Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Amato.
Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
A few years ago, I was working retail, (wasn’t really loving it, but it paid the bills), decided I wanted to get a side hustle going and discovered microblading. One of my friends who I grew up playing soccer with, had recently started microblading, so I reached out to her to pick her brain and see what all the hype was about. Microblading was new to me, so I did a little research and learned how amazing and transformative this process was and how confident it made women feel. I loved the idea of helping women feel even more beautiful in their own skin. I became certified in March of 2018 and haven’t looked back. I was working a full-time job and taking clients after work and on the weekends. I became so passionate about microblading, I knew I had to find a way to quit my full-time job to follow my dreams and do something that I truly love.
One day at work, a coworker had suggested that I should get into lash extensions and to be honest, my first thought was ehh, I don’t know how I feel about that, it’s so tedious and I’m not sure I have the patience to do that. With a little encouragement from a friend, I found training and became certified a few weeks later. After my training was over, something inside my soul was telling me I HAD to work at the salon where I received my certification. I had a conversation with one of the trainers, told her I wanted to work there and I didn’t know how, but I was going to make it work. Sure enough, a couple of days later I got a call from the manager offering me a lash artist position. I was SO excited I didn’t even know what to do, feel, or say. I called my sister right away to get her advice (she’s my voice of reason before I make any rash decisions), and I was trying to convince her that this was something that I had to do. I knew if I didn’t take this chance, I never would have forgiven myself. As I’m trying to get her approval, she stops me and says she agrees with me and thinks I should take this opportunity. I’m screaming on the inside because I’m just so excited that she believes I can do this.
I worked at that salon for about 6 months and found another amazing opportunity working at the cutest salon in Newport Beach, called Pale Girl’s Palace. While starting at a new salon, I also decided it would be a good idea to get my estheticians license. I’ve wanted to go to Esthetician school for years but was never able to because I was always working full time. I finally had the opportunity to go to school and finish within four months! It was a rough four months going to school full time and taking clients from 6 pm until 10 pm during the week and then all day long on the weekends, but it was so worth it. I now offer microblading, lash extensions, waxing, and facials! I’m currently in the process of adding on body piercings and tiny tattoos, so stay tuned for that!
Great, 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?
By no means has this been a smooth road. I’ve had so many mental breakdowns where I’m questioning if this is something that I’m good at and something I can really do full time. You have to be stronger than your weak moments though and I think that’s the hardest part. We are our own worst critics. I think being a new entrepreneur, you’re always going to struggle along the way. Nothing in life comes easy and you have to work hard for what you want. Clients don’t just sit around waiting to find you, you have to constantly reach out to people and know how to market yourself properly. In this industry, money doesn’t just fall in your lap and stay there. You’re investing in your business daily, buying products and supplies, and sometimes you feel like you’re spending more than you’re making.
My advice to young women who are just starting out is to find a good support system. Your friends and family might have doubts with your new business venture, but let that light a fire under your bum and prove to them that you’re going to absolutely crush it! Also, don’t ever compare yourself to anyone else in this industry. Develop your own style and personality to set yourself apart rather than trying to be someone else.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in microblading and lash extensions, but have recently become passionate about waxing ever since I went to Esthetician school. I’m known on social media as BrowLadyKatie, but my lash clients keep me the busiest. I’m most proud of the relationships that I have created with my clients, but also the business I’ve built by doing great work. I love that I have created a space where my clients confide in me and in the 1-2 hours they spend with me each appointment, it’s almost like a therapy session haha! I think what sets me apart is my integrity. Unfortunately, I’ve had to turn clients away before; if they aren’t a good candidate for microblading, or if their lashes are too brittle and weak for lash extensions I don’t feel comfortable doing the work if it will ultimately harm the client or make them worse off after an appointment with me. I would never want to take on a client just to get their money and unfortunately, you see that a lot in this industry. I look at it as these clients are my walking billboards and I want to produce my best work on everyone, so I won’t just take anyone because they’re willing to pay me.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I think the biggest barrier in this industry is that sometimes women get too competitive with one another. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition especially as we are all trying to grow our own businesses, but sometimes the negativity gets tough. There’s plenty of love and support out there from so many women, but it would be great to see even more of that. We should all be empowering one another to kick butt in the beauty industry!
Pricing:
- Microblading $450 and that includes the 6-8 week touchup and aftercare kit
- Classic Lash Extension Set $100
- Hybrid Lash Extension Set $110
- Volume LashExtension Set $120
Contact Info:
- Phone: 951-454-5527
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/browladykatie?igshid=187jq5w9g85k2
- Facebook: https://www.faebook.com/browladykatie/
Image Credit:
Browladykatie
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