Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Sy.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Michelle, but you can call me Mish. I have been in the beauty industry for four years. I am the owner of Mish Esthetics INC, where we specialize in lash extension products, education, and services.
I am originally from Rosemead, CA and I graduated with 2 BA’s in Child Development and Family Life Education from Cal State Long Beach in 2018. Since my husband was assigned a job out of state for the AirForce, we moved to Tucson, Arizona where I started my teaching job as a Headstart/Preschool Teacher. Moving to a new city out of state was a hard transition. All I did was work from 7am t0 2:30pm and had little to no socialization with adults after work, other than with my husband. We were living in a 3 bedroom house, so I decided to look into a hobby that I can do in this room to have time fly by faster. Two months after being a teacher, I decided to spend all my savings $700 to take lash class. This 1 day $700 class jumpstarted my passion for lash extensions and the beauty industry. I was still teaching preschool while lashing on the side. After four months into lashing, I decided I would leave the preschool after the school year ended and just focus on my beauty career. I started esthetician (BEAUTY) school in July 2019, graduated Jan 202, Licensed by Mar 2020. Social Media played a large role in my growth as a lash artist. The lash community is sweet and motivating. It helped push me to be a better lash artist and create content for my audience; then it made my Instagram business page grow 16k followers in my first year of lashing. This kicked off my training programs, lash product e-commerce line, and helped me save to open my first salon in 2021. Within three years of lashing, I created a full product line, taught 130+ students, opened a 1250 sqft salon, grew a team of five artists, hosted lash business seminar.
I got to where I am today because of being ambitious, a workaholic, and motivated to have financial freedom. My goal is to help many lash artists get to that financial freedom we all want through education and great lash products. MY motto is to help others lash with ease and confidence. I built trust with my audience and customers, so they know they will always get the value they seek for when they learn with me or purchase from my shop.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road, there were hard finance decisions I had to make. It was a risk to put so much money into my beauty school education and product line and salon. I always believe you get what you pay for, so I do not want to cheap out on any further education or the quality of supplies and equipment for my lash line and salon.
Some struggles were having imposter syndrome since my career skyrocketed only after a year being in the industry. I did not feel like I knew everything like people may think, So I was very cautious with whatever I posted on my page or spoke about. Sometimes I don’t understand why people follow me. Haha but I know it is because they like the personal connection they have with me when they see me post daily on my stories and sharing my personal life outside of the lash business.
I am continuously learning how to be a better salon owner, boss, and lash educator.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Michelle (Mish) is the Director of Training and CEO of Mish Esthetics Inc. She has been lashing since Fall 2018 and began teaching Winter 2019. Lashing started off as a hobby while she was working as a preschool teacher, but it soon became her passion turned career. Michelle continues to educate new and current Lash Artists, owns a lash and brow salon with 5 employees, operates a Multi- 6-figure e-commerce lash company, all while being a mother of 2 children under 2: Lilah (2 years) Kingston (5 months).
Mish Esthetics’ motto is “lash with ease and confidence”. We provide quality lash education and quality supplies to simply help make lash artistry easier. We believe ongoing lash education with the right tools will elevate lash artists’ confidence in their knowledge, skills, and business. Michelle is an advocate for extended education and believes if one can understand, they can teach. Education does not stop after one class and we all should learn from those who we inspire to become like some day. I love everything about lash extensions, especially how it can enhance one’s natural beauty. I love teaching anyone interested in becoming a lash artist and lash artist who wants to elevate their lash artistry and skills. I am an advocate for further education. Education does not stop after one training, I hope you love your lash training with me!
Mish Esthetics 1st Lash and Brow Salon is located in Cerritos, CA. We offer lash extensions, brow tint, wax, and facial services. Mish Esthetics wants to make women feel beautiful – it’s empowering. Confidence allows you to take on adventures you never thought you could or would. Together as a team, we strive to achieve excellence and constantly improve our artistry to enrich and nourish our client’s experience.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
My passion for retail and interest in e-commerce brings me back to when my middle school hosted a chocolate bar selling competition. I started off selling the chocolate bars outside of Target/ Walmart in San Gabriel Valley and somehow ended up in Beverly Hills because that’s where the “high paying clients” were located. At the age 11, I was already hustling and knew the steps to succeed in sales. With my hustle mentality, I was able to become one of the top sellers among 4 other students. This experience allowed me to win prizes I never thought I could afford at such a young age and helped mold me into the person I am today. The value of hard work and hustle was something I understood. With this understanding, I knew that having multiple sources of income was crucial and decided to start an e-commerce business. One year into my lashing career, I began developing essential lash extension tools and supplies for lash professionals. Our motto and mission, “Lash with Ease and Confidence” is what I want lash artists to experience with our supplies. The most rewarding part of owning a small business that supports artists is the feedback. The countless messages I continue to receive from lash artists reassure me of the impact my products have in their profession.
I was pretty active in extracurricular activities after and during school. Cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, ASB, student council, leadership roles in school clubs. I think I was really interested in teaching, helping others, and holding leadership roles.
Pricing:
- Lash Services $100-$250
- Beginner’s Lash Training $2500-$3000
- Advanced Lash Training $2000-$2600
- Lash Products $7-$100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mishesthetics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mish.esthetics/
- Other: https://solo.to/mishesthetics
Image Credits
Original photos by Mish Esthetics INC
