then incorporated Lash Extension Training to my list of services, I’ve taught over 150 women in AZ, TX, & WI. Business has been great, humbling, a learning experience, and one of the best things that I could’ve had ever done. I get to learn so much, meet so many great people, and doors that would’ve normally been closed to me are now open.

Has it been a smooth road?
Of course, there have been struggles along the way. I would have to say my biggest struggle has been learning how to separate business from personal time. I had to learn how to take care of myself mentally and physically in order to build a better business relationship with myself and my business.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Whicked Lashes story. Tell us more about the business.
I specialize in Lash extensions and Lash extension training courses. Over the last two years, I’ve trained over 150 girls in Arizona, Texas and Wisconsin.

I’d say I’m most proud of the fact that I have been able to stay relevant over the last couple of years, with so many women now venturing off into the last extension business. What sets me apart from others is my ability to relate to my clients, whether it be from a Beauty standpoint or a personal standpoint. My clients and I all have special kinds of connections. It’s like our own personal sisterhood. I guess you can say. Not only are they leaving looking more beautiful than when they walked in, but they also leave out feeling beautiful.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’m not quite exactly sure yet where I see myself in the next five years. I am almost positive that I will still be in the beauty industry in someway I’m just not sure if it’ll be me doing lashes or if I have a team who does Lashes and I’m just the overseer. I’m not quite sure yet. I am planning for some additions to the Whicked brand in the very near future.

Pricing:

• $75 Classic Extensions
• $85 Hybrid Extensions
• $125 Volume Extensions
• $500 Classic Lash Training
• $650 Volume Lash Training

Contact Info:

• Phone: 4147796077
• Email: whickedlashes@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/whickedlashesllc/?ref=bookmarks

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.