How do I set boundaries as a lash artist?

Written by Beth Pullen (LashBase Influencer) 

It's always a wise idea to take a step back and look at how we are going to move forward in our careers, but also taking into consideration the self-care we need to give ourselves so we don't burn ourselves out.  

Here are some tips and lash business policies I have learnt over the years...

Have designated time for work!  

Being self-employed there has been many times I've still been replying to messages about lashes at 10 at night when I should be relaxing and winding down. If I worked 9-5 in an office then I wouldn't but as a lash artist I worry that if I don't reply quick enough I would lose the client. 

Over the years I have learnt that if you're confident in your abilities and clients are loyal to you then they would wait till the morning for replies. One way around this is to have automated messages that respond something like "we are currently out of working hours, we care about your message and will get to you as soon as possible" 

Book yourself into the diary! 

You go through your diary and think I'm very busy which is amazing. However you again forgot to book yourself in for lunch or time for a gym session, or coffee with a friend. Next thing you know you don't eat all day, your brain foggy, your back is aching and you're wondering how many more hours of work you have left before you get a to have a drink or snack or a loo break.

After so many years of doing this you then contemplate if being self-employed is all it is cracked up to be and if you can handle doing it for the next 40 years. The answer is obvious that if you don't look after yourself and book in that time for self-care you will burn yourself out.  

Learn to say no! 

So at some point we will all experience a nightmare client!  The one that shows up half an hour late and still expect their lashes done or they forget to pay again, or cancels appointments and changes them all the time, sends lots of text and sometimes forgets to show up anyway.

A way to get around this is to have policies in place. A set of ground rules for everyone! For example a cancellation policy, if they cancel within 48 hours you keep their booking fee. Don't be afraid to state it because if they mess you around that much anyway you're better off without them.  

Mentally unwind! 

As lash artist we form a connection with our client's that make them feel comfortable enough to share their worries and their fears with us. This is really special that they feel so comfortable with us to be able to do that. But we need to just be careful to not let it mentally drain us.

Some appointments you feel mentally drained because it's been negative talk the whole time. Just have that boundary in place that if it gets too draining you have the quick questions to change the subject. 

Set aside annual leave! 

Working for yourself and not going on holiday doesn't mean you can't take time off! Book yourself a holiday off even if it is a staycation just to have some time to relax and have a week of fun things to do to reset and spend time with the people you love.

Can't do a whole week? Set your self-time off for mental health days, get a massage, have a lunch date, go for a walk. No replying to messages just have a day off to unwind.  It is important to prioritise these to recharge your batteries and get you ready for lashing again.  

Community! 

The lash community is a new one for me! I've worked for myself for so long and always felt as if there was a competition with local lash artist for clients but actually it's not like that at all! The level of support you get from other people who understand you and can offer advice or are there when you need a pick me up is 100% needed in order to help boost you and give you the confidence when you're feeling a bit down.

Team LashBase is my favourite and I've been chatting to quite a few of the girls and the love is uplifting! You want encouragement and support to help further your career without being subject to self-doubt and rivalry.  

Be honest! 

Be honest with your clients, they will appreciate it! Before you book in 12 hour blocks to fit everyone in just be honest and say I have a lot off bookings and want to make sure I have extra time for everyone so I can fit you in at this time on this day. Don't cram everyone in, you are worth the wait! 

Keep calm and lash on!

If you want any more advice or want to chat lashes feel free to contact me on Instagram Flourish_eyelash_and_beauty