Community Highlights: Meet Paloma Campos of Eastside Lash Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paloma Campos.

Hi Paloma, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve worked in the industry for nine years in Austin. I attended Avenue Five in 2013 to become a licensed esthetician and quickly took to lashing. To advance my career, I utilized my spare time and took extra classes to perfect my craft. I truly began my lash maturity at Dolce Blu – Domain from 2015 – 2017 then opened my own independent niche salon on Anderson Ln and in 2019 moved to West 5th. During this time, as a contributing force to Dolce Blu and their clients, Dolce Blu acknowledged my work and professionalism by continuing to utilize my experience in their salon during peak times in the business.

As COVID-19 hit in March 2020, I found myself confused and anxious about the future. Always being available to women in the industry, I envisioned a creative space for lash stylists to feel supported, help each other generate confidence in their craft and to be able to build a true entrepreneurial environment. This led to a true collaboration with my siblings to create a space in the place my family calls home, East Austin.

In the late summer of 2021, my siblings and I finally opened the doors to Eastside Lash Company. A space we envisioned for not only clients to get lashes done but lash techs to hone in on their craft with a training center. A creative environment that encourages, uplifts and builds in a positive environment in the beauty industry.

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’s been a journey for sure! As children of migrant workers nothing was or has been handed to us. We knew that it was going to take a lot of hard work to see the vision come into fruition simply because there was very little opportunity if you didn’t have the means or knowledge on producing the capital you needed to start a business. The first lesson I found was to think outside the box in finding ways to fund a brand-new business. We did our due diligence in researching all options from SBA loans to grants to minority/women owned business loans. Taking advantage of these services along with the support of my family, we made it happen.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Eastside Lash Company?
Eastside Lash Company is a business that specializes in lash extensions and lifts, face waxing, brow tint, and our newest service, bearded facials. Beauty salons are usually specific to their craft, however, listening to our members/clients, we are encouraged to implement other services which also enhances our client reach.

I believe what sets us apart from other salons is a unique charming social environment. Not only does our salon experience provide relaxation with our heated massage chairs – you don’t usually see that in lash studios – it is inviting to anyone who enters the salon. We also make sure that we give back to our community. In November we had a Thanksgiving Drive with every new membership we signed up. This month we are doing a Coat Drive to make sure kids have a good warm coat during any winter storms we find ourselves in this holiday. Another thing most people wouldn’t know is that Eastside Lash Co. is not just a lash studio, but a lifestyle. We have created such a unique fun space, true to Eastside character, that it has thus been rented out for events such as, office mixers, socials, birthday parties, baby showers, you name it! Eastside Lash Co is a social butterfly using every opportunity to interact with local businesses who have supported and support our vision. We hope you fall in love with it the way we have!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When you start focusing on what is important to you, you find yourself in company of like-minded people. Networking is KEY! Also, just be nice. It’s not hard. Gain as much knowledge as you can from going to events even if you feel that you might not gain anything from it. I found that you will feel so much better for it and the networking socials become easier. I started going to them more often because of the knowledge you gain from others. Things that you never thought of might help your brand.

Mentors are all around you if you’re paying close attention. In the beginning, I, unfortunately, didn’t have a mentor, so I thought. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago that most of the women I knew were my mentors and I get the privilege to call them my friends and family. Many late-night talks with these brilliant women make you feel invincible. I really couldn’t have done this without them. And honestly, NONE of them being are even in the beauty industry. They helped me believe anything is possible to the extent that I am working on expanding my entrepreneurial portfolio. Women are amazing! If you have God, faith, prayer and supportive women behind you, you’re unstoppable!!

Contact Info:

• Email: paloma.campos@eastsidelash.com
• Website: EastsideLash.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastsidelash_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastsidelash.co/?__tn__=-UC

Image Credits:
Eastside Lash Company, LLC and Ruben Morales Photography