

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacrecia Steward.
Hi Lacrecia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story has always been filled with my experiences with all things beauty from being a pageant participant during my teenage years to being the event makeup artist for Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin. I love the hustle, bustle, and excitement that comes with fashion shows and everything about the beauty industry. Working a full-time job while raising 2 children didn’t get in the way of me working part-time at our local MAC counter from 2009-2011 (seasonal) to gain more knowledge about makeup application and product ingredients. I learned so much during my time there but when I was required to work mandatory overtime at my full-time job, I had to lay my brush belt on the back burner. It wasn’t until 2012 that I became interested in eyelash extensions. It was still fairly new in the East Texas area. Once I started getting them applied, I wasn’t satisfied with the outcome. They were hard, clumpy, they itched and when they came out, all my natural lashes were gone! I started wearing lash strips but that was an inconvenience because I had to take them off and on every day. Finally, in 2017, I decided to take a training class for certification not knowing I needed an actual license to be able to perform services. I eventually obtained my 320-Hour Eyelash Extension Specialty license but wanted to do more than lash at my studio. I wanted to educate others on the difference between licensing, training, and certification. After the encouragement of 2 heavy hitters in the game, I decided to move forward with opening the first and only lash academy in East Texas. Our curriculum is eyelash education only but in the business portion of our course, we offer assistance with registering the future lash tech’s business name in their county, bio sheets, professional headshots, and more. The program is more than attending to obtain your license. We do our best to make sure each student is set up for success once they leave our academy and the mentorship is ongoing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smoothall! I struggled with making the decision to leave my job of 27 years to pursue this business for the longest. I doubted myself at times but I never stopped doing what it took to brand myself & get the school open. I literally worked until I couldn’t work anymore. Like going in one night (I was on the 11 pm-6 am shift) and giving a 2-day notice that I was going to retire. But once I did, I felt like a weight had been lifted and it was Go time! All the other struggles were the only obstacles that fueled my fire!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lash Studio 214 Beauty & Training Academy was opened to educate others on the proper way to perform eyelash extensions legally in the state of Texas, as we specialize in eyelash education only. In the past, one would have to be a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician to perform lash services. It wasn’t until Sophy Merszei, an award-winning biologist and cosmetic chemist, advocated along with her team of lawyers, lobbyists, and lash artists fought for regulations in the eyelash extension industry. She achieved this goal in 2011 with the passing of House Bill 2727. The fact that we teach 320 hours of lash education to non-licensed individuals to obtain one, is what sets us apart. Licensed professionals are able to receive 20 hours of training to receive their certification. For most beauty professionals that offer certifications or training, their classes are only 1-3 days. I’m most proud of our instructors. Their passion for lashes and this business is why our students succeed beyond the classroom. I’m very proud of the students that attend, take the course seriously, and go on to obtain their licenses and do great things. I love to see them apply what they’ve learned and just soar! I always tell them; The sky is not the limit. You go as high as this business will take you!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see this industry continuing to grow, with more people wanting to learn to lash the proper way and not just use their skills for a quick hustle. There is nothing wrong with wanting a side hustle. But I see many shifting from their 9-5’s to dominate in this industry. And more licensed professionals are needed in order to do so.
Pricing:
- Tuition $3,750
- Lash Starter Kit $500 (Includes All supplies, lash bed, light, and stool)
- Hybrid/Volume Training $1,199 (Includes all supplies, lash bed, light, and stool)
- Cosmetology Student Training $650 (Includes Lash Starter Kit)
Contact Info:
- Website: ls214bta.com
- Facebook: Lash Studio 214 Beauty & Training Academy LLC
Image Credits
Markie Pettigrew Photography