What if you stopped pricing your lash services based on what everyone else is charging...and started pricing based on the life you actually want to build?

In this episode of Lash Biz Babes, I talked with Valerie Ochoa (@valthelashgal on IG) to talk about building a profitable lash business with intention. Val shares how a $800 lash training at 19 years old completely changed the trajectory of her life, eventually leading her to open The Dollhouse Salon Suites, launch a board-accredited lash academy, and open her town's first lash supply store.

We talked about one of the biggest struggles beauty professionals face: making your business financially sustainable without burning yourself out. Val explains her "working backwards" pricing method, why every lash artist's pricing should be different, and how understanding your income goals can completely change the way you run your business.

We also have an honest conversation about social media, why likes don't always equal bookings, and how showing up consistently (even when you don't feel like it) is one of the most powerful forms of marketing available to beauty professionals!

In this episode, we cover:

💖 Val's journey from brand-new lash artist to salon owner, educator, and lash supplier

🦋 Why conferences and networking accelerated her business growth

✨ How to price your services based on your income goals instead of your competitors

💖 Common pricing mistakes that keep beauty professionals underpaid

🦋 The truth about social media marketing and what actually converts followers into paying clients

✨ Why viral content isn't always the goal

💖 Building confidence as a business owner (and why therapy became one of Val's biggest business investments)

Here's a little about Val:

"Valerie Ochoa is the owner of The Dollhouse, which she has grown over the past 3.5+ years into a thriving lash business, board-accredited academy, and her town's first lash supply store. She has trained and licensed 44 students through her academy and is passionate about helping beauty professionals create financial freedom and build a life they love through the lash industry. When she's not working, you'll usually find her at the movies or scrapbooking."

Connect with Valerie:

Instagram:

• www.instagram.com/valthelashgal
• www.instagram.com/thedollhouseaz

Websites:

• ValerieOchoa.com
• thedollhouseaz.com

Let's Be Friends!

I'd love to connect with you outside the podcast!

Erica's Instagram:
www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

Lash Biz Babes Instagram:
www.instagram.com/lashbizbabes

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another lash artist or beauty business owner who could use the encouragement! Your support helps us continue bringing free education and inspiring conversations to the beauty industry every week💖

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

You've probably heard the phrase, "Your network is your net worth." ... But what does that actually look like when you're a lash artist or beauty professional?

In this episode, we're talking about why building genuine relationships can be one of the most valuable investments you make in your beauty business, and why the opportunities that come from networking often can't be replicated through social media alone!

We talked about:

💖 Why networking is about building relationships, not just collecting business cards.

🦋 The different types of events worth attending, from local meetups to industry conferences and trade shows.

✨ How to start networking when you don't know anyone in your area.

🫶🏼 Tips for attending events by yourself (yes, you can absolutely do it!).

☁️ How to navigate networking if you're naturally shy or introverted.

🦋 Simple ways to step outside of your comfort zone without feeling awkward or salesy.

💖 The unexpected business opportunities, friendships, collaborations, and mentorships that networking can create.

✨ Why investing in your community often leads to long-term growth for your business.

Whether you're just starting your lash career or you've been in the industry for years, this episode will encourage you to get out from behind your phone, introduce yourself, and start building meaningful connections. You never know which conversation could lead to your next client or opportunity!

Let's Be Friends!

I'd love to connect with you outside the podcast!

✨ My Instagram: www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

✨ Lash Biz Babes Instagram: www.instagram.com/lashbizbabes

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

In this episode, I broke down one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of building a successful beauty business: client retention.

Because let’s be real...your lash business isn’t built on one-time appointments. It’s built on repeat clients who trust you, come back consistently, and create stable, predictable income.

In this episode, I share exactly what to say (and how to say it) to first-time clients so they feel confident, comfortable, and excited to rebook, even if something doesn’t go perfectly during their first appointment with you.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

💖 Why repeat clients are the foundation of a sustainable beauty business
✨ How communication directly impacts client retention
🫧 What to say to first-time clients to ease nerves and build trust
🌈 How to set clear expectations during consultations
🪐 The importance of educating every client (even experienced ones)
🩷 How to handle feedback or dissatisfaction without losing the client
⚡️ Simple ways to open the door for honest communication
🫶🏼 Why follow-up and rebooking are key to long-term success

Let’s Be Friends!

Come hang out with me on Instagram:
💖 www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

💖 www.instagram.com/lashbizbabes

Loved This Episode? Make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss a new episode! And if this episode helped you, share it with a fellow lash artist or beauty pro!

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

In this episode I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes recap of my experience at the International Lash Expo (ILE) on March 1st, 2026!

This year I had the opportunity to attend as both a speaker and a vendor, which gave me a unique perspective on the event from multiple sides of the industry. I’m sharing what the experience was like, what the energy of the event felt like, and some of the biggest takeaways I had from being surrounded by so many passionate beauty professionals.

We also dive into a bigger question many lash artists and beauty pros ask: "Are in-person industry events actually worth attending?"

If you’ve ever wondered whether conferences, expos, or beauty industry events are a good investment for your time and money, this episode will help you think through how to decide if one is right for you.

In this episode we talk about:

✨ What it was like speaking and vending at International Lash Expo
✨ What attending an event like ILE is really like from the inside
✨ How to decide if an industry event is worth attending for you
✨ What to look for when choosing events in the beauty industry
✨ The networking, inspiration, and opportunities that come from being in the room

Whether you're a new artist or a seasoned pro, getting out from behind your treatment bed and into spaces with other beauty professionals can completely shift your perspective on what’s possible for your career and business.

If attending an event like this has been on your mind, this episode will give you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to make the most of the experience.

Interested in attending International Lash Expo?
ILE is planning an event in Dallas this fall. You can follow them on Instagram for updates and event details as they’re released:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/internationallashexpo

Let’s Connect:

💗 Let’s be friends:
www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

✨ Interested in social media management for your beauty brand?
Learn more about what I offer:
www.beautycorpro.com

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another lash artist or beauty pro who could benefit from hearing it!

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Do you feel like the lash and beauty industry is ready for fresh voices? Maybe that fresh voice is yours! In this episode, I share why I believe the lash world is craving fresh perspectives and real, hands-on experience from artists who’ve built their businesses from the ground up. There’s room for growth, and it starts with more of us speaking up.

I also open up about what it’s like to grow as a solo artist, the mindset blocks that keep talented professionals quiet, and how podcasting became a powerful way for me to expand my reach and impact. If you feel called to more than working behind the chair, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why does the industry feel repetitive right now?
• What fresh leadership in the lash space could look like
• The unique perspective solo artists bring
• The fear that keeps many professionals from using their voice
• How podcasting builds long-term authority and trust
• Start and launch your podcast with Mic’d Up - my new 8 week program!

You’re sitting on stories, experience, and leadership the industry needs. The conversations you have behind the chair, the lessons you’ve learned the hard way, the perspective you’ve gained from working hands-on with clients...it all matters.

And deep down, you know you’re meant for more. You’re meant to teach, to influence, to shape the future of the beauty industry. The only thing missing is the platform and the confidence to share it. That's where podcasting comes in!

Mic’d Up is an 8-week small group coaching experience for beauty professionals who feel called to lead, educate, and expand beyond the service chair...and are ready to launch a podcast that builds authority, trust, and long-term impact❤️‍🔥🎙️

This is especially for you if you are ready to step outside your comfort zone and claim your voice in the industry!

Whether you’re an esthetician, lash artist, stylist, educator, or service provider, this program is designed for those who feel called to do more than just work behind the chair. It's for those who want to serve, educate, and lead within the beauty community.

Learn more + reserve your seat: https://stan.store/xoericaschramm/p/micd-up

LASH BIZ BABES EXPERIENCE 2026🦋☁️💖🌈⚡️ We are back for year 4! 2026 is the year of going ALL IN.

Lash Biz Babes Experience will reignite your passion, sharpen your strategy, and help you build the belief that 2026 truly can be your best year yet. All lash artists, estheticians, nail tech, hairstylists, and beauty professionals are invited to join us online on May 2nd, 2026!

Tickets are on sale now for only $199. Payment plans are available.

Get your ticket HERE!

Resources:

• Looking to grow your beauty business on social media in 2025? Let’s talk! We help make socials easy for salons, spas, and beauty brands while still hitting your goals online! www.beautycorpro.com

Where We Can Connect:

• Let's be friends on Instagram! www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Are you posting and posting online and still not booking enough new clients? In this episode, I share the key to booking NEW clients in your area — and spoiler, it’s not about going viral or chasing huge follower counts. I walk you through the biggest shift that helped me grow my own books faster and why focusing on the right people matters more than impressing the internet.

I also break down the simple strategies that have helped me build momentum from scratch and that work for my social media management clients, too. Think practical, doable actions you can start using this week to get seen locally, build real trust online, and turn curious followers into paying clients without overcomplicating your marketing.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why don’t viral posts automatically turn into real bookings?
• What does “local visibility” actually mean for service providers?
• How do you move people from cold audience to ready-to-book clients?
• Simple actions can you take daily to grow a local following
• Platforms and strategies are working right now to attract new clients

Want to learn the strategies we talked about in today's episode in-depth?

My online course, Audience Growth Accelerator, teaches you step-by-step how to build your local following on social media, so you can get booked and get paid! Learn step-by-step outbound engagement strategies, how to leverage local Facebook groups the right way, and even a little about audience growth on TIkTok and Threads. This course is on sale for only $99! (Normally $222) 💖🦋⚡️🌈

Join AGA Here: https://stan.store/xoericaschramm/p/audience-growth-accelerator

LASH BIZ BABES EXPERIENCE 2026🦋☁️💖🌈⚡️ We are back for year 4! 2026 is the year of going ALL IN.

Lash Biz Babes Experience will reignite your passion, sharpen your strategy, and help you build the belief that 2026 truly can be your best year yet. All lash artists, estheticians, nail tech, hairstylists, and beauty professionals are invited to join us online on May 2nd, 2026!

Tickets are on sale now for only $199. Payment plans are available.

Get your ticket HERE!

Resources:

• Looking to grow your beauty business on social media in 2025? Let’s talk! We help make socials easy for salons, spas, and beauty brands while still hitting your goals online! www.beautycorpro.com

Where We Can Connect:

• Let's be friends on Instagram! www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Why do some lash artists charge premium prices and attract dream clients while others struggle to stand out even with amazing skills? In this episode, I sit down with Sydnee McGee, an educator and business coach, to talk all about branding for beauty professionals. We dive into why visual branding matters beyond just pretty Instagram feeds, and Sydnee shares the exact strategies she uses to help lash artists differentiate themselves in a saturated market.

Sydnee breaks down the practical steps you can take right now to elevate your brand, common mistakes most of us make when starting out and why copying your favorite lash influencer's aesthetic is actually hiding you instead of helping you shine. This episode is packed with actionable tips that'll help you position yourself as the go-to expert in your area.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• What are the three non-negotiable components every beauty business needs for a cohesive visual brand kit?
• Why branding matters long-term (even if you've built a successful business without it)
• What are brand archetypes and how can they help you attract your ideal clients instead of just more clients?
• The biggest branding mistake that's secretly making your life harder instead of easier
• How you can stand out visually in a saturated market without reinventing the wheel

Connect with Sydnee:

Instagram

Website

Brand It Like A Pro: Guide to Iconic Branding

Sydnee’s Pinterest Boards:

Canva Graphics

Color palette

Fonts

Sydnee’s Book Recommendations:

• “Hero and the Outlaw” by Margaret Mark and Carol S. Pearson
• “Zag” by Marty Neumeier
• “Influence: Science and Practice” by Rober Cialdini
• “Blue Ocean Strategy” by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne

LASH BIZ BABES EXPERIENCE 2026🦋☁️💖🌈⚡️ We are back for year 4! 2026 is the year of going ALL IN.

Lash Biz Babes Experience will reignite your passion, sharpen your strategy, and help you build the belief that 2026 truly can be your best year yet. All lash artists, estheticians, nail tech, hairstylists, and beauty professionals are invited to join us online on May 2nd, 2026!

Tickets are on sale now for only $199. Payment plans are available. Get your ticket HERE!

Where We Can Connect:

• Let's be friends on Instagram! www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Which apps and online platforms are actually worth using in your beauty business? In this episode, I share my real experiences with the tech tools I’ve used over the years. From booking systems to content creation, schedulers, and online course platforms, I break it all down so you don’t have to learn the hard way like I did.

I also talk about the bigger picture behind all of it - choosing tools that support you instead of stressing you out or costing you too much money. You don’t need every trending platform or fancy system. I promise.

Whether you’re running a solo beauty business, building digital offers, or just trying to get more organized, this episode is here to help you streamline and feel more confident about the tech you use.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Which content creation platforms are easiest to use?
• Popular and easy to use booking system options
• Which post schedulers save the most time?
• What online course platforms are worth the cost?
• Project management tools that can keep you organized
• What photo storage systems make content easier to reuse?
• Which podcast and recording platforms are most reliable?
• Email marketing platforms that support business growth
• What tech tools help reduce overwhelm instead of adding to it?

Don’t forget to check out the links to a few of my favorite apps below!

LASH BIZ BABES EXPERIENCE 2026🦋☁️💖🌈⚡️ We are back for year 4! 2026 is the year of going ALL IN.

Lash Biz Babes Experience will reignite your passion, sharpen your strategy, and help you build the belief that 2026 truly can be your best year yet. All lash artists, estheticians, nail tech, hairstylists, and beauty professionals are invited to join us online on May 2nd, 2026!

Tickets are on sale now for only $199. Payment plans are available.

Get your ticket HERE!

Where We Can Connect:

• Let's be friends on Instagram! www.instagram.com/xoericaschramm

Resources:

• Looking to grow your beauty business on social media in 2025? Let’s talk! We help make socials easy for salons, spas, and beauty brands while still hitting your goals online! www.beautycorpro.com
• Metricool: For easily scheduling your social media posts: https://f.mtr.cool/WRLGLA
• Stan Store: Online course, digital products, and ebooks hosting: https://join.stan.store/xoericaschramm
• Honeybook: CRM platform with contracts, invoices, lead capturing, and more - Try it for 30% off: https://share.honeybook.com/erica8954726
• Buzzsprout: For podcast hosting - Get $20 credit: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2345767

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Get started with GlossGenius!

Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code LASHBIZ at glossgenius.com/lashbizbabes for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.