Today we’d like to introduce you to Pauline Param.
Hi Pauline, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came into this industry later in life. I had been in finance for 9 years before taking on esthetics full-time. I started doing lash extensions in 2017 as a hobby. I had just had my first child and wanted to do something while on maternity leave, and lashes had been up and coming in our area then. I loved how the lash extensions looked and wanted to learn! At the time, my husband was a barber & was very familiar with the beauty industry and all the risks involved. He purchased my first training session for our anniversary; the rest is history! I continued doing lashes part-time or on the side for years until I got my esthetics license, and now I own my salon in Summerville 6 years later. It’s been quite the journey, but one thing I’m very proud of is the pursuit. It did not just happen overnight. I accomplished this with two kids under 4 years old. I made sacrifices. I had sleepless nights. I had long days. But I knew it would all pay off in the end. From working a 9-5 to school 6-10 5 days a week for 6-7 months amid covid. When you are on this journey, you absolutely have to keep your eye on the prize. My goal was to be able to do what I loved but also have the time for my growing family & the flexibility I needed to be a present mom. The journey was challenging, and I never dreamt of being where I am today. But the journey was so worth it. If I can do it, you most certainly can as well!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a smooth road at all. To be completely transparent, when I first started in this industry, I was unaware that to do lash extensions in SC, you must have a cosmetology or esthetics license. As I grew while doing this on the side, I ran into obstacles & was reported for doing this where some would be upset and quiet. I decided to go back to school to get that license! A new mom of 2 working full time and going to school was most definitely not a smooth road, but I did it! Another obstacle once I got my license was maintaining my career in finance and bringing aesthetics into the mix. I did both for a couple of years until I finally decided to leave that 9-year career to start a new one!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed esthetician in the state of SC. I specialize in lash extensions, and that’s mostly what I am known for. However, I have grown into areas like full-body waxing, brow artistry, body contouring, and marketing! I’m most proud of my continuous desire to learn. Although I’ve been doing lash extensions for 6 years, I will never stop learning, as this industry will never stop growing! What sets me apart from others is that this isn’t just a job to me. It’s not just about the compensation or the money. Is that a plus? Of course. But being able to do something that helps others feel so beautiful and good about themselves is the true reward. Another thing about me that sets me apart from others in this industry is that I truly want to help others in and outside of this industry. I never see others as competition, and I try to teach that to everyone. Collaboration gets you far & learning from others without pushback and ill will is the way to go.
We’d love to hear about your fond memories from growing up.
My favorite childhood memory is spending weekends with my brother, parents, and grandparents in Downtown Charleston at the battery, feeding the birds, and enjoying each other’s company! Family is very important to us!
Contact Info:
- Website: magandakachs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magandaka_lashes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magandakachs
Image Credits
Photos by Kayla Garrett with Frond & Fringe Photography & last photo by Sunil Ford with Sunil Ford Photography
