Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanine Swann.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I took my first eyelash extension class in 2007, after learning about this then-new beauty concept from a classmate while I was in esthetics school. It took countless hours of frustration and practice, but I eventually got the hang of it—and fell in love with the craft.
In the beginning, most of my clients came through referrals from popular beauty professionals in Baltimore. Over time, with the support of one of my closest friends, we launched and grew Loving My Lashes Eyelash Boutique. Along the way, I was fortunate to work with a group of incredible women who helped build the business. Many of them have since gone on to open their own lash businesses or pursue advanced degrees, and I’m so proud to have been part of their journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not. As an “accidental entrepreneur,” most of my journey has been trial and error. I’ve spent a lot of money learning lessons the hard way and figuring things out on my own dime.
One of my priorities has always been to pay my team a living wage and ensure they had proper documentation—like tax records—to help them qualify for things like homes, cars, and credit. But navigating that path wasn’t easy. Beauty businesses, especially small, independent ones not backed by major brands or run by college graduates, often struggle to get access to funding. Banks weren’t exactly eager to offer loans or grants.
I also learned that I don’t enjoy managing people in the traditional sense. That realization pushed me to find more creative, less stressful ways to lead and support my team.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Loving My Lashes Eyelash Boutique?
Loving My Lashes Eyelash Boutique is a beauty business that specializes in semi-permanent eyelash extensions, lash lifts, brow and makeup services. We’re known for providing natural-looking, high-quality lash enhancements in a calm, professional environment. Our focus has always been on offering personalized service and maintaining the health of our clients’ natural lashes.
What sets us apart is our commitment to education, consistency, and integrity. We don’t believe in rushing or overbooking—our priority is quality over quantity. Many of our clients have been with us for years, and they trust us to help them look and feel their best without compromising on care.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve created a safe, supportive space for both clients and lash artists. Our boutique has helped launch the careers of a number of amazing people, and that legacy of empowerment means everything to me. I also take pride in offering services that are licensed, insured, and compliant—something that’s often overlooked in this industry.
For readers who may not be familiar with our work: whether you’re new to lashes or a seasoned lash lover, we provide customized lash experiences that enhance your natural beauty without damage or drama.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I absolutely consider myself a risk-taker. I don’t let the fear of what might go wrong stop me from exploring new opportunities. When I decided to fully commit to doing eyelash extensions, I took a major leap—I resigned from my job at a hospital, even though I had a mortgage and tuition payments for my kids. It was one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made, but my mindset was simple: this has to work, because I didn’t have a safety net.
That pressure drove me to learn everything I could about starting and running a successful business. I studied marketing, operations, and how to create multiple income streams within the beauty industry. I also invested in business coaches and mentorship sessions to gain different perspectives and sharpen my skills.
To me, taking risks doesn’t mean being reckless—it means betting on yourself and doing the work to make it pay off.
Pricing:
- $60
- $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LovingMyLashes.com
- Instagram: @LovingMyLashesBTQ @LashLady7
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/LovingMyLashes
