We had the good fortune of connecting with Dilayla Mena Adriano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dilayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I used to be a hostess and wore lash strips daily. My eyes are a bit smaller so I would always have to cut the strips to adjust them to my eyes and it was a daily routine . So I thought about starting my own lash strips but then my best friend encouraged me to dive into lash extensions since it is a more personal way and hands on way to create lashes . I wanted to create something ladies or anyone in general would love to wear or something they’d look forward to getting !

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Besides being a Lash Artist and a Beginner Tattoo Artist I’m also a medical assistant! I used to work at ASU testing students for COVID. When the vaccine came out, our hours declined and I had a choice to either go full time lashing or get another job . At the time my grandfather was ill and being my own boss I had the flexibility to go and visit him as often as I could . He lived in Mexico so I would need to take a couple days off and sometimes it would be difficult to get days covered. Being my own boss made it a bit easier to see him so I chose to go full time and I haven’t gone back since than! It hasn’t been easy but I’m happy I made the choice I did . I want my clients to be looking forward to see me and share their stories and life experiences. That’s my favorite part of this job is meeting new faces and hearing the stories . My lash space is a safe space for everyone and anyone .

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite coffee place to grab a treat and nice iced hazelnut latte is at LUXX ! The service is great and they have seating inside and out . Now that the weather is cooling down, I love driving to Tempe Town Lake and packing a snack bag and renting a water boat and just relaxing , sometimes it’s busy so book ahead online ! But my favorite place to go would be downtown Phoenix . There’s many restaurants, the best clubs with the best music is down there and the vibes are the best ! For a great time I’d go downtown

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and bestfriend Serena have been my biggest supporters since I started to lash in 2020. If it wasn’t for my bestfriend I wouldn’t of had the courage to start my own business. I started off lashing at her condo and eventually moved to my own space. My mom is my number 1 fan and has always pushed me towards my goals . I’m extremely blessed to have such amazing clients as well . If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I’m at . I owe my success to my clients, family and friends, I love all of you ! Thank you for following me on this incredible journey .

Instagram: @DalashesandTattoos

Other: TikTok- dilaylaadriano

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