Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Pham.
Hi Lisa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m an Esthetician turned Lash Artist. Growing up, I have always loved All Things Beauty. From makeup, lashes to fashion. After stumbling upon the lash world in 2014, I decided to turn it into a career.
One night, I was lying in bed, dreading another return to the grind and couldn’t stop thinking about figuring out a way to start my new career. I needed to open my own business so that I could have more freedom and flexibility with my son. (He was one at that time)
At the time, I worked at a notable lash studio for a couple of years. The quality and atmosphere that I wanted to provide wasn’t present, and I felt there was something lacking. Granted, I was extremely thankful for all the experiences and incredible people I’ve met along the way.
I left my corporate position in the Fall of 2017. Determined to start my own business, I was asking my friends and family for advice and reading books on how to build a business from the bottom. Shortly after, I took a leap of faith and found a location to call my business baby! The Diva Suite opened its doors in January 2018.
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?
It has definitely not been an easy path. My biggest struggle was to go solo and get my lash studio. It has been challenging to learn how to properly market my business and build my clientele. I do embrace the many obstacles that I have had to overcome and welcomed the experiences gained. Competing with many new artists in the lash world was difficult because you need to set yourself apart from others just as good as the next. I informed myself through books and researching online as well as constant practices to master my craft. I reached out to successful lash artists to learn from their business experiences and potential clients to gather what expectations they have from a business in the lash world. I push myself to learn more to be able to promote and grow The Diva Suite. The riskiest decision I chose to make was to leave my corporate job and build something where I could still be active in my son’s daily life. I learned that I had to want to become a business owner more than I was afraid of it and make The Diva Suite my priority.
Running a business is not always what you see on social media. No one truly knows what goes on behind the scenes, they only see as much as I choose to share. Not everyday is a good day. There’s days where I get a string of cancellations, days when I run out of energy to talk to clients, days where I get zero likes and zero engagement on posts and so on. There’s many challenges I face as a small business owner, but clients and their support make it all worth it in the end!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve lashed for a total of 8+ years now. I specialize in all lash styles: classic, hybrid, and volume. The set that sets me apart are my hybrid volume wispy sets. They are just so gorgeous, looks natural from the front view but full from the top view, and have a lot of texture. All my sets are customized to each client’s eye shape and preferences.
As a lash artist, we are artists and also therapists. I like having a personal relationship with each and every one of my clients. I owe a great debt of gratitude to all of my clients – especially the ones who have continued to book my services throughout the years. Their allegiance is what makes The Diva Suite amazing! I love them all so much. This industry has helped me become the woman/entrepreneur that I am today.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the Austin vibes! People here are so friendly to each other and are so willing to support one another! I am also a foodie, so I enjoy the different variety of restaurants and food options. My son and I love exploring the city where we can bring our dogs, Austin businesses are more pet-friendly than others.
Things I would say that I dislike about Austin is more people are moving to this great city, causing major traffic jams! I always say please just visit, but don’t stay! (:
Contact Info:
- Email: thedivasuite@gmail.com
- Website: www.thedivasuite.com
- Instagram: @thedivasuite
