Rising Stars: Meet Makhaila Elder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Makhaila Elder. 

Hi Makhaila, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved everything beauty growing up. Always obsessed with hair, makeup, lashes, etc. It wasn’t until I started getting my own lashes done in 2016 that I realized it was something I would actually enjoy doing. I took my certification class in 2017 and haven’t stopped lashing since. I also offer microshading, makeup, and lash extension classes. However, lash extensions is my niche. I’ve built my clientele over the last 4 years and now have clients who travel to me from Shelbyville to Clarksville and the cities in between. I worked a corporate job from 2018-2021 and earlier this year I decided to quit my full-time corporate job and pursue lash extensions full time which has been the decision I’ve made thus far. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. The struggle I had starting was balancing my business and my full-time job. I would sometimes feel overworked or “burned out” before I actually quit my job to do lash extensions full time. Also, there is struggle being in the beauty service industry due to not ever knowing what your day may look like. Some days you have 6-8 clients, some days you have 2, and some days you have none. Also, after certain times of the year, I know when to expect to see more clients and when my dead period may be. So, there’s a few struggles along the way but nothing that I haven’t always been able to get through. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer lash extensions, lash extension classes, makeup and microshading. 

I specialize and most known for lash extensions. 

I’m most proud to finally be pursuing my business full time. 

I think what sets me apart from others is my techniques and my eagerness to learn more. Every lash artist has their own technique or way of doing things when it comes to our work. So, I think the way I run my business and the techniques I use set me apart but I also like to keep learning more about what I already do as time goes by. The more I learn and grow the better I’ll be. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by the goals I accomplish in life, big or small. If I achieved it, if I completed it or got it done then I succeeded. 

Pricing:

• Lash extensions – $85-$165
• Microshading- $250
• Makeup- $85
• Lash extension class- $600

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.embeauty.as.me
• Instagram: @enhancemebeautyco
• Facebook: @EnhanceME Beauty