Today we’d like to introduce you to Fannie Smith.
Hi Fannie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as a lash artist began in 2019 after a few of my friends and family encouraged me to take a lash extension course. I found an instructor in Charlotte NC and that was my first ever experience working with lash extensions. It was a lot harder than I imagined it would be, and a lot more time-consuming. I practiced on friends, family, and my mannequin head constantly but I just couldn’t seem to get the hang of it. It would take me 5+ hours to complete one full set, and after all that time the final look would not be at all what I had envisioned.
So eventually I grew impatient and quit. For nearly a year and a half, I never touched lash extensions again. In 2021 I was 20 about to turn 21 and at the time I was working at an amusement park but I felt as if I had outgrown that job being since I’ve worked there since 16. So I found a job at a bank and I was super excited because it was really my first big girl job. For a while it was great, I was meeting new people, learning new skills, and making decent money. However, it took me about 3 months to realize that I was miserable. I was trapped in a room from 12 pm-9 pm answering calls all day. I would be so mentally drained after work I really didn’t have the motivation to spend time with friends and family.
I missed what I felt were huge milestones for my little siblings because I was at work. I decided I needed a change, so I got back to lashing. By this time it had been so long since I had actually practiced lashes I had to reteach myself, but this time I was determined. So I practiced every day, taught myself new skills, and eventually I was confident enough to start taking clients. I set up a studio in an extra room in my house and would see about 1-2 clients a day. I still worked at the bank but as soon as I had enough clients into the rotation to pay my bills I put in my two-week notice.
A few months into lashing I had made so much progress a local business owner saw my work and offered me a spot in her salon. I began working at the salon in August and in September I started school to get my esthetician license. I would work during the day and go to school at night. Eight months later I graduated from school and passed both my state board exams. I am now a licensed esthetician working in a private suite in Taylor’s SC.
I decided to rebrand my business to VII Esthetics in order to broaden my scope of practice from just eyelash extensions to waxing, sugaring, and brow services. The VII in my business name represents my seven siblings who have supported me 100% throughout my small business journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth journey, I struggled with patience, discipline, and just trusting the process. In the beginning, I was too quick to quit despite my passion for the beauty industry.
There were times when I doubted that I could ever support myself financially just doing lashes. I have definitely considered quitting on numerous occasions but am glad I am pursuing my passion.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an esthetician, which is just a fancy word for a beauty professional. I specialize in lash extensions, body waxing/sugaring, and brow tinting/lamination services. I am most proud of my professionalism and my determination to make all my clients feel comfortable.
My brand is built for everyone! I have created an inclusive environment where I make sure all my clients can relax and be pampered without feeling judged in any aspect. Whether you are male, female, or non-binary I believe you should be able to leave a beauty establishment feeling like the best version of yourself.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Both my mother and father have played a great role in my success. They have supported me from the beginning! I feel like both of them have contributed to my success since birth. My dad taught me how to handle money and really hustle and my mom taught me compassion and empathy which goes a long way when dealing with clients.
My siblings have constantly shown up for me since the beginning. My sisters have always been the best lash models.
They never complained about how long it took and they always let me know how they love their lashes and where I could improve my work. My older brother never fails to let me know he is proud of me. And finally, my little brother who is only two but comes home feeling defeated after a long day at work, and seeing him smile just reminds me that I do what I do for them.
My friends have been here since the beginning. Always reposting my work on social media, handing out my business cards, and just being somewhat business manager at times. Makayla my Bestfriend has been my model more times than I can count. I’m always running ideas through her before I make any big decisions. She is constantly rooting for me and pushing me to be better.
My clients are amazing. A lot of my clients have been with me since I’ve worked out of my house. Even now when I’m still perfecting my craft they still continue to follow me and support me.
And last but not least my business mentor Silvia Landrum. She has been a huge factor in the success of my business. She promotes my brand as well as invests in my brand. She has taught me a lot about running a business which a lot of people would usually have to learn by trial and error. She runs several businesses of her own and is generous enough to share her knowledge with me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @VII.Esthetics
- Facebook: VII. Esthetics
Image Credits
@photographybycasey77 https://linktr.ee/photographybycasey
