We were lucky to catch up with Desiree Nolasco recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Desiree, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Beyond starting my career in lash extension artistry, I discovered an untapped market (to my knowledge at the time) for natural lash artistry. In 2019-2021, the trend in Las Vegas was what’s known as “megavolume,” where it’s obvious the lashes being worn weren’t natural, and sometimes a little grotesque. With this awareness, I sought after artists who were skilled in the area I lacked and could learn from. Fast forward 3 years, I had completed numerous in-person and online courses that helped develop my craft to the competitive edge it has today. My husband and I moved back to my home state, Alaska, in December of 2022. I discovered a blank space in the beauty community that lacked quality and a modern-feel the lower 48 has to offer. After touring rental studios that didn’t suit 100% of my expectations as a tenant, I took the risk of creating what I needed instead. My purpose, I later found out, was to provide the city of Anchorage a high end and modern beauty studio where quality, health, and professionalism were unmatched. With all particularities in place, STUDIOS was born.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In my lash extension career, I became very attached to the clients I’ve accumulated through the years. Between Nevada, Washington and Alaska, I have deep rooted connections with past and present clients to this day. My specialization in natural lash styles opened doors for numerous clients, especially those in professional fields, to get lash extensions they felt confident wearing. Besides this, I took a firm stance on natural lash health, irritations and perfect retention (there is a specific definition of this one). I began to take note of lash-lines as I worked to study patterns that are unique to each client. As these patterns emerged, I was able to then “formulate” a style that maximized the wear of extensions much longer compared to the average market. It’s fulfilling to know that my reputation for prioritizing these three factors has spread throughout the community, and hopefully opened the eyes for many who are inspired to pursue the similar experiences.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
To reference the previous three points: natural lash health, irritations/allergies, and retention is the absolute foundation of any successful lash artist.
In order to improve these three things, it’s important to stay patient with oneself while learning such a tedious skill that also requires precision. Focus on your foundation — that being what’s known as ‘classic lashes’, before trying to advance to any special style, curl, or diameter. Next, to learn the simplified version of how your adhesive works, and how to manipulate your environment for the best attachment possible. I was once told that if you can confidently answer all the questions asked based on your skill level (correctly) you’re ready to learn the next step.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Recognizing my own potential and transition between roles has been my biggest area of growth these past 12 months. I’ve unintentionally raced between lash artist, mentor, studio owner, mother, and student, once again. An overwhelming sea of experiences, emotions, successes and still failures always lead me to the next step in my career. Currently I balance caring for my newborn, working full-time as a lash artist in STUDIOS while juggling many other hats. I would be lying if I said I never expected myself to be so passionate. But I’m absolutely amazed by the group of like-minded individuals I was able to find and surround myself with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studiosbydes.com
- Instagram: @STUDIOSbyDES
- Youtube: @TheArtistDes
Image Credits
Hoa Nguyen
Dario Tejada
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