The Lifted Shop

Lifted Lashes started out from my bed at about three am. I had just worked the 4th, 12 hr day of the week, came home and fixed dinner, put two kids to bed and lay there myself wondering how I could make more money with all the hours in my day already accounted for. 

I was already a full time nail tech and wanted to expand in the field before me, and meet a demand I saw around me in the beauty industry, everyone was doing lash extensions but a high percentage of people In my community like strip lashes. After a lot of long nights, researching and stressing, a month later I sold my first pair of lashes as Lifted Lashes LLC. in March 2019. Over time I slowly started expanding my inventory, I added jewelry, accessories and shoes, I also grew my clientele base at the salon I was employed at and started looking into ways to further my education as well. In January of 2020 I applied for esthetician school and because of Covid 19, like many things, my start date was pushed back to July. During that time (after quarantine lifted) I began making house calls to catch up on the demand that had built during my time unable to work. As someone who always wanted to make house calls due to the number of cancellations I would see over (primarily) lack of childcare, I quickly realized how difficult it is to do so. Issues such as inadequate space or lighting made going to a clients house unpredictable, there was always some variable that I was not quite prepared for. That is what got me to thinking about a mobile salon and about two months later I bought my shuttle bus which I paid for in full. 

During quarantine life for a lot of people changed as we know it. Many people have changed their social tendencies and are more apt to call in carry out or delivery. Many businesses are going mobile to adapt to this change. I live in a small community, right outside of Joplin MO (population 50,000) we are the largest town in the area save an hour drive east to Springfield, 2 hours north to KC or 2 hours west to Tulsa. A lot of the smaller communities in the area look to Joplin for all their shopping, dining, and entertainment needs.  A mobile salon would be a huge contribution and one that I already see a demand for. ‘’Build it and they will come’’ if you will, I envision a pull up service and more. I want to be able to cater to bridal parties or girls trips, just as much as I want to be able to pull up to the tired momma who just got off work and the last thing she wants to do is get in her car, pack up the kids and take them to a sitter if she has one and/or take them with her to the salon.

I am seeking funding for the completion of The Lifted Shop‘s mobile conversion. I also would like to travel and take some additional trainings to be certified to offer some services that have yet been introduced to my community.  I know the addition of a mobile salon would be a well received contribution to the area. My team primarily consists of my children and I. They are girl and boy, 10 and 6 respectively. They are my biggest supporters and motivators! My daughter is also a business owner herself. She sells scrunchies and hair accessories, we will put a display of her items in the bus as well as YouTubing our entire conversion!

 I do have to thank a couple of my good friends who have seen the potential in me and have invested in me already. It makes me push that much harder to know they literally put their faith in me to know that I’m going to make what I said happen. I have learned a lesson in humility with this, normally I am one to just do things myself but here I find myself unable to do that. I really appreciate any one that donates to me. I thank you in advance for helping my dream become a reality!