Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa (Nghiem) Seppelt.
Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Oh gosh, where to start without rambling on and on. Well, I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry -it’s always been something I enjoyed but it wasn’t a “typical” career that one would go into.
I’m a first-generation immigrant and so there was a ton of pressure for me to get good grades, go to a great college, and have a successful career. While I did make my parents proud by doing all of the things, I basically had a mid-twenties crisis (or so I call it). I remember being so unhappy and having pestering thoughts that the career I was in, was not the career I’m meant to do. One night I got off a phone call with my girlfriends and I remember being in my apartment, having a bit too much wine (oops!), and praying on my kitchen floor. I remember being so upset and it felt like a mental break (not to be dramatic). I felt such a pressure of obligation to my parents but also an obligation to myself to love what I do. My next shift (which I believe was the next day), I walked into HR and I put in my two weeks notice. The woman that was working asked where I was going and I simply replied, “I don’t know.” and I walked out. After my last shift working at the hospital, I went to do a tour at The Aveda Institute and pretty much enrolled the following week.
I pretty much dove head first into everything I did after finishing the esthetics program at Aveda. I worked at Juut Salon (for not very long), then got a job at MAC Cosmetics. I then quit my job at MAC after only a few years and started my own business shortly after that. I bartended throughout my life and bartending really kept me afloat during such an impulsive time in my life.
But honestly, I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
I’ve learned to really trust my instincts and in God that He will lead me to where I need to be. Today, I lead a team of 10 women and we primarily work in the wedding industry. I like to think that my personality of wanting to serve people is much more suited for a bride than someone in the hospital. I definitely feel that I am where I am meant to be now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were a ton of obstacles and challenges when I first started out (I still have them, just different ones now)! I mean besides my mid-twenties crises, which was a major mental struggle in itself. I literally had no idea what I was doing. All I have to say is that Google was a major part of my life when I was starting out and I’m forever thankful to be able to just type in “how to start a business” and 50 articles would pop up, haha.
Most of my journey was trial and error.
Figuring out what worked for me, for my clients, and eventually my team. My constant challenge is overcoming imposter syndrome and learning how to work / life balance.. I’m definitely the new kid on the block and it’s really intimidating to think that I’m just as good as all of these other amazing hair and makeup artists. While I know I deserve a seat at the table it will definitely take some time for me to get over imposter syndrome. You would also think that now that I own my own business, that work/life balance would come naturally -and it definitely doesn’t. I’ve come to terms that I have a problem with not saying no, and to be honest I’m perfectly okay with it. I consider myself pretty lucky to truly love my career and will choose to work even when I just want to finish binge-watching something on Netflix.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m in the world of beauty, running an on location hair and makeup business. We are a team of 11 friends working primarily in the wedding industry. We specialize in timeless and effortless looks, the styles that people will look back in 30 years and say “wow, that looked beautiful,” and “I loved my hair and makeup!” We stay on trend but nothing that will look tacky next year since we all know the world of beauty is changing by the hour.
Besides winning awards, having great reviews, and having amazing clients – I think what I’m most proud of, is this small family we have. All of the women that work with me are seriously amazing human beings and I couldn’t have wished for a better group that cares as much as I do! I’m so grateful because I know for a fact that I would not be here without each of them. My day one artists, who are still with me today, encouraged me to keep going and supported me whenever I felt stressed in my personal life and in business. We truly are a small family and I think that is what makes us special. What’s cool is on a wedding day, it’s our family-friend group combining with another family-friend group on one of the best days ever -what could be better than that!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Just go to a networking event. I think that’s my biggest piece of advice haha. It’s so scary to go to one, I totally get it, but I think it’s helpful remembering that everyone that will be attending has the same goal as you -to meet other people, and who knows you might meet someone you aspire to be.
Networking has really helped me with becoming more confident in myself and slowly overcoming imposter syndrome. The dreaded question, “what do you do?” used to be my least favorite question but now I can confidently say that I’m the owner of a hair and makeup company -and I say it with conviction and pride. Networking has also helped me cut the costs of marketing. I am proud to say that I do not pay for any type of marketing for my business now. LHNBEAUTY is solely based on referrals, posting on social media, and people finding our website online.
I think networking is honestly just practice makes perfect situation.
My confidence grew over time and with that my conversations with others also matured. I’m not a good name person, but I am a good random fact person. So if it helps, try to remember one fact about the person you’re talking to -what they do, do they have kids, what industry they’re in, how did they start, etc. Remembering this helps with any future encounters -and trust me, it leaves a lasting impression.
Pricing:
- Bridal Hair & Makeup Package starting at $500
- Bridal Party Hair & Makeup starting at $200
- Special Events Hair & Makeup starting at $160
- Pageant Hair & Makeup starting at $180
- Graduating Seniors Hair & Makeup starting at $135
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lhnbeauty.com
- Website: www.lhnbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lhnbeauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhnbeauty
Image Credits
Katie Mae Photographs
Nikki Orth
Tessa June Lange
MalloryGregory Photography
Brooke Elisabeth Photography
Kelsey James Photo
Kenzie Achterhoff
