Meet Trailblazer Alison Benton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Benton.

Alison, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started off in pageants at 6 months old, I continued until I was about 11, but I always knew that I wanted to do something within the beauty industry. I was working in salons early on to get the feel for the industry and my dad helped me thru cosmetology school which I am forever grateful for. I graduated from cosmetology school and then had to move from Austin TX to Houston, TX. My dad became very sick with cancer so I moved back home to take care of him and to take him to MD
Anderson daily. He passed away about a year later. So, I was waiting tables until I could find a salon that would train me, and get experience. I started out at an amazing lash studio, in the very beginning before the business franchised! It was awesome to learn lash extensions and get a lot of experience which I am forever grateful! I then got an amazing job at ETS Lash studio with Ebony Sparks, that also taught me so much, I worked night and day and even worked at Origins skincare to save up money, so I could live my dream in Los Angeles  As soon as I saved up enough money, I lined up an apartment and job within a week because I was determined . I have met some amazing, talented, beautiful people that have taught me so much. I am so happy to be here in LA, it’s been nearly 2 years now and I can’t wait for the years to come. I am currently working at GBY Beauty, a lash studio in West Hollywood that amazing women have created. It’s a fun upbeat environment with extremely talented artists and I’m so happy to have found my home. 🙂 I also freelance at Blushington makeup, which is an adorable makeup boutique with many locations.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was not a smooth road, I was homeless after my dad died, I lived in my car until my best friend let me live with her and get on my feet. I road my bike to wait tables at a Chinese restaurant until I landed the job at Amazing Lash. I always heard my dad in my head saying this is what you went to school for, what you dreamed for. I worked 3 jobs to get to LA and still had to work 3 jobs in the beginning. Never give up on your dream and what you want to pursue. Listen to your heart and believe in yourself because listening to negative people that don’t believe get in front of your dreams. I truly believe hard work pays off. Having 3 jobs is not ideal in the beginning but if you want something you can’t take the elevator, always take the stairs!

We’d love to hear more about Gby Beauty / Blushington.
I do makeup and lash extensions, those are my true passions, I’m known for my lashes, and specialize in customizing unique looks for each individual client. I am also a trainer for lash extensions and lash lifts. I am most proud of our fun upbeat vibe at GBY, it’s just a fun place to come into work and our clients and staff make it so special. I think I just care a lot about my clients, and also there lash health/skincare for makeup, etc. I want them to feel confident and beautiful when they leave. It’s the most rewarding job I have ever had and I am so grateful to be in such an innovative industry.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
I would say in the beginning, just keep practicing, working with friends and family and anyone that will take your card. I made my own business cards and gave them to everyone, bank teller, CVS, employee, etc., just get practice and make people love you. Always leave a job on a good note, you never know what happens in life or where you will be. Always be professional, reliable, and loyal. Also, remember self-love, and treat others with respect, it will take you far. 😉

Pricing:

• Active lash full set 200
• Active lash fill 100
• Classic silk lash fill 75

Contact Info:

• Address: GBY Beauty
  7918 Santa Monica Blvd
  West Hollywood, CA 90046
  United States
  Blushington
  8591 Sunset Blvd.
  West Hollywood, CA 90069
• Website: Www.gbybeauty.com
• Phone: +1 (323) 654-6364
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Lashesbyallybenton
• Other: @gby_beauty on instagram

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.