A s h l e y  V e l a r d o

A s h l e y  L y n n  E s t h e t i c s

Corrective Skin Studio

What inspired you to start your journey as an esthetician?

I’ve always had an interest in skincare. I never thought of pursuing it as a career until I was in my 30’s, and working a job I hated. I thought about what I really loved. I love helping people, and I get to do it through skincare. Growing up, I had awful skin. Back then, we didn’t have social media. Heck, we didn’t have the internet. All I had was a mother who worked in the medical field taking me to many dermatologists, and trying medication after medication. I completely understand clients' frustrations, and the emotional roller coaster of healing their skin.

Where are you located?

I’m located in West Seneca, New York, which is a suburb right outside the city of Buffalo (Go Bills!)

Tell us more about the skincare services you offer.

I offer a variety of services, from many different types of facials, to chemical peels, to acne bootcamps, as well as preteen/teen facials, and virtual consultations. Also, I do lash extensions, lash lifts, some waxing, microblading, and body contouring, I will be adding Cooljet plasma as well, which isn’t on the menu yet, but soon it will be!

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as an esthetician?

I knew I didn’t want to work for anyone else, so I went solo right after school. It’s hard to find a mentor in this industry for whatever reason people like to gatekeep. I had to do a lot of learning on my own. I’ve taken MANY and spent thousands of dollars for additional education. I’m not mad about it. It’s one of the reasons I love this industry so much. It's forever evolving. I like to learn new things, how ingredients react, and play with others.

Do you have a daily skincare regimen?

I do. I keep it simple: Cleanser, toner, vitamin C serum, moisturizer, and SPF is my morning routine.

What is your favorite skincare product?

SPF! It’s your BFF.

What are some ingredients and chemicals that you absolutely avoid in products?

Specifically for me, I’m acne prone. I stay away from supplements that have biotin in it. It's a sneaky culprit for acne. Coconut oil is a huge no no for the skin on your face as well.

Can you leave our readers with one daily skincare tip that can help them to retain moisturizing and healthy skin?

SPF daily! It’s the number one anti-aging product you can use. If you’re not using it, then treatments and other things are a waste of time. Plus, we don’t want skin cancer.  If you’re going to get serious about your skin, then get serious about SPF. Find one that you like, and use it everyday no matter if you’re not leaving the house-your house has windows and they emit sunlight. Even on cloudy days sunlight still penetrates clouds.

"SPF daily! It’s the number one anti-aging product you can use. If you’re not using it, then treatments and other things are a waste of time. Plus, we don’t want skin cancer.  If you’re going to get serious about your skin, then get serious about SPF".

What are some words of advice that you can give to future estheticians who want to open a skincare studio?

It’s A LOT of work. You wear many hats. Set boundaries with your clients, get a work phone, and only respond during your business hours. You need time to recharge. Burnout is a real thing. Take training classes and refreshers as often as possible. Don’t be afraid to promote your business. People will doubt you. Remember you’re a badass who started a business!

"Burnout is a real thing. Take training classes and refreshers as often as possible. Don’t be afraid to promote your business".

Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I love hiking and going to spin class when I can make it. I love traveling and spending time with my two little puppies. Also, I enjoy teaching random people about skincare, lol.

Follow at:
Instagram: @ashleylynnesthetics
TikTok: @ashleylynn_esthetics
Facebook: Ashley Lynn Esthetics

 

B e a t  G a n g  L a s h e s

Voted #1 Lashes With 30 Wears

What inspired you to start your Beat Gang Lashes?

I was inspired to start BeatGangLashes out of a need for using my own products. I wore glasses and couldn’t find the right lash styles. My favorite brands would be out of a lash style, or a lip gloss. I was constantly sending my customers on a goose chase. I then came up with BeatGangLashes.

You have such a cool business name! What does your business name represent?

Thank you so much we appreciate hearing that! Our business name represents a group of women and men slaying their best makeup looks with a beat face. When you look good you feel good, and that makes each day easier to fight.

Tell us more about the different lash products and cosmetic products that you offer?

We have two different lash products: strip lashes (mink or faux mink), lash clusters (faux mink), which we have available during specific drops. Our lash products are mink or vegan free with select custom lengths from 10mm-25mm. Our cosmetic products range from lash applicators, creamy vegan gloss, matte liquid lipsticks, and finishes with our Angel Wings mascara that completes any makeup look.

"The benefits are: A light flexible lash band pre-curved to fit your actual eye shape, up to 30 wears on all our lash styles with proper care, and being able to not sacrifice vision for beauty with styles you can wear with or without your glasses".

Can you name some benefits of the lash products?

The benefits are: A light flexible lash band pre-curved to fit your actual eye shape, up to 30 wears on all our lash styles with proper care, and being able to not sacrifice vision for beauty with styles you can wear with or without your glasses.

We have to ask! Are you more of a full glam or natural makeup type of look?

I love getting this question! I am a natural makeup girl. I love looking effortlessly pretty. There is a time and a place for dramatic makeup.

Do you have a favorite product in your brand?

My favorite product from my brand would be the #BeatGanggloss that we just launched. I have been wearing Wifey and That Girl everyday this week. I love it so much because it's vegan free and still shines.

Where can people find your lash vending machine?

Actually, we moved out of vending machines and have been focusing on interacting with our customers face-to-face.

What location?

We are at the Glendale Galleria, Inglewood Beauty Supply, and Glow and Flow Beauty Supply.

Can you leave our readers with a lash tip to help them apply lashes more effectively?

Always use a lash applicator. It saves you so much hassle than using your fingers.

Are there any challenges you've had to overcome as an entrepreneur?

Yes. Starting a business as a mom, balancing family, and growing at the same time was challenging. I sacrificed so much to get to where I am today. You have to be strong.

What are some words of advice that you can give to future CEOs who want to launch a cosmetics company?

Be creative, you can do whatever you want, and just make it your own. Keep your mental in check. Take breaks to reflect and rest. No one can stop you, but you! Start by writing down exactly how you want to execute it. Everything will come, and don't worry about the money.

Outside of your business, what are some other hobbies that you enjoy?

I enjoy traveling to other countries, trying exquisite foods, as well as shopping in New York. When I’m not traveling I am trying the latest skin care product or foundation to review for my supporters.

Follow at:
Instagram: @beatganglashes
Threads: @beatganglashes
Facebook: Beat Gang Lashes

Photographers:
LocalKaePhotography
Aniyah Photography