Meet Phoebe Rose Cruz of Lash with Pheebs in Norwalk

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phoebe Rose Cruz.

Phoebe Rose, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m 21 years old, and I’m a young entrepreneur. I was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts and lived in a very small touristy town called Cape Cod. I was raised in a Filipino household with my dad, mom, and older brother. My family and I decided to pack our bags and move to sunny California in 2006. While reflecting on my childhood in Massachusetts, I didn’t realize I was one of only few Asian Americans in my class and town. At a young age, I noticed the lack of Asian American representation in the media, and I knew I wanted to make a change for future generations.

I grew up dancing, acting, and modeling at a very young age, which instilled a great chunk of confidence within me. I had a strong obsession with makeup and eventually led me to do my friends’ hair and makeup for events during high school. I enjoyed seeing their reaction after I was done with their glam and seeing the instant shine in their eyes! My love for the beauty world started to grow immensely.

A year ago, I was working as a Laser Hair Removal Technician at a medical spa in Buena Park and I knew I wanted to become my own boss. I was a born leader and knew that I was capable of much more, which is why I decided to start my own business! I’m a go-getter type of person, so I knew that starting my own business was going to take long hours, dedication, and ambition. I started my lash journey in January 2020, and it’s been such a fun part of my life of learning and thriving!

I hired my cousin (AKA BFFL), Alexa, as my assistant and right-hand gal! This business would not be possible without her creativity and support. She literally is the backbone I needed to help run this business, and I am truly grateful for her! Alexa and I have such an awesome dynamic that sometimes it feels as if we are the same person! By being my own boss, I have learned things several things about myself such as: I love being organized, creating documents, marketing flyers, and I always do my best thinking in the shower lol!

As of now, we have seven Lash with Pheebs Ambassadors that help with promotion and marketing. My clientele has grown from people I know to others that find me on Instagram. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and to help build a platform of bringing confidence and love within others!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There was definitely many challenges along the way, but only obstacles to help make me stronger and become better in my craft. I have learned that nothing in life comes easy, but with hard work and dedication, everything will fall into place. When I first opened up my business, COVID-19 hit in March and I was a bit discouraged. Starting a business during COVID-19 put minor setbacks, but it was manageable. As time went by, I was able to open back up again and started to grind like there was no tomorrow! I did my very best to get my name out there and promoted myself everyday!

My clientele began to grow slowly, but surely! I started an Ambassadors program, which they all received PR packages of my new Bliss Collection, and in return just to simply help promote my business. I think this was one of my favorite ideas/ projects that I brought to life because I enjoy supporting small businesses, so to be able to have my own team with one common goal seems so fascinating to me!

In the beginning of my business, I didn’t have a certain place to do my lashes. However, my parents helped renovate one of our extra rooms in the house and made it into my own little studio. I think lashing has been such an amazing part of my life because it has taught me so much about being my own boss and creating a platform of following your dreams! During my lash journey, I have received such amazing support and feedback from everyone in my life!

Lash with Pheebs – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is called Lash with Pheebs and we specialize in eyelash extensions! We also offer brow tinting, lash lifts, waxing, and massages! Our main mission is to embrace your inner beauty! I wanted to create a space for others to feel confident, beautiful, and with services that are affordable. My style of lashing is very natural-looking, but I am able to make it look full and wispy too! Alexa and I are both certified to do all of these services.

I am most proud of my new Bliss Collection that I launched in August to help a nonprofit organization called Feeding America. We launched Spa headbands, lip scrubs, face masks, stickers, and my very own lash shampoo! As Filipinas, we wanted to showcase our love for our culture by dedicating one of our merchandise items to our heritage. A percentage of profits was donated to Feeding America to help feed families all over the United States. Ever since I was a young girl, I was always taught to keep sharing your blessings, and I wanted to teach others that age is just a number when you want to make a positive impact in the world!

I think what sets us apart from other places is that we offer more than just extensions, Alexa and I wanted to make our business unique as possible. I can’t think of another place that offers extensions, brow tinting, waxing, lash lifts, and massages. As business owners, we are always trying to creatively think of ways to help diversify our business. We wanted LWP to become a one stop shop.

We get a lot of our business guidance from our parents! They are always trying their best to help promote our business and make sure to run our ideas by them first. A huge shout out to all of our family and friends for being our #1 supporters!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success to be a word with its own translation and interpretation. Ever since I was younger, my parents have instilled in me that in order to become successful, you need three key elements: ambition, hard work, and love. I believe success comes within your own self-contentment, and to just always keep learning, grinding, and being the best version of your possible!

As a young business owner, I truly believe that by creating something of my own is already successful in my eyes. I think success always derives from the people you surround yourself with. During my 21 years, I have met incredible and driven minded individuals that helped shape me into the hard worker I am. I am not who I am today without my parents, family, friends, and my faith.

Moreover, I want to be able to help inspire others and I believe that creating my own small business can help bring inspiration to others. I hope with LWP, I can inspire another young female that is also thinking of creating something of their own. I believe as a woman, we must all stand together and support one another. Times are changing, and we need to continue to start to make our mark in the world!

I just wanted to say thank you to my parents for their love and guidance. Huge shoutout to Alexa for always having my back and helping me create this wonderful business together. My family members from all over the country. I would like to say thank you to Erik and his family for always supporting me throughout everything. I especially would love to shoutout to my LWP Ambassadors (Aileen,Alliza, Amy,Christianne, Elisha, John, and Mary)! Thank you to all my friends and all of my clients for being so amazing!

So, if you’re reading this and having thoughts of starting something of your own, this is your sign!

Pricing:

• Classic – $60 Full set || Refill: $40
• Hybrid – $70 Full set || Refill: $50
• Volume- $80 Full set || Refill: $60

Contact Info:

• Email: lashwithpheebs@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashwithpheebs/

Image Credit:
Edmund Venegas

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