We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Graham and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Stephanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Being consistent and staying relevant. Meaning posting on social media consistently, showing up for my business and my clients everyday. Continuing my education by taking courses within the beauty industry -specifically lash extensions and esthetics for me(online courses, 1:1 business coaching, etc). Building meaningful connections within the beauty industry by collaborating with other businesses that offer the same or similar services/products. Engaging with the local community by introducing myself and passing out my business cards at busy shopping centers and local farmers markets.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Desert Beauty Collective is a Phoenix based studio operated by a licensed cosmetologist and certified lash and brow artist who specializes in lash extensions and brow services. Guaranteeing quality services with safe and healthy application. Dedicated to the art of accentuating your natural beauty and helping you achieve your own style of effortless elegance.
I am most proud of my education and where I received my trainings, Lightheart Lash in Scottsdale, AZ. I was taught to be diligent in my craft. Isolation, hygiene, proper placement, safety & sanitation, product quality are a few of of main focuses when it comes to applying lash extensions. I practiced on “model” clients at a discounted price for 1 year before I found my suite in Uptown Phoenix. I found a suite to rent on 7th street and Bethany Home road in April of 2023 and I did not have any clients. I was able to do this because I had a full time job at the time that helped me pay the rent. I quickly built up my clientele a few months after getting my suite. I am at the same location but I now have my own room (not shared) and I am taking clients full time (no second job).
Some lessons that I have learned along the way is that no one is going to tell you what to do. You need to be disciplined enough to still do something productive for your business whether you have clients or not. You need to treat each client like they are your only client. Getting ready for your clients makes a huge difference. Actually doing your hair and putting on a cute outfit is part of showing up for your business.
I want people to know that my business is a safe space and all are welcome. It’s a judgment free zone where you get to relax and unwind. I also want people to know that if you ever want to start your own business, you can. There are so many resources available.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were to come visit Phoenix, I’d tell them to come during the fall/“winter”. Some local spots I would take them to is the Uptown Farmers Market on central and Bethany Home rd. We would get coffee at Lux on central -they have the best coffee and food in downtown Phoenix. We would grab lunch or dinner at Hanny’s, Moira Suishi, Sosoba, Disco Dragon and Chula Seafood- they have the best fish tacos I’ve ever eaten. I would definitely have to take them to Sedona. The drive isn’t long and the scenery is beautiful. The next day we would check out if there’s any live music or shows at the Vanburen, or Sunbar in Tempe. Some other fun activities we could do would be thrif shopping, going to Tempe town lake, Zia Records, Rebel Lounge and Yucca Tap Room. End the week with a relaxing stay at the Palomar in downtown Phoenix.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I seriously would not be where I am at today without Lightheart Lash located in Scottsdale, AZ. I had the privilege of being trained by Maddi & Katy who are the educators at Lightheart Lash Academy. I took a 1:1 classic lash extension course with Maddi in May of 2022 and in June of 2022, I took the Mega Volume Group class taught by both Maddi & Katy. They are truly exceptional educators and I cannot thank them enough. They have taught me everything from how to do my social media posts from curating the perfect client consultation and perfecting my craft with lash extensions and the flower bouquet method! They are patient and uplifting and will guide you through any challenges that you face with your lash business. They also have an amazing coffee shop!
Website: https://desertbeautycollective.glossgenius.com
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/desertbeautycollective