Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmie Sanders.
Hi Jimmie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I’m Jimmie Sanders, mother, grandmother, Texas born and bred native and entrepreneur. I’m a 29- year, Beauty Industry Professional. 1993 Manicurist, 2003 Cosmetologist, 2006 Non-Surgical Hair Replacement and 2005Pre-Trichology Certified, 2006 Lash Certified, 2008 Hair by Jimmie Salon and Spa to present, 2013 founder of Bold Bald & Beautiful, Inc. 501(c)3, 2017 Cosmetology Instructor and 2019 Lashin’ Out with Extensions Academy to present.
As a Licensed Pro I’ve always desired to do more than just hair. So back in the day, I attended the Texas Cosmetology Commission Hair Convention and it changed my life. Debbie Quintanilla demonstrated this new method and it was there where my Iove for this fascinating trend of strand-by-strand Eyelash Extensions was Birthed. I mean sure we’d been applying strips and tabs as far back as I could remember. But it was not like this. To see simple strands elongated in seconds with a flick of the wrist and the use of both hands, I was captivated. This was worth the ticket for the show because it would soon become my new stream of income. So, I invested $150 in the intro kit, so I could practice this new technique. I quickly began performing the service at my salon suite and later started offering classes to others who wanted to learn. I even incorporated other methods along with it and had great results. This was around the time I knew I really liked teaching lashes so, I started setting up small classes. Soon after I was invited by Vince Shelton, may he rest in peace, to attend the final day of the ArkLaTex hair show to present my lash technique. So, I had a friend come in and record me demonstrating the process so others could be able to purchase and learn on their own. I took 30 DVDs and it was a success because I sold them ALL! I quickly began counting the profit.
At this time the practice of Lashes wasn’t regulated in Texas, so I was ready to do it again. A couple of years later I created my own demo DVD and presented at The Texas Hair Show held here in Mesquite, Tx. The excitement around lashes was beginning as companies were creating Lash certification classes for thousands of dollars for a 1- day class. So, I knew there was money to be made. Even after doubling the price of what I paid for my starter kit people were still requesting the class.
Stylist were getting tired from being behind the chair and began leaving the industry so I provided an opportunity for them to “Give Themselves a Raise”, without leaving the industry and cater to a clientele they already had. And so Lashin’ Out with Extensions took life.
It wasn’t long before calls began to come in from those without a License. I then proceeded to Express Lash Academy to get my instructor’s license and dive into the requirements for opening my own school. My prayers were answered and in no time we were open. God is good and even better when you Trust Him!
As the only Black-Owned Beauty School in Rowlett, TX, it has been a great learning experience and I invite the community to support as we do offer services to the public. I think back to when I got the call for my first enrollee. I get excited all over again! Now 2 years later with a 98% Passing rate at State Board. Our mission is to create dedicated professionals for the field. I want those who desire becoming an Eyelash Extensions Specialist to know that being an entrepreneur can be tough at first but is very rewarding if you “Do the work”! Many have replaced careers, put kids through college, and started a few franchises from what many may just see as vanity. I’m proud of ALL of my students for trusting me to be a part of their journey! Here in the state of Texas a License is required to operate as a Lash Artist so Get Legit with true Credentials and not just a Certificate, it’ll take you a lot further!
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?
It really has been a smooth road but once, the State regulated the practice, I found myself in a pickle because I didn’t have my instructors’ license. It was teaching the non-licensed that would make a difference career wise. I even trained the first person to have a school here in Texas and ended up being her first student to get my instructors’ license. So, I wouldn’t say that this was obstacle free but getting in your own way can be the WHOLE PROBLEM. When you are always looked upon to do your best, to excel it can be a lot of pressure. Looking back now, I should have a chain of schools and more. I should have gotten out of my head and out of my own way A LONG TIME AGO! Playing it safe gave others time to catch up. Lol!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Lashin’ Out with Extensions Academy our mission is to prepare dedicated students for State Board. To obtain their license, and become true entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Our approach to Lashin’ is unique so that every beginner succeeds. With that being said we incorporate the basics with true and tried industry experiences into our training. We also teach them to set up, build, brand, grow and market their own businesses all before they leave our doors. At L.O.W.E.A. we cater to those who desire new careers, want to add to their existing beauty career menus, are in need of an additional stream of income, students who love the industry and those who don’t think college is for them.
Our goal is to get them committed to the grind as successful entrepreneurs from day 1!
I always said every SALON OR SPA should have a few great Lash Techs and I was going to make sure they do. Many quit the very thing they truly desire because of obstacles. I would hope that each of my students learns to Never Give Up on Themselves no matter how hard things may APPEAR!
At L.O.W.E.A. students come in as employees and leave out as Entrepreneurs.
What sets me apart is that I am and was that single mom who had to juggle a career and her ambitions. I acted on every one of them and didn’t allow anything or anyone to stop me. Just as I pushed myself, I push my students to become great at Lashin’ as well as Licensed Pros.
I am most proud to prepare them to depend on self. Watching their dreams and goals they displayed on their vision boards come to life makes it all worth it!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Don’t think Just Lash is my motto! When covid hit and my students at the time were near graduation. I took all my equipment home and recorded videos, did demos, and kept it going as if we were still out and about. It was from this experience our online hybrid learning was created. So now my students never miss a beat no matter what their day-to-day trials may be. The pandemic really helped many of them get to goals that had been on the shelf and now have gained the money and freedom they really wanted.
I’m now able to offer the course online to those obtaining their license in Texas and now all across the nation where there is no license but training is required.
Pricing:
- $300 beauty school students 1-day class
- $500 licensed professional 1-day class
- $2500 320 hr licensure course
Contact Info:
- Email: Lashinoutwithextensions@gmail.com
- Website: Lashinoutwithextensions.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Lashinoutwithextensionsacademy
- Facebook: Facebook.com/lashinoutwithextensionsacademy
- Twitter: Twitter.com/lashinoutwtexts
Image Credits
Nina Dior
Travis Angelle
