Today we’d like to introduce you to Demi Gilmore
Hi Demi, 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?
It all started in the summer of 2019, right before covid took its course. I was working in a restaurant as a supervisor and also at a hotel as a receptionist. I had also just entered my first year of college, I was really juggling a lot at once. I remember feeling so sad and weighed down, the restaurant was tiring, the hotel depressing and college was new so I was actually a little excited for it. All in all though I wasn’t happy at all. I can still remember the feeling of dissatisfaction, I’d constantly ask myself how did I see my future & what did I see for myself. At the time I was only 19 I felt like I could do anything but I also felt like I couldn’t do anything at all. The dreams and goals I had were all so out of reach, they felt unreal.
While school and work were overwhelming and stressful there was one thing that I was 100% committed to and that was getting my lashes done. It was never a hassle for me. I think I even started to go weekly just because I loved my lashes so much, plus my lash tech and I were pretty close. I was living at home still and my school was payed for so all of my money really went to getting my lashes done. Literally. I couldn’t go without them.
My friends and I had made a commitment that same summer to do a thing we called “self care Saturdays”. Where we’d meet up at the lake and bring snacks, crafts, games etc. we were all so busy with school and work at the time so this was our only way of staying in touch with each other. I remember we’d all taken turns to share where we were in life at the moment and when it was my turn I just blurted out “I’m going to start doing lashes”. I don’t even think I thought about the words I was saying and the power they held. My friends all encouraged me and said they would support but I really didn’t have a clue how that simple phrase was about to change my entire life.
I found myself doing research, I started watching videos and asking questions. My lash tech inspired me so much, she was so kind and helpful and to this day I still reach out to her for help. She really inspired me. I looked up schools, certifications I’d need, and licenses. I found other aspiring lash techs in my community and starting interacting with them. I really did a deep dive. I wanted to know everything I could about the lash industry.
Around this time it was November 2019. I’d quit both jobs because I was extremely exhausted and sad. School was my main focus but even then barely because I felt such a strong pull towards business and entrepreneurship. I wanted this for myself so badly and I really believed I could have it. I took a certification course and started practicing on my close friends and family. Taking about 5 clients a week in my parents’ basement. I had the whole set up. My lash bed and ring light and basic supplies. I was posting everything. Looking back I cringe but I’m so grateful because little did I know but I was really planting seeds-doing the ground work.
December 2019 my books were filling up. My peers were sharing my work and my little business was on the tip of expansion.
January 2020 is when everything drastically changed. I had moved my business to the cities and was working underneath two other beauty professionals in a suite. It was gorgeous. I was so excited and nervous and scared all at the same time. Moving to the cities gave me so much exposure. I had clients driving from hours away. Clients who wanted to come even late night. I was fully booked for the entire month-overbooked at that. Word had spread so fast I don’t think I ever thought it would be this abundant, it was just a small hobby I thought. I was taking about 8 clients a day- 5 days a week. Once February came around and Valentine’s Day was approaching clientele doubled for me. I was so hungry and excited about this new journey so I took every single client. I was at the studio early mornings and didn’t leave until late at night. This is how it all began.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back there were a few things that were easy for me. And I’d like to call that Gods favor. Things like getting clients, doing the social media, lowkey being a therapist, having the drive to run a business. It was all so easy for me. But the one thing that was hard for me was knowing when to take a step back. I had so much drive and motivation and hunger and I also even felt a need to prove myself-to myself that I could do this and I could be someone. All that drive eventually drove me into complete burnout and exhaustion. I was showing up in my work, in my attitude, in my professionalism. I thought that if I’d stopped or slowed down I would lose it all. In reality I was only losing myself in the process of serving everyone else.
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 am a Minneapolis lash tech and artist. My job is to enhance women’s’ natural beauty and also be their therapist if needed. Most people know me as a lash tech. I’ve heard a few people refer to me as that.
I am most proud of how far I’ve come in the midst of adversity. I don’t think I ever let a challenge stop me from doing what I wanted to do. That’s also what sets me apart. I look at adversity as an opportunity. When I was depressed working two jobs and going to school, it wasn’t long after that I reached a breakthrough in life and seen the other side. That’s how I look at obstacles, as if there is something I’m being prepared for. I share this with my clients as well in our lash-therapy sessions. It gets real haha but sometimes us women need to be reminded of our strength and power especially in the midst of defeat and calamity. It’s always refreshing to hear that from someone who may have shared the same experience as you. That’s what sets me apart.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I have a desire to eventually have my own storefront location. Within the next few years actually. I want to reach the younger generation of women and teach them about being an entrepreneur but also the ins and outs of the beauty industry. I’d love to have them in my location so they can see day to day operations. Learn how to manage their own clientele. Etc
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demilashmpls.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demilashmpls/
