Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Alusma.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
2012 I started believing in myself and stepped out on faith. I worked as a Correctional Officer for 6 years although I loved the career I needed a change. I knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry but not doing hair or nails. I would receive so many compliments on my natural lashes and smile/white teeth that I thought of why not offer lashes & Teeth Whitening. Honestly, it was a thought, I myself don’t wear extensions and at that time wasn’t using whitening products so I didn’t know how I would get started or where would I find the time because I was working 8 hour shifts 5x a week. I researched and found this company called Xtreme Lashes that offered training in Individual Lash Extensions I must of stalked their website for a good 6 months before I signed up for their training because I was still undecided, I found a Teeth Whitening company (Beaming White) that was pretty much very helpful when it came to buying / reselling & using a Teeth Whitening machine. A few months went by and I already attended Lash Training purchased supplies for both lashes and teeth whitening and was ready to work. I made an Instagram page and my business name was iLove It Studios I started posting looking for models because I needed to practice before actually charging for the service. I was posting for a good month and nothing which made me want to just quit and continue working as a Correctional Officer but instead of quitting I actually quit being a Correctional Officer to go Full Time with my business. Scared but focus and ready to be on my own. I rented a space in Aventura and sent out messages to individuals offering FREE Lash Extensions and Received 3 women who were interested. I booked them and It took nearly 6 hours with my first model and boy did I want to cry but I didn’t give up and lucky she was very understanding and knew I was new to the Lash world. I wanted to cancel my To models but didn’t It still took me 5-6 hours with my other 2 models at that time I knew this was something I wanted to do. I practiced some more with friends and family and with time I got better and better. I relocated from Aventura and rented a suite in Coral Springs September 15, 2013 and started offering Lash Extensions & Teeth Whitening and to my surprise I started building clients by advertising on Instagram, passing out business cards and flyers, & word of mouth. With me quitting my 9-5 my business was my only source of income and It was extremely hard trying to maintain personal and business so many time I wanted to quit but couldn’t there were times I didn’t know how I would pay my rent but I did. What I’ve learned about running a business is that you will have ups and downs but don’t let the business drown you sometimes you do have to pull back and reevaluate yourself and business. In 2015 I had to let It go because Business was doing more damage than good and I had to learn stepping back doesn’t mean I’m quitting but means I giving myself another chance to start again. I picked up jobs in between to maintain while I wasn’t running my business but it would always lead me back to business. I must have started over and over and over again offering different services, working with others who had business in the beauty industry, attending business and market courses but still just wasn’t working. I️ ended up getting pregnant and honestly that’s where my motivation came in. While pregnant I started back advertising and doing what I did in the beginning passing out business cards/ flyers and also added Removable Veneers as one of my services. While being pregnant I️ build most of my clients with Removable Veneers which Are appliance that replaces your old smile with a white and attractive new look. Removable Veneers fits over the existing teeth and hides them. You can even have missing teeth and still get Veneers. Their affordable with no pain or Drilling and clients love them because you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars for a white smile. Offering this service have built my business and although I’m not exactly where I’d like to be I’m exactly where I need to be. I’m offering a service that helps individual smile again, individuals who don’t have insurance and can’t afford the expensive doctor visits, who suffering from cancer or anything that will cause their teeth to fall out and have discoloration.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No I struggled when it came to marketing, who to market with and where to market what crowd to go after, how to market.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lexi’s Beauty Loft – what should we know?
Lexi Beauty Loft specialize in Individual Lash Extensions and Removable Veneers. I’m proud that I can offer Removable Veneers because not a lot of people have insurance or can afford the permanent Veneers or would like to shave down their teeth to have a nice whiter smile. Removable Veneers are affordable with no pain or Drilling. No one would know their removable unless you tell them it gives you the Hollywood look without the thousands of dollars. Great for birthdays, weddings & hosting parties.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Yes my Son Who is 8 months my cheerleader/ motivation, my mother, boyfriend especially him because he always reminds how great and proud he is maintaining a business and personal life my family and friends have been my biggest supporters and have helped guide me and kept me focus and grounded.
Pricing:
- Top & Bottom Veneers $850
- Top or bottom Veneers $650
- Individual Lash Extensions $169
Contact Info:
- Address: 275 NE 18th St Miami, Florida 33132 ste. Cu-01
- Website: lexibeautyloft.acuityscheduling.com
- Phone: 305 713 6837
- Email: info@lexibeautyloft.com
- Instagram: lexibeautyloft
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA 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.
