Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Son.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always had a passion for creativity, even when I was young. Although how I would express that creativity through a career path as I became older wasn’t clear at first – it was a journey of discovery. I explored several options, such as photography and makeup artistry, to figure out exactly what I wanted to do, which ultimately led me to lashes and brows. I started in cosmetology over 10 years ago and began working professionally in 2009 in my hometown, Toronto, Canada.
One day, while surfing on the net, I stumbled upon lashes, which immediately struck a chord, both intriguing and fascinating me. The before and after results in the photo I saw were very natural, which reflected my personal style, and I knew that this was what I wanted to do. I immediately started to research and train with well-established and experienced professionals in this particular niche to develop and perfect this specialized skill. In 2013 I did lashes for a movie producer attending the Emmy’s and from there my career took off.
This led to doing lashes for Sarah Drew of Grey’s Anatomy and since then I’ve been very privileged to have amazing opportunities to work with phenomenal talents as clients. As lashes and brows go hand in hand, I added microblading brows to my inventory of services. Microblading is also a form of artistry, requiring specialized skill, and I love it just as much. What started out in a tiny studio has now grown into a new phase of educating and training other aspiring artists in this specialized craft.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is never a smooth road for an entrepreneur. A sole practitioner entrepreneur has to sink or swim entirely on their own merit and artistic skill – there is no place to hide! Not only do you have to develop your own artistic skill and expertise but you have to develop the interpersonal and management skills to have your own successful business.
All of this takes time, determination and patience to stay the course, stay committed to excellence in your craft, and build your business block by block. It also took creativity and trial and error to establish and market my brand and image successfully using social media platforms. There is no substitute for honest hard work, commitment to excellence and satisfied clients, so successful growth will occur and continue when you remain committed to these goals.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sugarin Studio – what should we know?
I started working professionally in 2009 and I started my business, Sugarin Studio, in 2013 in Toronto, Canada. I specialize in microblading brows and lash lifts to create a natural look. I do my very best to deliver a realistic look without making it appear that the client had something done. My style is “natural imperfection” so it looks real and organic.
When the work is too perfect and precise it frequently looks fake, like CGI eyebrows. I like to freehand my work and visually create a different look for each client as opposed to following the same pattern on every person. I think that’s what sets me apart from others – I take an individual approach to each client to create a unique look for them, one that is all their own. I am proud to make a difference in my clients lives by transforming a little thing like their brows or lashes to make a big difference in their appearance, giving them a self-esteem boost and helping them feel beautiful and great about themselves.
Microblading is still relatively new to a lot of people. It is one of the popular trends along with lash lifts. My most popular service is a microblading and lashes lift combo which is a powerful facial transformation. Microblading is a form of permanent makeup/cosmetic tattoo that is semi-permanent, creating hair like strokes lasting up to 3 years. Unlike conventional tattoos, microblading gives very natural results. Microblading can be a fantastic solution for anyone, man or women, suffering eyebrow hair loss from lupus, thyroid issues or other diseases. It’s also great for clients looking for a minor change such as fullness or defined shape.
A minor change to the brows can have a significant impact on the overall esthetics of a person’s face resulting in a huge transformation which can take away up to 10 years of age, giving a much more youthful appearance. I am also very proud to utilize my microblading skills to work with clients who have alopecia or are cancer survivors, to better their quality of life. To be able to use my passion to draw and create long-lasting eyebrows for people who suffer from hair loss and give them a boost of confidence is truly an honor. Making people feel great about themselves is my overall philosophy and goal.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m very fortunate and blessed to have strong supporters and phenomenal clients. From my family to friends and all my amazing clients I am beyond grateful and feel privileged for their support in my craft. I would not be here without them. In particular, my mentor, supporter and friend, Mary Maieron, has seen me grow as an artist since inception and always encouraged me to strive to be my very best. She helped me when I set up my first studio room and then again with my move to LA.
My parents were a little concerned when I decided to become an artistic entrepreneur, giving up the stability of a desk job, but they always supported me in striving to make my dreams a reality. Working with celebrity clientele such as Noureen Dewulf, Whitney Port, Jodie Sweetin, Sarah Drew among others have also contributed to where I am now.
Pricing:
- Microblading Brows $600
- Lash Lift $100
- Eyelash Extensions $200 & up
Contact Info:
- Website: sugarinstudio.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christina_sugarinstudio/
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