Today we’d like to introduce you to Crysta McDonald.
Hi Crysta, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Monroe, La, were I attended college at Southern University A&M College and Majored in Secondary Ed.. Growing up I was a student-athlete playing basketball and running track but always loved anything fashion. Following family footsteps, I enlisted in the United State Army National Guard and served for 7 years. While in college,I snuck and enrolled in cosmetology school in Baton Rouge, LA. and became a licensed cosmetologist. When I relocated to Dallas, TX, I attended Euro Hair School in Pleasant Grove and recieved my Cosmetology Instructor License.
I also have a daughter name JonNa’ McDonald (23) who resides in Baton Rouge, LA and is a senior at Southern University as well.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not; for me,I relocated here to start a life with my husband, not really knowing if I was going to work in a school district teaching and coaching, or opening a full service Salon.
So with the support of my family saying: you can do both, I started teaching in a cosmetology school and working at JC Penny’s salon, knowing my goals were to have my own salon and Cosmetology School, but when things didn’t work out in my marriage, It felt impossible to continue those goals being a divorced single mother.
I continued to work hard, attending classes, seminars, taking freelance jobs, becoming a continuing education instructor for product lines etc… Anything to save money so i could fulfill my goals as a business owner.
In business, it will always be struggles, people don’t understand you have double everything. And with having children it is a lot harder.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how together you think you have your business structure setup; it has to make since for individuals to take you serious.
That’s why it is very important to be fearless, ask for information in a humbling way, I always tell my students “A Close Mouth Don’t Get Fed” no one can read your mind, Stop expecting people Just to Know what you need or want.
We’ve been impressed with EXPRESS LASH & MAKEUP ACADEMY, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a Cosmetology School that offer licensing in Cosmetology, Esthetics,Educator Mentorship and Lash Technician. (NOT CERTIFICATIONS), But as stated earlier we are known for being the first lash and makeup academy in the state of Texas. We decided to open the lash academy because when we open our Beauty Chaserz Salons and lash studios, we could not find lash technicians for our locations in Grapevine, Deep Ellum, and Mesquite.
So, with the experience I learned working at some of the most prominent beauty schools in DFW as an instructor and director, and getting my lash certification in 2005, I decided to step out on faith and open Express Lash & Makeup Academy LLC. in which our first location was in Valley View Mall in Dallas.
We are a very small academy, So the majority of our students are self-pay meaning we do not offer financial aid. We do work with TWC for funding and also approved to take Veteran Assistance, and Scholarships are offered frequently. We are currently working to get federal aid approved for those who qualify.
We have taught and licensed over 350+ students in the DFW area and beyond. In which some have either added a career, become salon , school owners or educators in the metroplex.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My biggest mentors for getting in the beauty industry started with my childhood hairstylist in Monroe, LA who later passed away, that lead me to doing hair in high school and college.
Moving to Dallas, I was trained and mentored by two women Ms.Diana Cox and Ms Shandra Malone in getting my instructor license.
Ms. Malone (such a classy, professional Women) taught me never let anyone discredit you for changing lives in this industry, cosmetologist will always be needed.
Later on, I was able to be around and mentored by some of Dallas Greats and beyond, but one in particular I would like to point out and introduced me to the DFW industry was Vincent Shelton (RIP) and his supportive wife Kim Shelton. He would listen to all my big ideas and tell me I could achieve all things and more. He was definitely a huge impact in my life and career. He knew i wasn’t from Texas and really didn’t know anyone in the industry so he prepared me for a lot.
DFW is a very competitive market, but you have to stand your ground and be as humble as possible.
My Goal is to continue to mentor and do seminars to fully prepare individuals that want to build a legacy in the beauty industry starting from the ground up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.expresslashstudio.com
- Instagram: expresslash
- Facebook: Express Lash Makeup Academy
Image Credits
Stephen D Hill
Percy Bryant III
