Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Short.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a dual licensed esthetician & nail technician. When I first decided to get into the industry I had basically already completed my associates of science and i wanted to nail down my specialty in the industry. I was so passionate about makeup, skin health and medical pathways. I also have always wanted to be a business owner. My mother still tells stories about my childhood and my ambitions to make my own little businesses/money. I would wake up on random mornings and ask to make cookies to sell on the front lawn of our house, build lemonade stands for the summers in our neighborhood. Reluctantly and embarrassed my mother would give in and accompany me every time. Now as an adult I just knew I wanted to work in skin. I fell upon the esthetics program and loved the idea of being able to work along side Dermatologist in the industry. And I wanted to make an impact on other women’s lives. I wanted to make others feel beautiful and accepted. I also wanted to show that business owner ship was possible.
After completing the program, which was very stressful! I immediately opened my own business. I found a little building in a small antique town of the area I lived in. I remodeled my tiny building with the help of my 5 younger brothers, and I mean young. I had my teenage siblings ripping the walls out and installing drywall/flooring. Don’t worry we had guidance from my father and father in law, thank goodness! Once construction was all done I got started right away. My husband joined the military (his life long dream to continue his families legacy), and my business at that time was short lived. After Years of moving around, having two babies and working on and off for other businesses in the industry. I made my way to Sunshine Lash & Co., in Pasadena MD. I rented a room from our amazing owner and hit the ground running. I enrolled my husband as my unpaid handyman, thanks babe. We installed new drywall, painted, built furniture, ordered product, installed wall paper and soooo much more. I have made every single detail refined, feminine, and welcoming to the best of my ability. I have worked long hours, long nights, worked on my days off, worked on socials at home, happily and tirelessly for 3 years. I am indeed 3 years in and projected to make my first 6 figure year, in. 2026. I cannot be more excited!!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say owning a business will NEVER be a smooth road. I have grown thankful for the ups and down because it has made me a stronger business owner. I have ran into so many road blocks, ups and downs and just plain “i wanna quit” moments that I can’t even count them on my fingers and toes. We have struggles with construction and finding how to manage a business in spaces that were just too tiny. But this has made me very savvy in space saving and organizing. There will always be a question on how to grow clientele but I find if you learn quickly how to use social media to market yourself, and become not afraid to show yourself and you work, they will come. When owning a business you have to find a way to wear all the hats and sometimes all at once. You need to become the owner, the service provider, the marketing manager, finance manager, the cleaning crew and everything in between. Sometimes finding the time has been difficult and show stopping in the wrong way. This is especially hard if you’re also a wife and mother.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Blush & Buffed Beauty Room ?
I am a dual licensed Esthetican & Nail Technician. I take clients and provide luxury beauty services. My services include Facials, Chemical Peels, Waxing of all sorts, Russian Nail Manicures, Expert Brow lamination & Lash Lifts. I am know for my specialty in Facial & Brow Specific Services after being brow specific for several years. I also provide long lasting healthy nail care alternatives to acrylic & dip nails. I am set apart of others because i operate in a private room, I do nails in a recliner, giving you the opportunity in nap if you desire. I offer snacks & beverages free of charge to all my clientele. I am proud to have a high percentage of client retention, meaning my clients are happy and keep coming back. I love that my clients skin, brow and nail health always come back improve. My brand and services are welcoming, warm and catered to every single client that comes into my room. I always try to go out of my way to make you feel like I am your own personal private beauty expert.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would tell those starting out to know you CAN start out on your own. It is possible to start your business, make that jump. I would also say focus on investments in the beginning that will make you money back in the beginning. The fluffy, fun things like decor and extras can come as you grow. You need to make your clients feel like your space is clean, welcoming and your knowledge is of high standard to make the come back.
Pricing:
- Facials start at $120
- Brow Lamination+Tint+Wax $135
- Russian Gel Manicure $75
- Russian Structured Gel Manicure $100
- Lash Lifts+tint $115
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunshinelashandco.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blushandbuffedbeautyroom?igsh=MXc1aWFxdmFkaHdieQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
