Trainer Spotlight: Love Em Academy

Hey! I'm Emily, though most people call me Em. I'm a lash tech, nail tech, and educator, and I own Love Em, an independent beauty studio in Horsham, West Sussex. I started my business in 2019 at just 17, after completing a fast-track lash course to support myself while studying at university. But my passion for lash artistry quickly took over, and I decided to fully dedicate myself to Love Em. Since then, I've opened my own studio and recently launched Love Em Academy, where I'm excited to train a new generation of lash technicians, with a focus on quality and reliability.

Love Em Academy

Love Em Academy is an in-person training academy focused on reshaping the lash education industry. We offer comprehensive Classic and Russian eyelash extension courses, using only top-quality kits (LashBase, of course! 😉). When creating the academy, I wanted to move away from the "fast-track" format that has dominated the industry. While there's a high demand for quick training, I believe quality should always come first. That's why Love Em Academy provides a four-day training course for small groups of up to two students, with the option of a personalized marketing shoot to help launch their careers.

Course Format:

• Day One: Classic theory and mannequin practice
• Day Two: Classic live model practice
  After Day Two, students get a few weeks to a month to work on their Classic case studies and refine their application skills.
• Day Three: Theory recap and Russian fanning practice
• Day Four: Russian live model practice

Our courses are designed to balance hands-on learning with thoughtful pacing, ensuring every student leaves confident and fully prepared for success!

What was the most valuable takeaway from the conference that you've applied/ will apply to your training business? 

The LashBase Trainer Conference was hands down the best industry event I've ever attended. I walked away with so much valuable knowledge and genuinely felt there was something for everyone, no matter their experience level.

One of my biggest takeaways came from Lis's talk—her pricing calculator was a game-changer. Not only has it helped me refine the pricing of my courses, but it's also something I'll be passing on to my students to guide them as they create their first price lists. 

Ryan's talk really resonated with me as well. It was so validating to hear about the importance of investing in your business, and it's helped me let go of the guilt I felt around outsourcing certain responsibilities. Both talks gave me the tools and confidence to improve my own business and to provide even better support to my students at Love Em Academy.

What challenges have you faced in starting your own lash training business, and how have you overcome them?

When I first set out to open my academy, one of my biggest challenges was earning my AET qualification. As someone with dyslexia, I really struggled with online training—none of the essays I wrote felt up to my own standards. That's when I decided to switch to an in-person training course with the amazing India Summers. Although there was still plenty of online work, India's support throughout the entire process was incredible, and she's continued to be a wonderful resource even after the course.

Dealing with a learning disability has been tough at times, but it has also given me a unique perspective. It allows me to better understand and support students who may face similar challenges, ensuring they get the guidance they need to thrive.

How has attending the conference impacted your confidence as a lash trainer?

The LashBase Conference was incredible on every level, and it left me with so much to reflect on. The lash industry can feel quite isolating, especially when embarking on new ventures. My main goal in launching my academy has always been to improve the quality of lash education, as I feel many training programs are focused more on profit than truly supporting students. It's been a lonely challenge at times but attending the LashBase Conference has completely renewed my faith. Seeing so many like-minded educators and connecting with industry leaders reminded me that I'm not alone in my mission to raise standards in the lash world.

What are you most looking forward to in the future of your training business? and do you have any future goals?

The future of Love Em is filled with endless possibilities, and I'm excited about every avenue we could explore! Right now, I'm most looking forward to connecting with my new students and fostering strong relationships with other educators and industry brands. Building those bonds is incredibly rewarding. The next big step for Love Em is to expand into a larger premises and grow our team. The idea of scaling the academy and bringing even more passionate lash techs into the fold is something I'm thrilled about!

What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a lash training business? 

If you're considering starting a lash training business, my biggest piece of advice is to prioritise quality over speed. The lash education industry can sometimes get caught up in quick, fast-track courses, but truly nurturing your students takes time and attention. Build a program that provides value—both in practical skills and ongoing support. Don't be afraid to invest in yourself and your resources, whether that's through further training or quality products for your students. Lastly, make sure you connect with other educators and industry professionals. Having a support network will help you grow your business and navigate any challenges that come your way!