From Lash Enthusiast to Entrepreneur:
Senior Alexa G. Opens ‘Lexa Lashed’

Written By: Gena Wynkoop, Editorial Content Manager

Seattle Academy senior Alexa Gaspar is a boss…literally.

“I’ve always been entrepreneurial,” said Alexa. “I wanted to find something that I enjoy doing [where I don’t have a set schedule and where I don’t report to a manager]. I’ve never liked being under someone.” 

After getting eyelash extensions for the first time last year, Alexa started asking her lash artist about her business and became more curious.

“I started watching a bunch of YouTube videos and live streams of lash techs, so I bought a kit from Amazon and just started learning,” she said. “You have to practice, practice, practice. If I’m not watching someone practicing, I am practicing.”

It wasn’t just the love of the beauty industry that inspired her to begin–it was also her independent nature and self-starter attitude that helped her spark the business idea for Lexa Lashed.

“The inspiration to start my business was that I felt I needed to do something with my time that’s not just a job but also something that can be valuable later on in life. I really wanted to try lashing and it’s such an art.”

Over the summer, Alexa worked on getting her certifications for applying lash extensions. As for an official business license, she’ll have to wait until she turns 18 here in Washington State, but she is still working towards it.

“Right now I am certified to do four different types of lash extensions, but I’m also certified to do certain types of lashes. I took an allergy course, a curly lash course, and a shaping course.”

Not only does she have an interest in the beauty industry but after high school she is looking towards majoring in Neuroscience.

“I want to study pre-med and I know how busy that can be and might make it difficult for a  regular job. I knew I wanted to be responsible for my own schedule. With lashing, [I can do it on my terms] and generate income. ” 

Doing this type of business while going to school is proving to be a lucrative experience for Alexa as word travels fast around a high school…

“Being at SAAS has been really good because I’ll do it for one girl and then she tells her friends and they tell their friends and it’s working by word of mouth really well. I love seeing the girls’ reactions and I tell my clients that I love getting paid to be with pretty people. Everyone is pretty and I love [enhancing their natural beauty].”

Alexa has been going to SAAS since her freshman year and says she has picked up components from different classes that help her run her business. From marketing to interpersonal relationships to running her social media accounts, the classes at SAAS have provided a great launchpad for her entrepreneurial passion.

“In some of the classes I’ve taken over the years at SAAS, I’ve grabbed things that have helped with my business. Like in ceramics, I made my own lash tweezer holders and in the intro to studio arts, I learned how to use Canva and build logos. In photography, learning how to edit photos [has been helpful with the marketing aspect].”

“All the classes I have taken have helped me build the fundamentals of starting a business. My teachers aren’t like ‘We’re gonna teach you this so you can run your own business,’ it is just all the pieces coming together.”

As with any business, there are highs and lows that Alexa has already experienced, from trying to find a solid base of clients to learning to deal with harsh criticism. 

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“I have had some challenges! Finding a clientele has been hard. Also, asking people to pay has been difficult. I feel bad because I still feel like a beginner and I’m constantly putting myself in a vulnerable position—showcasing your work [always comes with criticism].”

“It’s hard to push past the negativity. The first time I got a negative comment I was pretty sad, I actually cried to my mom. She told me that I just have to remember the fact that people are not always going to be happy with the work you do, and it’s fine because others will be happy.”

It has also challenged her to put herself out there in ways that are unique to starting a business.

“[Starting this business] has pushed me to put myself out there. I’m more social both at work and at school. It’s building my people skills. I love talking but I’m also very shy.”

On the flip side of those challenges, she uses those new skills with every lash application–focused on building genuine relationships with her clients. For many folks who receive beauty treatments, the relationship between technician and client can be a special one! 

“I’m trying to establish trust and build an actual friendship. When you build friendships with your clients, they will likely be return customers! My goal is to make people feel comfortable with me and communicate exactly what they need.”

When Alexa graduates in June, her goal is to continue to lash, build her business, and make money on her own terms until she begins pre-med in the fall.

“Even though my other passion is in neuroscience, I know I can have the best of both worlds. I can become a lash tech and I can become a neurosurgeon too!”

Alexa has a lot to be proud of–starting a business isn’t easy for anyone, especially when you are a 17-year-old student balancing school, clubs, a social life and not to mention SAT prep and college applications. But Alexa stays positive. 

“I do have a lot of fun with it,” said Alexa. “I feel empowered because I’m a first-generation student so it was a challenge to start my own business. But it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life—I’ll want to have my own medical business, too. Starting and running a business at 17 is really cool and I am proud of myself.”

You can follow Alexa’s journey on her business Instagram page @lexalashed.