Nicole Schwartz does it all in 2020
How UNR student balances her lash business and classes during the pandemic
As it seems civilization has come to a halt, many feel discouraged by the current circumstances in America regarding the pandemic. But sophomore Nicole Schwartz feels motivated in the midst of the 2020 chaos, balancing her lash extension business and college classes alike.
The lash artist started her career in early 2019 and has only continued to grow her business since then, showcasing her progress on @nicolexlashes on Instagram. She majors in psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno with a minor in business studies. Schwartz answers how she got into lashes, what running a small business looks like in college, and how she does it all through a pandemic.
So, how did you get into doing lashes?
NS: Well, I’ve gotten lash extensions myself since I was 15, so I’ve always had an interest in it. Vegas has a lot of lash studios and training opportunities, so when I was 18, I decided to take a lash training course. It was a lot of money, but it was definitely worth it.
And how did you know that doing lash extensions was for you?
NS: Luckily, I’ve always been really good with my fingers, I think because I played violin from a young age. I have a super steady hand, so I think that all feeds into it. I kind of had a knack for it right off the bat.
Oh, those kinds of features definitely make for a talented lash artist. At what point did it become more than just a hobby and an actual business venture for you?
NS: I started doing lashes on practice heads, then, once I felt I was good enough, I moved on to doing some friends who volunteered. They had people at school who would ask who did their lashes and they would recommend me. I then had girls texting me to do their lashes, so I decided to start an Instagram. I started with really low prices, and have raised them since I’ve improved my skills and learned new styles.
Which style is your favorite?
NS: I really like doing volume now, especially because it uses a more advanced technique. That’s what most of my clients request, so it’s kind of my specialty now. It does take longer though, but it’s also more expensive to get.
What do you feel sets you apart from other lash artists in Reno?
NS: One thing that I feel really sets me apart are my prices. They’re way lower on average than other lash studios in Reno, so I think a lot of my clients, who are college students, really appreciate not having to spend an extreme amount to get lashes. I also think I really have an eye for detail. I notice every single lash individually, as well as being able to see the look of the eye overall, so I make sure every single lash is placed perfectly. I’m kind of a perfectionist, which pays off in this line of work.
And what is your favorite part about doing lashes?
NS: Definitely seeing their reactions when I’m done. When they look in the mirror, girls get so excited. It’s really fun to make people feel so confident in themselves.
Oh, definitely. Do you feel it’s difficult balancing school and a business?
NS: At times, yes. Like I’ll need to study for an exam or finish an essay, but then I have clients that I have to finish first, so it’s stressful. I try to manage my time accordingly though and schedule clients for days that I know I’ll be free on, but it’s college, so there’s always something to be working on.
“It’s a lot but it’s gratifying to know that all of it is done by me and my hard work is paying off.”
Do you sometimes feel intimidated being so young in the lash game?
NS: Yes and no. I know my skill level and I know I’m talented, so I’m not intimidated in that sense. But most other lash artists are older and have a lot more years under their belt, so I guess that’s sometimes intimidating.
And how is running your own business in college?
NS: It’s stressful but it’s also rewarding. I run my business right out of my room, so all of the supplies and everything are paid for myself. I have to keep on top of inventory and scheduling clients as well as the added worries about health with the ongoing pandemic, so everything needs to be sanitized between clients. It’s a lot but it’s gratifying to know that all of it is done by me and my hard work is paying off.
Oh yes, the pandemic, could you go more into detail about working closely with people in the midst of all this?
NS: I mean it is a little scary. I’m super close to their face and we’re breathing on each other so I guess it’s just having trust. I’ve had a lot of clients cancel after testing positive or being around people who did, so I’m glad that they are having the courtesy to do that. I actually had to reschedule a bunch of clients because my roommates had it, so we all had to quarantine for two weeks.
Has the pandemic impacted business for you a lot?
NS: At the start, it hit really hard. I was scared to take clients and was just in quarantine for so long. Then, once we were out of lockdown for a while, I started taking them again and things started to go back to normal. All the girls were so excited to get their lashes back on, so it was exciting for me too. Business is doing even better now that I’m back in Reno, I have a wider client base up here.
What advice would you give to other small business owners during this time?
NS: Just follow your passion and don’t be afraid to jump back into it. It seems daunting at first to go back into business in the midst of everything right now, but it’s been so gratifying. People want to support your business, so don’t be afraid to promote it.
And my final question, what’s next for you?
NS: For now, I’m just trying to get through college while meeting my client’s needs. I’m always trying to improve, so that will always be a goal for me too.
