Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Orido.
Kristina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I launched Amara Lashes in 2018, not only for my love of luxury lashes (I’ve been wearing lashes for about 17 years, and it’s the one beauty product that I can’t live without) but to provide myself the ability to earn a living doing something that I love while taking care of the needs of my children. At the time, my daughter Khloe was receiving speech and occupational therapy. My previous position did not give me the flexibility to care for my daughter’s needs. It felt like a never ending battle, trying to request for time off, being told I would not get paid for time away from work, it was very draining! After completing my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, I launched Amara Lashes in September 2018. A month later, I said goodbye to my clinical career and the rest is history! Three years later, we are located in local beauty stores, specialty boutiques, makeup studios and 75+ PRO makeup artist kits in Austin, Los Angeles and Canada!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road! Being a small business owner definitely has its challenges- from generating enough revenue, financial management is huge! Finding new customers online, having a limited budget which creates more challenges when it comes to marketing and advertising to new customers- keeping your current customers + fans interested, expanding product line… the list goes on!!! There are many days that I ask myself if I made the right decision, leaving my salaried career with benefits to pursue a business in beauty… the unknown. There have been many tears and many many long nights, but the struggle is worth it. There have been times when I have lost clients because they are no longer able to purchase my product due to their budget. At the end of the day, you have to hype yourself up and know your worth. Always remember why you started!
Each day I remind myself why I started, that is all the motivation that I need to keep going. Being in business for yourself will never be an easy, smooth road- it has to be a risk that your willing to take!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Amara Lashes?
Amara Lashes is a luxury lash brand created for the modern day woman, boss running her business, mommy on the go, student, influencer or corporate professional who is in need of a beautiful, high-quality lash to complete any makeup look! Amara Lashes is easy to apply, lightweight + comfortable to wear all day. We are so proud to say that Amara Lashes now offers 100% vegan lashes to its customers! Each lash style is unique and suitable for all eye shapes! Whether you are fresh-faced + off to a coffee date or primping for your next work event, Amara lashes has you covered! Our lashes can be worn up to 30 wears and comes with a chic, sleek lash case that is easy to store away in your makeup bag and perfect for travel. Our compact cases are recyclable and can be used to store your favorite pieces of jewelry, hair accessories or beauty necessities such as Q-tips and bobby pins!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I was born in London, England + went to high school in Heidelberg, Germany! My parents, Roland and Lovett traveled all over the world with my sister Simone and I (so thankful). Proud to be a military brat, thanks to my mom! We have been everywhere- from Paris to Milan, Barcelona + Seoul (just to name a few). Traveling with my family overseas to the most beautiful parts of the world is my favorite childhood memory by far! Not many can say they had their high school prom at the Schwetzingen Castle in Germany or their high school senior trip in Barcelona, Spain- I had the most incredible childhood!!!
Pricing:
- 15.99-
- 26.99 per luxury lash
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.amaralashes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamaralashes/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amaralashes
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theamaralashes
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuenBO7-ikx3xSdWgT02rpQ
Image Credits
Photographer – Joeli Middlebrooks with KARA MARIE COLLECTIVE
