Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Munson.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started with makeup. Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed. Although back then, it was lipsmackers, roll-on body glitter, Stardust, crystal tattoos, and colorful eyeshadows. And how trends have changed! My appreciation for skincare came later and I discovered that good makeup doesn’t matter if you don’t take care of the skin it’s on! After that discovery, a spark ignited.
In 2015, I decided to finally make the jump to join the beauty industry and turn my hobby into my passion. I went to Salon Boutique Academy to become a licensed esthetician and fell even more in love with all things beauty— makeup, skin, brows, and the like. I continued my education by getting trained in lash extensions and microblading to add to my arsenal of services. Last year in May, I officially went on my own, working for myself full time, and living out my life-long dream of being my own boss while providing the Dallas area of all things beauty.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wouldn’t say that it has been “smooth” per say. It has been exhilarating and definitely the right choice. But, because I have such a creative mind, the business side of things has been a difficult task for me to wrap my head around, especially anything to do with taxes! It’s been a year of trial and error, learning from my mistakes, and lots of research.
Starting my own business has been a learning and growing process in and out of the studio, to say the least.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At byLOMUNS, my three main specialties are eyelash extensions, microblading, and makeup for special events, such as weddings. I plan on adding more services to my menu later this year, too! I’ll be adding waxing services, brow tinting, and chemical peels.
Eyelash extensions are my bread and butter. They are semi-permanent extensions applied by hand with adhesive, one lash at a time. With each new client, I evaluate their face and eye shape, makeup wear, and lifestyle in order to choose a completely customized style and length of the extensions would work best for them! I offer classic lash, volume lash, and hybrid lash (a mix between classic and volume) styles, which range in fullness. After a full set, I suggest my clients come back in for a ‘fill’ every 2-4 weeks to fill in where natural lashes have shed, extensions have grown out or fallen off, and maintain the desired fullness.
Almost everyone has heard of microblading, but not everyone knows what exactly it is. Microblading is a manual “hand” method of permanent cosmetics for your eyebrows which creates extremely fine natural looking hair strokes. The pigment is applied with a handheld tool that has a row of several fine needles to create thin hair like marks in the skin. The pigment is bladed just below the epidermis and the most shallow part of the dermis, making extremely fine natural looking hair strokes. Don’t worry! I use an anesthetic to reduce discomfort.
A very natural result is achieved, as the hairs are bladed into the skin according to the natural hair growth direction. Brows are measured perfectly to complement your unique face shape and size. You approve the shape and size before the procedure begins, as well as the color you would prefer! After the first touch up, which is 6-8 weeks after the initial sessions, the range of time between the next touch-up can be huge but I suggest annually (12-18months). Skin type, age, lifestyle, pigment brand and depth of pigment all impact on the longevity of the visibility.
What I am most proud of with my company is the fact that it is just me. It’s not some big brand that cares about quantity over quality or all about the money. Yes, of course, the money is important. But, as cliche as it sounds, what is most important to me in the relationship I build with each of my clients. When my client comes to sit in my chair, I want them to feel known and heard. So many people these days don’t feel heard and fall into the crowd. I hate that! So I pride myself on listening with the intent to get to know and build something that is lasting with my clients. I legitimately miss my clients when I feel like I haven’t seen them in awhile and wonder what’s going on in their life!
One thing my teacher taught me that has stuck with me since beauty school is, “You don’t know what your client’s life is like outside of your studio. You could be the first physical touch they’ve had in a long time or at least a pleasant interaction. You have the ability to make someone’s day and the opportunity to make her (or him) feel welcome in your space.” I live by that now. I think it’s so important! I am passionate and I care about others, so I have the blessing to use my business to pour myself out into so many people, which is an opportunity I wouldn’t have the freedom to do with a big company.
I also don’t believe in sticking to one niche in the beauty industry. I want to be able to help and serve any and every person that walks into my studio. I believe what sets me apart from others is how I use the opportunity to be apart of someone’s life by instilling, building, and growing confidence in each of my clients. My purpose is to help anyone I come into contact with feel beautiful from the inside out.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bit of a wild child with a dash of a social butterfly. I’ve loved art and anything to do with being creative… I’ve always expressed myself through drawing and painting, eventually adding in makeup, decorating and fashion to my outlets. There’s something about creating something beautiful that really builds a sense of completion to my soul! It’s been that way for as long as I can remember.
Pricing:
- Full Set of Classic Lash Extensions $150
- Initial Microblading Session $450
- Bridal Makeup $250
Contact Info:
- Address: 7331 Gaston Ave Suite 222 Dallas, TX 75214
- Website: vagaro.com/byLOMUNS
- Phone: 469-381-0660
- Email: byLOMUNS@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/lomuns
- Facebook: Facebook.com/byLOMUNS
Image Credit:
Lotusly Photography, Tyler Tyndell Photo, April Pinto Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
