Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Nesmith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From Frontlines to Fabulash: How One Woman Turned a Lash Course Into a Thriving Beauty Empire
Three years ago, she was managing health care centers during a global pandemic. Today, she’s the founder of a growing lash and beauty brand with two bustling locations and a third on the way.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephanie was working in healthcare management, specializing in infectious diseases. Like many in the industry, she was overworked, emotionally drained, and searching for something more fulfilling. It wasn’t until a conversation with her lash artist — who radiated joy and passion for her work — that she decided to try something completely new.
“I took a lash course just for fun,” Stephanie recalls. “I never expected it to become anything serious. I just knew I needed something that brought me joy.”
That course turned into late nights practicing on friends, family, and even coworkers. What started in a home office-turned-lash room quickly grew beyond her expectations. The spark was undeniable — and so was the demand for her artistry.
Within months, she took a leap of faith and opened her first salon. Just three years later, she leads a team of 12 talented women across two locations, with a third salon currently in the works. Her journey from burnout to beauty boss is inspiring a new wave of entrepreneurs who are trading security for passion — and finding success in the process.
“It’s surreal sometimes,” she says. “I went from feeling completely stuck to building something that not only fuels me, but creates opportunities for others.”
With a growing team, loyal clientele, and a clear vision for the future, Lalalash & Beauty isn’t slowing down anytime soon — proving that sometimes, following your passion really does pay off.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Transitioning from managing healthcare practices to owning a business came with a steep learning curve. While she had experience running operations, building something from the ground up was an entirely different experience. “I quickly realized managing someone else’s business and owning your own are two completely different worlds,” she explains. Embracing the unknown was scary, but necessary. Along the way, she also navigated tough personal lessons — including discovering that not every “friend” has your best interests at heart. “This journey has been filled with life lessons, growth, and a lot of trial and error,” she says. “But every obstacle has made me stronger and more confident in my purpose.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lalalash & Beauty?
Lalalash and Beauty is an award-winning lash extension and permanent makeup salon based in Jacksonville, FL, with two thriving locations in Mandarin and Tapestry Park — and a third location currently in the works. Recognized as the best in Jacksonville by the Evergreen Awards and honored with two “Best in Jax” wins and a runner-up placement from Jacksonville Magazine, the brand has also been featured on First Coast Living, Women’s Insider, and USA News as a leading name in lash and permanent makeup. What truly sets Lalalash apart is its commitment to helping clients feel confident and comfortable by enhancing their natural beauty. Each service begins with a personalized consultation to understand the client’s vision while offering expert suggestions based on facial structure and style. The salon specializes in creating custom lash and brow designs, with a team that is both passionate and highly skilled. In addition to client services, Lalalash manufactures its own line of professional beauty products — now sold nationwide — and is recognized as a top educator in the industry, training future artists in its signature techniques.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Looking ahead over the next 5 to 10 years, Lalalash and Beauty aims to expand beyond Jacksonville and establish a presence in multiple cities and states, with a particular focus on making a strong imprint along the East Coast. The team envisions continued growth in their e-commerce division, offering an ever-evolving range of lash supplies that reflect the latest trends in the industry — from innovative adhesives to new lash curls and colors. Additionally, the brand plans to expand its educational reach through online academy training, making their proven methodology accessible to aspiring artists across the country. With hopes of teaching at national conventions and elevating industry standards, Lalalash and Beauty is on a mission to empower the next generation of lash professionals while continuing to lead with passion, innovation, and expertise.
Pricing:
- $89 Classic Full Sets for Voyage Jacksonville Magazine Referrals & $10 off any express brow service (Wax, Thread, Tint, and/or Lamination)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lalalashbeauty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalalashbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lalalashbeautyjax
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/lalalashandbeautytapestry
