Today we’d like to introduce you to Marci Chestnut.
Hi Marci, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story didn’t start in beauty — it started with purpose.
I’m a North Myrtle Beach native. I grew up in the Poplar area, and graduated from North Myrtle Beach High School. From there, I went on to South Carolina State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology, followed by a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling.
On paper, I was on a clear path to a traditional corporate career. I worked as a vocational counselor, helping individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment. I genuinely loved the work — helping people has always been at the core of who I am. My passion has always been about liberation: helping people discover what’s already inside of them and live up to their fullest potential.
But as meaningful as the work was, I began to notice something that didn’t sit right with me.
No matter how hard I worked, how well I performed, or how many lives I impacted, my income was capped. Promotions came occasionally, but my effort and growth were never truly reflected in my earning potential. I realized I was giving my best years to a system that could replace me tomorrow — and that didn’t align with the life I envisioned for myself.
The turning point came during a work conference at the Lake of the Ozarks.
I remember standing there, looking out over the water, surrounded by beautiful homes, and thinking: There has to be more to life than this. More than 40 hours a week, more than living within someone else’s limits, more than surviving instead of building.
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so I went home and started researching. I looked at my community and asked a simple question: What’s missing? At the time, I was traveling out of town for beauty services — lashes, hair, nails — and I noticed a real gap in the market. That curiosity led me to lash extensions.
I watched a few videos online, signed up for a training, and jumped in.
The very next day, I took my first model — and honestly, it was terrible. I did awful. But instead of letting that discourage me, I remember thinking, This is the worst I’ll ever be. From that moment on, I committed myself fully.
If I had a model, I practiced. If I didn’t, I practiced on a mannequin. Every single day. I was determined to make it work because I saw lashes not just as a skill — but as a key. A way to create freedom, ownership, and alignment with who I truly was.
Five years later, that decision changed my life.
Today, I’m a licensed esthetician, master lash artist, and educator. I serve clients in my community and teach aspiring artists how to build real skill, confidence, and sustainable careers in the beauty industry. What started as a leap of faith became a platform — not just for income, but for impact.
At the core of everything I do is the same mission I started with: helping people see their potential and step into it — fully and unapologetically.
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?
Not at all. The journey has been anything but smooth.
One of the biggest struggles was simply starting over. I went from having degrees, stability, and a clear professional identity to being a beginner again — questioning myself, my work, and whether I had made the right decision. There were moments where my confidence was tested daily, especially in the early stages when my work wasn’t perfect and my results didn’t yet match my vision.
Financial uncertainty was another major challenge. Walking away from a steady paycheck meant learning how to survive inconsistent income, invest in education and supplies, and still show up every day even when the results weren’t immediate. There were times I reinvested everything back into my business with little left over — trusting the process when there were no guarantees.
I also faced internal pressure — the mental battle of comparison, self-doubt, and feeling like I had to prove that this was more than “just lashes.” As a Black woman building a business in a space that doesn’t always offer clear blueprints or access to the same resources, I had to learn a lot through trial and error. I made mistakes, spent money the wrong way, and learned some lessons the hard way.
Burnout was real, too. In the beginning, I was doing everything — servicing clients, creating content, managing bookings, marketing, and still trying to be present in my personal life. Learning how to set boundaries, charge my worth, and protect my time was a process, not an overnight shift.
But every challenge shaped how I operate today.
Those struggles forced me to become disciplined, strategic, and intentional. They pushed me to build systems, refine my craft, and lead with both excellence and integrity. Looking back, the hard parts weren’t setbacks — they were the foundation.
And I wouldn’t change them, because they’re the reason I’m able to teach, mentor, and lead others with empathy and real understanding today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a licensed esthetician, master lash artist, and educator specializing in customized lash and brow services with a strong focus on lash health and longevity. I’m best known for my expertise in lash retention and intentional lash design — creating sets that are not only beautiful, but consistent, wearable, and built to last.
What I’m most proud of is the standard I’ve built. Clients trust me for precision and care, and students seek me out for education that goes beyond technique — rooted in discipline, professionalism, and excellence.
What sets me apart is intentionality. I don’t follow trends for the sake of it, and I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all beauty. Every service and training I offer is thoughtful, refined, and designed with purpose. For me, luxury is in the details — and that’s where I choose to lead.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you can’t do everything on your own — and you’re not meant to.
For a long time, I believed success meant handling every detail myself. But real growth came when I learned to let go of control, ask for help, and trust the systems and people around me. Delegating — whether in business, home, or life — allows things to be done more effectively, efficiently, and sustainably than trying to carry it all alone.
I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about doing everything; it’s about setting the foundation, training well, and giving grace as others step in to support the vision. When you allow help — from your team, automation, or even everyday support — you create space to lead, grow, and move with intention.
That shift changed everything for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://llbeautybar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loftyluxebeautybar?igsh=eXpndnhhano5djcz
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/171o4krP8Q/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@loftyluxebeautybar?si=mfUH32tZbEOZutkH
