We recently connected with Lauren Munson and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hopes that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
In July 2022, I found myself in the most broken place I had ever been. Struggling with my mental health, alcoholism, and addiction, it began affecting every aspect of my life, particularly my passion for doing brows. Before I found the strength to embrace sobriety, my life was a tumultuous ride and I’m honest enough with myself to see I made my fair share of mistakes within my business. It wasn’t just about losing trust; it was about letting down those who believed in me and even letting myself down. But here’s the thing – adversity reveals true character. I faced the biggest decision of my life – recognizing that I needed to step back from my passion in the world of brows, and focus on an internal transformation. It was far from easy, and it carried its share of consequences, but I had to do it for myself. Where there was a lack of grace and understanding, or even some resorting to discrediting my name or my craft, there was the determination within me to prove that my worth transcends the mistakes I’ve made. Stepping back and taking accountability is something most people wouldn’t have the courage to do. It definitely doesn’t come without major sacrifices. I lost clients, money, and some of my credibility. And it may take longer to get where I was, but this time, where I’m going will have substance and meaning because of all I’ve overcome to get there. All that I lost will be replaced with something substantially better. My priorities had to shift significantly. Mental health and recovery now take precedence over everything else. Without those two things, I know I will lose it all again, and it will be even worse. I had to revamp my inner circle, surrounding myself with people who share my priorities and push me to be the best version of myself. When it comes to conversations about mental health, alcoholism, and addiction, I do not and never will shy away from talking about. So many people suffer in silence because they have no one who they trust or who will understand what they’re going through. By being vulnerable and open, I am able to offer a safe space for someone who needs that support, like I once did. I think vulnerability is the most beautiful trait to possess. I am not embarrassed about anything I went through. Something so beautiful came from the pieces of my brokenness. Today, I get to stand tall, despite the tribulations, the losses, the noise and the negativity. I’ve let go of the shame of starting over in my industry and have come to embrace the fact that taking that pause in my career to care for myself was the bravest thing I’ve ever done. What sets me apart now isn’t just my skill set in the world of brows; it’s my unwavering commitment to self-care and personal growth. At the end of the day, it’s not about the disappointments or the judgments; it’s about the unshakable resilience and strength that I’ve shown because I chose to take care of me, so I could take care of my clients. It’s only up from here. My greatest act of self-love was taking a step back and getting the help I needed.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am deeply passionate about my journey in the world of brows, where I provide top-notch brow services and share my expertise through both in-person and online training. My focus is on delivering flawless brows and empowering aspiring brow artists with the knowledge they need to excel in the industry.
What makes my approach truly special is the combination of personalized brow services and comprehensive training programs. In the realm of brow services, I am dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of each client, tailoring my techniques to suit their unique features. Whether it’s brow shaping, tinting, or mapping, I strive to create an experience that goes beyond aesthetics, fostering self-confidence and inner beauty. Performing over 4,000 brow services has equipped me to be able to become an expert educator, taking out the guesswork for my students.
What excites me the most is the opportunity to share my expertise with others. Through in-person and online training programs, I provide a platform for budding brow artists to learn the artistry behind perfect brows. My philosophy is centered on accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that anyone, from beginners to those looking to refine their skills, can access a wealth of knowledge in one place.
In terms of recent developments, I am thrilled to announce the launch of my online masterclass covering brow lamination, brow tinting, and brow mapping. This comprehensive program is designed to equip aspiring brow artists with the skills needed to create stunning brows for their clients. It’s a reflection of my commitment to providing quality education that transcends traditional boundaries, making it accessible to a global audience.
Looking ahead, I am focused on expanding my brand’s reach and creating a community where beauty professionals can connect, learn, and thrive. Whether you’re a client seeking perfect brows or an aspiring artist eager to refine your skills, my space is a hub of creativity and empowerment.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Firstly, resilience has been a cornerstone, enabling me to rebound from setbacks, adapt to challenges, and persist in the face of adversity. Developing a resilient mindset involved embracing failures as learning opportunities and maintaining focus on long-term goals. Secondly, a commitment to continuous learning has proven to be essential. Given the nature of the beauty industry, staying informed about new techniques, trends, and technologies has been crucial for my success. To cultivate this, I advise prioritizing ongoing learning, attending workshops, engaging in online courses, and seeking mentorship opportunities. Lastly, adaptability has played a pivotal role, allowing me to pivot strategies, embrace new technologies, and adjust to changes in the industry and what’s the newest services and techniques. It’s vital to welcome change as a constant, stay attuned to industry shifts, and foster a mindset that embraces innovation and experimentation. Every step, regardless of size, contributes to personal growth, and each experience is an opportunity for self-discovery and improvement.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
Establishing a niche within your industry is not just advantageous; it’s often a strategic imperative to build a distinctive name for yourself. While the debate between going all in on strengths or striving for a well-rounded skill set is nuanced, I firmly believe that a focused niche can set you apart and contribute significantly to long-term success. Firstly, carving out a niche allows you to become a specialist in a specific area, positioning yourself as an expert within that domain. This specialization not only enhances your credibility but also makes you the go-to professional for particular needs within your industry. Clients and colleagues alike are more likely to seek out and trust someone with a well-defined expertise. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that there is always room to grow. While specializing in a niche, the key is to perfect your craft as much as you can before investing efforts into strengthening other areas of expertise. This deliberate approach ensures that your core competence remains unparalleled, providing a solid foundation for branching out. My dedication to perfecting the art of brow lamination allowed me to excel and gain recognition in the Dallas area and beyond as someone who provides the best services and an extensive education. While it’s essential to be aware of and work on areas outside of our strengths, establishing a niche provides a clear pathway to building a name for yourself in your industry. Specialization creates authenticity, builds credibility, and fosters meaningful connections with your audience. By perfecting your craft within your niche and then strategically expanding your expertise, you set the stage for enduring success, always with the support and education needed for continuous growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: browsbylomuns.com
- Instagram: @browsbylomuns
Image Credits
Morgan Wirth Photo (for the headshot)
