In this episode, AnneMarie talks with Leola Abondano, lash artist and founder of Bewitching Lashes in the Houston area. You’ll hear how Leola started out with a desire to do facials, but later discovered that lashing was her passion. The pandemic and other life events made it necessary for her to “start over” building her business multiple times, and last summer Leola launched her first piece of apparel. We’ll dig deep into LashCon 2022 - happening November 5-7th in Pasadena.  We’ll talk about how Leola is participating this year, and the fantastic parties and events that you can be part of. Don’t let your hesitancy or shyness prevent you from attending and meeting your lash icons. You WILL leave the event with one or more lash besties in this fun community.
The Untamed podcast is hosted by Cheryl Peng, Founder of Untamed Artistry and AnneMarie Lorenzini, CEO. Untamed Artistry provides professional lash artists with helpful knowledge and quality eyelash extension products (hand-tested in our lash nerd lab). Find great products and all the education you could ever want (with a healthy dose of quirk) at UntamedArtistry.com
Expect to hear:

Leola’s path to becoming a solo lash artist
Leaving a busy chain salon to go solo
Keeping clients through economic downturns - loyalty clubs, customer service, holiday gifts
Adding an apparel line- the challenges and rewards
Advice on starting in apparel - just start with one piece, post the graphic image online and see what the response is! Stay original, do your research.
Dealing with people who steal her content
Content creation tips – do a bunch in batches to post later, utilize planning apps to design
How to get other lash artists to buy your merch
Everything LashCon - how Leola is participating - sponsorship, swag bag, and a virtual booth on the app
Building relationships at LashCon – the Pajama Party is a favorite of Leola’s
Speakers and topics at LashCon
Don’t worry about fitting in, just be yourself and you’ll find your tribe

Resources:
LashCon 2022
Connect with Leola:
Bewitching Lashes on Instagram
Bewitching Lashes Website
Connect with Cheryl and AnneMarie:
Cheryl's Instagram
AnneMarie's Instagram
Cheryl Peng LinkedIn
AnneMarie Lorenzini LinkedIn
Untamed Artistry Website