Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Fernandez
Hi Natalia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my lash journey back in 2017 when i regularly started getting my lashes done, I asked the girl who did my lashes what steps I had to take to become a lash artist and coming from a border town I decided to take a course in Chihuahua Mexico to see if it was something I liked and I did. In 2019 I moved to San Antonio and enrolled to Ogle beauty school and finished my esthetician degree and passed my Texas License in the middle of the pandemic. I couldn’t wait to start lashing so I took a course locally to get more practice and education, once May 28th hit and essentials were back in business I decided to lash from my apartment, i had a small set up in my daughters room and I was pretty much practicing and perfecting my artistry. Once I felt a little more confident , I jumped quickly and decided to rent my first salon suite and poured my whole heart. After a year I moved to another suite located in Alamo Heights that I had been waitlisted because I wanted to be near my home and close to my kids school. Being in Alamo Heights, I met amazing entrepreneurs in the industry and felt inspired. In 2022 I met a client who asked me about a lash style and showed me a lash map that I couldn’t figure out. She showed me a very well known lash artist located in Miami, and I had no idea what she was showing me because it was a style I had not seen or done before so I looked at her profile and saw she offered in person trainings. Months later I decided to invest and travel to Miami in the beginning of 2023. I went to go see Lanna Lashes and learned how to create wispy sets, and not just any wispy sets, custom tailored lash sets. I then invested in many of her courses online and even took a content course to elevate my work and portfolio. I started to gain amazing clientele, i rebranded my business and started to grow and become more successful. In November 2023 I moved into my very own space, which Im currently located as of now. its an 800 sqft studio, i have located on Broadway st here in Alamo Heights. I then went back to Miami in 2024 to get more training with Lanna and besides learning more in depth about lashes and shaping eyes, I learned about the business side and expanding and growing my brand. Fast forward to now, I collaborated with her for a Set she had created and was featured on her website, I felt very proud and honored. Iv worked very hard and i have shed many tears in my journey. I work solo and everything I do myself from content, management and of course the lashing. I juggle my 2 teens from school, sports and everything else. I do not have family here whatsoever and even though I am married, my husband works out of town in the oil industry so I only get to see him or get help from him 1 week out of the month. I am very proud and passionate of what I have achieved. I have many plans in the future to continue to improve and grow. My dream is to have a store front and also educate future lash artists and teach them the right way to run a lash studio or business. I would love to have employees and create a community where clients feel comfortable and satisfied. Regardless of always hearing that lashing is over saturated and that its just a hobby is a lie, there is always a client for everyone because every artist lashes differently and if your passionate your business will always thrive. I want to thank my husband Aztlan Martinez for always believing in me and supporting my dreams and continuing to help me achieve them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it has not!! Not being from San Antonio has been very difficult because when i first started I had to built clientele. I made business cards and would leave them everywhere. Also not having help with my kids, and doing absolutely everything myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Am a licensed Esthetician that specializes in lash extensions. Iv taken multiple courses and I specialize in creating a tailored lash set for the client. I enhance my clients eyes and try not to take away from them. I am very honest about what suits my clients eyes and face. I also specialize in a more enhancing and natural look. I do not droop my clients eyes ever or make them appear close and that is what I am very proud of. Iv learned how to style different sets of eyes.
Any big plans?
My dreams and plans for this year is to have a storefront have 1 or 2 lash artists working alongside me. Also creating a course filled with so much information to help future lash artists. Having my own lash brand merch such as lash trays, aftercare and glue.
Pricing:
- Classic Sets $135
- Custom Sets $170
- Half sets $105
- 2-3 week fills $80-$95
- 2 week halfset fills $55
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Plushme_up
