Conversations with Isabel O’Connor

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel O’Connor.

Hi Isabel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
In July 2020, I had my first baby, Oziah. He was my inspiration to begin doing what made me happy. Before I had him, I worked at many nursing homes and assisted livings straight out of high school, which I also loved doing but never felt like I was financially stable. So, on the side, in 2021, I started doing prom and wedding makeup and eventually wanted to expand into the beauty industry. I took an online certification class for lashing, and it was instantly something I enjoyed and was also good at! I started to practice with close friends and family and posted them to my makeup page. Fall of 2021, I had an appointment with Tawnee Huiras at The Mane Bandit Salon. She had seen my work and had asked me to be a part of her team! She helped me get licensed to work in the salon, and I was two months later. Working beside her gave me a huge platform and a great clientele immediately. She is my inspiration and the only reason I am where I am today. I owe it all to Tawnee for believing in me and taking the risk. I truly am grateful to anyone who has given me the chance to work on them. And all my lash babes who have been with me since the beginning. I can finally say I am financially stable and can provide for my son and myself.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
Before I was pregnant with Oziah, I was at one of the lowest points in my life, I had to leave my house and a relationship I was in, leaving behind most of my belongings. Which kind of left me with nothing and homeless. I stayed at different friends’ houses, just sleeping and going to work. When I first found out I was pregnant, I knew I needed to make a change for myself and him. He saved me and helped me to strive to be the best version of myself I can be. While working in a nursing home is rewarding, and I love taking care of the residents, there is always a shortage of staffing, it’s hard work, the hours are long, and the pay is inadequate. I worked hard to get myself back on track. It took lots of determination to work and find a place to live, and soon enough, all with a new baby. Eventually, when I could make more doing lashes, I left the nursing home and no longer had to work days, evenings, and overnights, allowing me to schedule my life around my son. I am pleased to say since starting LashedbyBel. I have not struggled.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Yes, let’s talk eyelash extensions. I am a lash artist! I place false eyelashes on every one of people’s eyelashes to give them a longer and fuller look. I’d like to think I specialize in almost everything regarding eyelash extensions. I love creating all kinds of different sets and styles. I believe that’s what sets me apart from others. I am most proud of my growth in just under a year.

Alright, before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
I still do makeup on the side, and that is where I do most of my collaboration, mainly helping Tawnee with big wedding parties, but I am open and willing to most ideas, and anyone can contact me if they have one! The easiest support I get is sharing my work on social media or just simple word of mouth! My biggest supporters, of course, are my clients!🖤

Pricing:

• Volumes- $210
• Hybrids- $195
• Classics- $175
• 2 week fills – $55, $65, $80
• 3 week fills – $65, $75, $90

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lashedbybel.square.site/
• Instagram: @manebanditisabel
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manebanditisabel 

Image Credits
Rayn’s Photography