Today we’d like to introduce you to Leilah Gray.
Hi Leilah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My lash journey began in 2018, right after I graduated from high school. I enrolled in college because education was my priority, but I also knew I wanted to create another source of income doing something I genuinely enjoyed. Toward the end of my senior year, I had fallen in love with the beauty industry, especially lashes and cosmetics, so I invested in my first lash training course.
While attending college, I spent my weekends back home in Baltimore building my clientele. During the week, I even set up my lash bed in my dorm room and serviced clients on campus in Bowie, Maryland. Without even realizing it at the time, I was building two client bases simultaneously.
In 2020, I took a leap of faith and moved into my very first salon suite. Shortly after moving in, the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down. Like many small business owners, I faced uncertainty and challenges, but I remained committed to my business and continued pushing forward.
While growing my clientele, I also attended esthetician school and successfully completed the program, adding professional education and licensing to my growing career.
In 2022, I expanded again by moving into my current location and officially becoming the owner of my own lash studio. Since opening my studio, I’ve welcomed five to six beauty professionals as tenants, allowing me to grow not only as a lash artist but also as a business owner and mentor.
Looking back, lashes have truly changed my life. What started as a way to earn extra money while I was in college has grown into a career that has funded my lifestyle, created financial independence, and opened doors I never imagined. Every client, every challenge, and every milestone has been part of a journey that I’m incredibly grateful for, and I’m excited to continue building the legacy I’ve started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges came in 2020 when I moved into my first salon suite right before the COVID-19 pandemic. As a new business owner, it was scary because everything shut down, and there was so much uncertainty about whether I’d even be able to stay open.
Another challenge has been balancing entrepreneurship with school. I was attending college while building my clientele, traveling home on weekends to service clients in Baltimore, and even doing lashes out of my dorm room in Bowie. It required a lot of discipline, time management, and sacrifice.
As my business continued to grow, I faced new challenges as a studio owner. Managing tenants, dealing with unexpected business expenses, and navigating issues with commercial property management taught me that owning a business involves much more than just providing a service.
Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve also experienced slow seasons, client cancellations, and moments where I questioned myself. But every obstacle has taught me something valuable. Instead of allowing challenges to stop me, I’ve used them as opportunities to grow, adapt, and become a stronger business owner. Looking back, those difficult moments helped shape the business and entrepreneur I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a master lash technician and the owner of my own lash studio. I specialize in creating custom lash extensions that enhance each client’s natural beauty rather than overpower it. My goal is for every client to leave feeling more confident while still looking like themselves.
Over the years, I’ve become known for my attention to detail, consistency, professionalism, and creating a comfortable experience for my clients. I believe every set of lashes should be customized to fit the client’s eye shape, lifestyle, and desired look, so no two sets are exactly alike.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that has been able to support me since I was 18 years old. What started as a side hustle while I was in college has grown into a successful business, allowing me to become the owner of my own studio and provide opportunities for other beauty professionals by renting space within my salon.
What sets me apart is that I genuinely care about the experience just as much as the results. My clients know they’re receiving quality work, honest recommendations, and a relaxing environment every time they visit. I’ve built my business through consistency, word-of-mouth referrals, and long-term relationships with my clients, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is to focus on building genuine relationships with your clients. Technical skill is important, but people also remember how you made them feel. When clients know you genuinely care about them, listen to them, and make them feel comfortable, they’re much more likely to become loyal, long-term clients.
Networking has come naturally for me because I’ve always prioritized creating a welcoming experience. Many of my clients have referred their friends and family simply because they trust me and enjoy coming to their appointments. Word-of-mouth has been one of the biggest contributors to the growth of my business.
I also believe it’s important to have compassion and provide excellent customer service. Show up consistently, communicate well, and always strive to do quality work. Building trust takes time, but once people trust you, they’ll continue supporting your business and recommending you to others.
At the end of the day, people aren’t just investing in a service—they’re investing in the person providing it. That’s something I’ve always kept at the center of my business.
Pricing:
- $165 volume set
- $150 spike (wispy) set
- $130 wet set
- $170 custom set
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lushlashesbylei.as.me
- Instagram: @lush_lashesbylei
