Today we’d like to introduce you to Katia Gutierrez.
Katia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in the lash industry while working as a medical assistant, simply wanting to try something new and step outside of my routine. I decided to take a lash class without ever imagining how much it would change my life or the doors it would open for me. I began lashing from home, practicing on friends and family, and slowly my work started gaining attention through social media and word of mouth referrals from clients who loved their results. After a year of nonstop hustle and dedication, I rented my first suite with a friend and was able to leave my full-time job to fully pursue my passion. Just a year later, I co-opened a studio with a close friend, and five years later we are still growing strong. Within my first year, my clientele expanded rapidly, allowing me to transition from a home studio to a suite and eventually into a 1,500 square foot studio. Today, I work alongside an amazing team of four talented women and have successfully launched my own lash brand, something I once never imagined possible when I first decided to “just try something new.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road to get here? Absolutely not. Behind the growth were many sleepless nights, countless trial and errors, and moments where I felt scared to take the next big step. Building a business pushed me far outside my comfort zone, and in year three of my journey, I also welcomed motherhood; which brought a whole new set of challenges as I learned how to balance being a business owner and a mom. Navigating that transition wasn’t easy at first, but it ultimately became the motivation I needed to grow. It inspired me to expand my team, create more structure in my business, and launch my own lash supply brand so I could build something sustainable not just for myself, but for my family and the women working alongside me.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I own a studio in College Park, Maryland, where I work as a lash artist, lash supplier, and educator. I’ve become known in my area for customized lash extensions, as we believe every set should be uniquely tailored to each client. I pour my heart and soul into my business, especially into developing my lash supply brand. When I first started, it was difficult to find high quality supplies that truly supported lash artists, so I made a promise to myself to create products that would make the lashing process smoother for both beginners and advanced artists. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, especially in a time where running a successful business isn’t easy, and even more so when leading a team. What truly sets me apart is my dedication and the passion I bring into everything I do, always making sure my clients feel cared for, valued, and confident every time they walk into our studio.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
First, I want to thank God for placing this fire in me, for giving me the courage to believe in myself and keep going even during moments of doubt. I’m incredibly grateful to my clients, because without them my business wouldn’t exist, from my day one supporters to my returning clients and all the new faces who continue to trust me. I also want to thank my mentors who have guided and supported me throughout the journey of building my lash supply brand.
To my amazing team, thank you for believing in my vision and trusting me enough to be part of this journey alongside me. And most importantly, I’m thankful for my husband and family, whose constant love and support make every decision and every step forward so much easier.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lashyousupplies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashyoustudio
