We’re looking forward to introducing you to MONIQUE SALAS. Check out our conversation below.
MONIQUE, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
Joy, to me, is more than just happiness — it’s that genuine feeling of fulfillment and peace that comes from connection and gratitude. The last time I felt true joy was during moments with my family — laughing and cooking with my kids, catching up with my parents, and talking with my nieces and nephews about their goals and dreams. Those moments, where we support and encourage each other, remind me of what really matters. Whether it’s a family barbecue, listening to music, or watching my kids play in the pool, it’s in those simple, shared experiences that I feel the most grounded and joyful.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monique Salas, and I’m the founder of The OC Lash Fairy Academy, with two locations in Orange County and Encino. I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 13 years, and I’m proud to serve as a Master Lash Educator and Mentor helping women step into their power and purpose through beauty.
What makes my academy unique is that it’s more than just lash training — it’s a full mentorship experience. Every student receives one-on-one guidance designed around their individual goals. I take time to really get to know each student so I can help them build a clear, personalized roadmap toward success. While every student’s path may look different, the destination is always the same — learning how to confidently grow and sustain their own beauty business.
Another aspect that makes my academy special is our scholarship program for single mothers who are passionate about entering the beauty industry but may not have the financial means to invest in training. This program is close to my heart because I know firsthand what it’s like to be a single mom searching for an opportunity to build a better life.
At its core, my brand’s mission is about helping women create a life they love. I believe women shouldn’t have to settle for just a job — they deserve to chase their dreams, own their craft, and never give up on the vision they have for themselves.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Honestly, there isn’t just one relationship that shaped how I see myself — there have been several people who have played important roles in helping me grow into the woman I am today. My therapist and spiritual coach have guided me through the process of rediscovering my identity, especially during times when I felt like I had lost parts of myself. They helped me learn how to make me a priority — to unlearn old patterns of thinking and start healing in ways that allowed me to see my true worth.
At the same time, I carry with me the foundation my parents built in me from a young age. I’ll never forget my dad always telling me that I could be anything I wanted to be if I just set my mind to it. Those words stayed with me through every stage of life. And my mom — she’s been my rock. No matter what I was going through, she was always the one answering the phone, reminding me that I can do it and to keep going.
Another relationship that has deeply shaped who I am is the one I share with my oldest daughter. I had her as a teenager, and she’s been a pivotal part of my journey. She constantly reminds me how proud she is to have me as her mom, and her love, prayers, and gentle spirit have carried me through some of my hardest days. Even in the quiet moments that no one else sees, her presence and encouragement have uplifted me and given me the strength to keep pushing forward. She inspires me daily to continue evolving — not just for myself, but for her.
And most importantly, my relationship with God has been the foundation of it all. Through every trial and tribulation, His word has guided me, comforted me, and reminded me of my purpose. I’ve learned that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. His presence has been the pillar of my strength, and through His grace, I’ve been able to keep walking in faith, even when the path wasn’t clear.
All of these relationships — my mentors, parents, daughter, and my relationship with God — have shaped the woman I see when I look in the mirror today. They’ve each taught me resilience, compassion, and faith, and I carry those lessons with me in everything I do.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons that success never could. It’s shown me that there’s always a silver lining in every setback, even when it’s hard to see in the moment. Through my hardest seasons, I’ve learned not to count the cost of what I’ve lost, but to keep my eyes on the vision and the purpose God placed in my heart. Suffering reminded me that no matter how dark it gets, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
There were times when I felt stuck — like I was falling behind or watching my goals drift further away. But it was in those moments of struggle that I discovered my true strength. Each challenge taught me resilience, patience, and faith in the process. And through it all, I’ve learned that suffering doesn’t mean you’re failing — it’s often the preparation for something greater.
Most importantly, my suffering has deepened my relationship with God. The Bible reminds us that even Jesus suffered, and as humans, we are not exempt from that. What matters most is how we respond to it. My faith taught me that perspective is everything — to see pain not as punishment, but as part of a divine process that shapes us into who we’re meant to become. Suffering taught me to trust His plan, even when I couldn’t see the full picture, because in the end, everything truly does work out the way it’s meant to.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that it’s overly saturated — and the second is that success happens overnight.
The truth is, while it may look like everyone is doing the same thing, there’s room for everyone who brings something unique to the table. In my academy, I teach my students that the key to standing out isn’t about competition — it’s about finding your niche and embracing what makes you different. Whether it’s your style, your client experience, or the energy you bring to your work, that individuality is what will separate you from the crowd. Once you understand that, you stop seeing the industry as “saturated” and start seeing it as full of opportunity.
Another misconception is that success comes instantly — and I always tell my students that’s simply not true. Real success takes consistency, patience, and faith. You have to keep your eyes on the vision and show up even on the days when it feels like nothing’s happening. I remind them all the time: every master was once a beginner. You have to be willing to put in the work, to stay committed, and to trust the process. Because when you do, those small steps start adding up — and one day you’ll look up and realize you went from one client a day to a fully booked schedule. That’s the kind of success that lasts.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply — and what I think many people overlook — is the power of work ethic. You have to be willing to give it everything you’ve got and go all in if you want to create real success. You can’t have one foot in and one foot out and expect your brand to thrive. You have to be completely committed, almost obsessed with your purpose and your craft. Every part of your day should move you closer to your goals and the bigger vision for your company. Discipline and focus aren’t just habits — they’re the foundation that everything else is built on.
I also understand that hard work is what truly creates success — not shortcuts, not luck, but consistency and sacrifice. Those 15- or 16-hour days, the sleepless nights, and the moments of doubt are all part of the process. It’s normal to feel tired, it’s normal to want to quit sometimes — but you can’t let those feelings stop you. Every struggle and every setback is shaping you for your breakthrough. The key is to keep going, no matter what. Because the moment you choose not to give up is usually the moment right before everything starts to fall into place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @theoclashfairy
- Youtube: @theoclashfairy
