In the fast-paced world of the lash industry, beauty professionals often find themselves juggling demanding client expectations, long hours, and the relentless hustle of keeping a thriving business afloat.
As lash technicians, we all know how overwhelming it can be to deal with daily challenges and the pressure to give our clients the perfect lashes. That's why at Lashin' Out, we're all about creating a supportive community of lash artists who uplift each other by sharing their knowledge and experience.
We recently had a live Instagram interview with Liz Bussey, a fellow lash artist and educator. We had a great chat about maintaining balance and avoiding burnout in our industry. You can catch the interview right here.
In this blog, we will share the strategies we discussed for maintaining your physical and mental health while navigating this rewarding but demanding career.
Set Boundaries Early On
One of the key ways to avoid burnout as a lash artist is to set boundaries early on in your career. You train your clients how to treat you and your business hours.
For many, the word boundary can have a negative connotation. But setting healthy boundaries doesn’t mean confrontation, especially professionally. Instead, they can make things more comfortable for you and your client. Here are some things we have found to work for us:
- Clearly communicate your working hours and stick to them. If you respond to client messages at all hours of the day, they will begin to expect it as the norm. Instead, set aside specific times to respond to messages and stick to them.
- Pre-book appointments with clients before they leave their current one to avoid squeezing them into an already busy schedule. If your client doesn't book ahead and expects you to squeeze them in, you can simply say, "I’m fully booked." You don’t need to offer explanations or tell them what you are doing with your time.
- Set up an online booking system. It can help eliminate those late-night messages. Your client can log on at any time convenient for them and see what you have available, and that’s that!
By prioritizing your time and availability, you teach clients that you value their time and your own.
Look After Your Mental Health
As a lash artist, it's essential to take care of your mental and physical health. With the constant demands of running a business and pleasing clients, it's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed.
One way to maintain a positive mindset is by taking time for yourself when needed. It's crucial to keep your personal life separate from work and not bring any stress or problems into your client appointments.
Build a Support System
Therapy can be a helpful tool for managing stress and maintaining overall mental well-being.
Additionally, finding a support system within the industry can provide much-needed encouragement and understanding during busy seasons or challenging times. Don't be afraid to lean on others and ask for help.
Take Care of Your Physical Health
Don't forget to look after your physical health. Your mental and physical health are closely connected, and caring for one can greatly impact the other.
Here are some things we find help us out:
- Invest in ergonomic tools such as a comfortable lash bed and an adjustable stool to prevent physical strain.
- Book regular breaks throughout the day to stretch, eat, and drink water.
- Find a post-work ritual, like listening to music or enjoying a glass of wine, to help you decompress and switch gears before going home or ending your day.
- Take days off in between appointments to give your body and mind a break from the physical demands of lash work.
- Prioritize a workout routine or other forms of exercise to maintain your physical health and release endorphins.
Balance the Hustle Culture
In today's society, hustle culture can be glorified and even expected in certain industries, including beauty. While working hard and hustling may be necessary at times, finding a sustainable balance in the long run is essential.
One way to do this is to be fully present in whatever you do—whether it’s work or spending time with family and friends. Setting boundaries between work and personal life can help you switch gears and stay energized for both aspects of your life.
Remember, finding balance isn't about sacrificing your career success but rather doing what it takes so you can continue to love and enjoy it for the long haul.
Learn From Negative Feedback
As lash artists, we want our clients to be happy with their results and leave feeling beautiful and satisfied. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may receive negative feedback from clients, which can sting.
When receiving feedback, take a deep breath and try not to take it personally. Instead, focus on the lesson learned and how you can improve for future clients.
"Forget the mistake; remember the lesson."
Feedback is how we learn and grow as lash artists.
Don't just wait for negative feedback—seek out constructive criticism from your clients regularly. Ask them how you can improve and what they love (or don't love) about your work. By doing this, you show your clients that their opinions matter, and it helps you to continuously improve and avoid burnout by staying ahead of any issues.
Keep Learning and Growing With Lashin' Out
Don't let burnout dim your passion—embrace balance and reclaim your love for the beauty services you provide! Be patient with yourself and your clients when setting new boundaries. Retraining yourself and your clients takes time, but it will ultimately lead to a healthier work-life balance and more sustainable business practices.
Are you ready to take your lash artistry to the next level while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Our 1:1 mentorship program at Lashin' Out is designed to provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your needs. We can focus on technical skills, business management, or how to gain clients while maintaining balance. Whatever you need, we're here to help you grow and succeed in your lash career.
Stay balanced, stay passionate, stay Lashin' Out. 💜✨🌟
