Conversations with Caroline Lam

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline Lam.

Hi Caroline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Back in May 2019, I invested in a permanent makeup brow course locally in pursuit of freedom – financial and time freedom. I was sold on the idea of working as an artist but neglected to understand that there was a whole business owner portion behind it. I decided to open my ultra-small Phenix salon suite before taking the plunge to take over a larger storefront six months later. Continuously learning, I added on removal, lip, microneedling, body sculpting, and even eyeliner services to really ensure I cater to all my clients’ needs. In 2021, I then moved my storefront to my residential city and have since flourished by adding on team members and hosting other artists in my studio.

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 has most definitely not been a smooth ride. Being eight months pregnant when I started my career change was definitely harder. I was tired but knew I couldn’t stop practicing or else I’d fall behind. Mentally, I also felt like it was very challenging to jump into the beauty industry with little to no background in it – but I did it blindly with no backup plans. When I took over a lease to really trial if this career was for me or not, COVID prevented me from working. I was still financially responsible for this big lease that I signed with no streams of income. That definitely weighed down on my motivation. But once restrictions were lifted, I threw myself into building the business and often felt ‘mom guilt’ for missing out on what I felt like was a large part of when my daughter was growing up in her baby to toddler age.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
So I do the main three things associated with permanent make up including LIPS, EYELINER, and OMBRE POWDER BROWS; however, I mainly specialize in lips and liner. I am most known for my signature LIP GLO technique which specializes in creating the most natural, yours but better type of results. It’s definitely a technique in which I am most proud of as I have trained over 150 students from all over the United States and services hundreds of satisfied clients with. I am most proud of my referral and returning rate as my clients usually come back and trust me with multiple services. It means that they love my work! I think what sets me apart from other artists would be my heart and integrity. I pour my heart and soul into using the best products and providing the best customer service to each client while always advising them of the most realistic outcome.

What matters most to you? Why?
From a business standpoint, the integrity in which my business foundation is built upon matters to me the most because it represents my business as a whole. I want all the good things to be associated with my brand for many years to come. Clients and students have told me countless times that they appreciate me because I am honest with possible results, responsive, and informative – and I want this to continue. It’s not just a cutthroat business transaction where I say bam-wam-goodbye-see you next time, but there’s a relationship in which I create with each and every individual that comes across my business.

And of course, my daughter matters most. I built this business and worked so hard during this first few years so that I can enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Ultimately, I want to be there for my daughter for all her growing up milestones.

If you really think about it, both my daughter and my business are my babies and they’re almost the same age!

Pricing:

• LIP / BROW initial session $500
• EYELINER starts at $400 + depending on style
• REMOVAL $150 per session
• PMU CLASSES starts at $1500+
• MICRONEEDLING $125 per session

Contact Info:

• Website: www.archtoend.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archtoend/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archtoendpermanentcosmetics/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/arch-to-end-permanent-cosmetics-huntington-beach-2
• Other: www.archtoend.as.me