Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalia Merino.
Nathalia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In September of 2015 I fell in love with with a man on Instagram. Crazy I know. The only downfall I guess you could say is that I lived in Asheville, North Carolina and he lived in Fort Worth, Texas. After about 6 months of talking on the phone I eventually I decided I needed a change and was ready for a fresh start and a new beginning. I was terrified. Although I was ready to leave the past behind me. Asheville was home, it was where all my friends were at and my job, my life. It was also a reminder of all the bad things that have happened to me in my life. So without thinking twice I made the change. I packed up everything I could into my 2 door Monte Carlo and drive 16 hours across the country to meet the love of my life. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy and that I was going to feel alone since I didn’t know anyone in Texas, but I also knew I couldn’t stay in North Carolina for much longer. So I left for good. After a very long car ride I finally made it to Texas, I met Javier in person and it was like we had known each other for years. Fast forward to 4 years later we are still together and raising his 3 daughters. All this information is important to my story of becoming the lash artist I am today because if it wasn’t for me following my heart I would never be here in Texas doing what love. When I moved to Texas I started working for temp agencies doing office jobs here and there but I never fell in love with anything. I knew I did not want to work for someone else the rest of my life. So I started doing some research in the beauty industry and came across eyelash extensions. That is where my obsession began. I fell in love with it, it is truly an art. So I dove right in. I ordered everything I needed to begin, watched countless videos and trainings. I was working in sales at this time so I had a full time job. I would get off work at 6pm drive 40 min home and take clients until 1 am so I could practice. There were days I was running on two hours of sleep but I didn’t care. I loved it. I wanted to be the best. When I first started it would take me 3-4 hours to complete a classic full set. Now I can finish a volume fullest within an hour. I worked so hard and I never gave up on myself. Trust me there were days that I would cry and want to give up, but I didn’t. Eventually I got good enough to where I could quit my full time job and start my own business full time. I am now 100% self employed running a very successful business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been easy by any means. My childhood was defenifty not butterflies and rainbows. I have been living on my own since I was a child. I have had days in North Carolina were I didn’t even have money to even pay my electricity bill and would have to light my house up with candles. When I was growing up I prayed nonstop asking why God was doing this to me. Why was he punishing me like this. Then I realize everything I have been through and I am still standing. All the things that have been thrown in front of me to knock me down only made me stronger. That day I decided to stop being weak. So I started working, finally got on my feet. Then when I decided to move to Texas and start over I knew I would have to have that same mindset. I came here with nothing. I knew no one. When I decided I was going to become a lash artist I knew I was going to have to give it 1000% and really dedicate myself to it. I knew getting my name out there was going to be difficult because it is not like I went to school here or grew up here and had friends or family I could rely on for word of mouth. That was not the case. I would print flyers and pass them out at tanning salons, nail salons, med spas, the mall. At first it was hard because I didn’t have much clientele but then more and more women started booking appointments. I was getting women from all over DFW wanting to come get their lashes done by me. I knew if I did a good job more and more people would come so that’s what I did.
Megalash Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is Megalash Studio. It is all in the name “MEGA”. I am known for my extremely full lashes and quick applications. I am able to make massive volume fans yet the base of the fan remains very slim and does no damage to the natural lash. What makes me different from any other lash artist is the fact that my sets are so over the top and mega. It is definitely difficult to achieve the looks I do. I am always pushing the boundaries. My lashes are massive but my application is flawless and does absolutely zero damage. Which is the ultimate goal. What I am most proud of would have to be my clientele. I have the most loyal clients and I am so grateful for them. I have the same women that started with me 3 and a half years ago when I didn’t know what I was doing still coming to me today. Without them I wouldn’t have the success that I do today.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is happiness. Being 100% happy within yourself is greater than anything monetary. I took a leap of faith and landed in a pot of gold. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Knowing I came here with nothing and made something of myself has been my greatest achievement. Success is never giving up. You may fail at it a couple times but you make sure to always pull yourself up. I wanted to quit many times and just go get a regular job but I knew wouldn’t be happy. So I knew I could never stop trying despite everything trying to knock me down. No one can take away your tenacity. Your drive. Your mindset. That is all you. If you always stay in control and you’re determined nothing and no one can stop you.
Pricing:
- Mega Volume Full Set $220
- Volume Full Set $180
- Hybrid Full Set $140
Contact Info:
- Address: 3006 Grover Ave Fort Worth TX 76106
- Website: https://megalashstudio.setmore.com
- Phone: 8177987497
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megalash_studio/
Image Credit:
Logo created by @berryposhprints
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