Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Grajeda.
Hi Erika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the beauty industry started with a passion for helping women feel confident and beautiful. As a mom, I wanted to create a career that would allow me to support my family while doing something I genuinely loved. What began as an interest in lashes quickly grew into a passion, and I decided to invest in myself by pursuing my lash license and continuing my education.
Building my business wasn’t always easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges, moments of self-doubt, and the responsibility of balancing motherhood with growing a career. However, those experiences motivated me to work even harder and stay committed to my goals.
After becoming a licensed lash artist, I founded Ivonne Artistry, where I focus on creating customized lash sets that enhance each client’s natural beauty. For me, it’s about more than lashes—it’s about helping women feel confident, empowered, and comfortable in their own skin.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Every client, every lesson, and every challenge has played a role in shaping the business I have today. My goal is to continue growing, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, and providing an experience that leaves every client feeling their absolute best.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles has been balancing motherhood with building my business. As a mom, there are days when family needs come first, and learning how to manage both responsibilities has taken patience and dedication.
Starting out also came with the challenge of building a clientele and establishing myself in a competitive industry. There were moments of self-doubt and times when growth felt slow, but I stayed committed to improving my skills, providing the best experience possible for my clients, and continuing my education.
Looking back, those challenges helped me grow both personally and professionally. They taught me resilience, consistency, and the importance of believing in myself even when things didn’t happen overnight. Every obstacle has played a part in shaping the business and artist I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in creating customized lash extensions that enhance my clients’ natural beauty while fitting their lifestyle and personal style. My goal is not only to provide beautiful lashes but also to create an experience where every client feels comfortable, confident, and cared for.
I am known for paying close attention to detail and taking the time to understand exactly what each client wants. I believe lashes are not one-size-fits-all, so I customize every set to complement my clients’ eye shape and features. Whether someone wants a soft, natural look or a more glamorous style, I focus on delivering results that make them feel their best.
What I’m most proud of is building my business from the ground up while balancing motherhood and continuing to grow professionally. Becoming a licensed lash artist and earning the trust of my clients has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing clients return, refer their friends and family, and leave feeling more confident is one of my greatest accomplishments.
What sets me apart is the personalized experience I provide. I genuinely care about my clients and the relationships I build with them. I prioritize quality, consistency, and ongoing education so I can continue offering the best service possible. For me, it’s about more than lashes—it’s about helping women feel empowered, beautiful, and confident every time they leave my chair.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe both good luck and bad luck have played a role in my journey, but what matters most is how you respond to those moments. I’ve been fortunate to have supportive clients who trusted me, referred me to others, and helped my business grow through word of mouth. Those opportunities have been a blessing and have played a big part in where I am today.
At the same time, there have been challenges that felt like bad luck in the moment. Balancing motherhood, unexpected setbacks, and the ups and downs that come with building a business have tested me many times. However, those experiences taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying committed even when things don’t go as planned.
I don’t think success comes from luck alone. While opportunities may come your way, it’s the hard work, consistency, and determination to keep going that allow you to make the most of them. Looking back, I’m grateful for both the good and difficult moments because they’ve helped shape me into the business owner and person I am today.
