Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in beauty and cosmetics but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tara Bogna, Co-Founder of Lash Spell, located in Ventura, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

As a busy mom of three, I dreamt up the idea of a lash serum that would deliver results with a gentle formula that could be used daily by busy people like me. Voila! Lash Spell was born! With only a single swipe before bed, your lashes will have the look of length and volume in a matter of weeks; kinda like magic. We started Lash Spell to inspire all to cast their unique spell on the world by embracing their natural beauty.

The Lash Spell customer is ME! She is busy and on the go but cares about looking good and, more importantly, feeling good. She understands that the two go in hand in hand. Like when she gets a morning workout, she chooses a healthy meal after, which then snowballs into how she carries on throughout her day, making choices that help her feel good and then DO good. She may not have time to get her lashes done, which likely isn't as important to her. She cares about her natural beauty and enhancing the beauty that is already within her.

We celebrate the truth seekers, the ones who want to live a lifestyle of magnifying their own natural beauty. Our products were designed to enhance what you already have and embrace self-love and acceptance along the way. Growth is your magic; we just supply the products that help amplify what you've already got. We have created a magical place for women to feel empowered by living a more authentic life and learning to love and highlight what they have instead of focusing on what they don't. Lash Spell, where magic makers are created.

Tell us about yourself

I discovered a lash serum in my mom's bathroom drawer when I was home visiting from college. What followed was nothing short of magical. I loved how my lashes looked and my confidence in using a lash serum. Never purchasing the same one twice, I became obsessed with finding a gentle and effective formula - and Lash Spell was born. After partnering up with my brother and co-founder, Trevor, we looked at the category and realized what was missing was FUN! Lash Spell was created to help show how easy and FUN it is to use… and see results! I have three kids, which keep me busy, and Lash Spell is a ten-second part of my daily routine that makes me feel good about enhancing my natural beauty!

I am motivated each day to do what I do by sharing our message. It's not just about what our products can do, but the entire concept that we are able to share a result, a feeling that can impact how someone feels. It can lift someone up and make them feel confident, and I love sharing that! We are also so grateful to be working with Cancer Cartel, a nonprofit run by three cancer survivors that donate all the money they receive to those affected by cancer. Last, my biggest motivation to do what I do comes from my drive to set an example for my children. I want them to dare big and follow their dreams.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Nothing makes me feel more accomplished than hearing the testimonials of our customers. We created this serum to help people gain more self-confidence in their natural beauty. Each message, story, or review that shares a story of how they feel confident after using Lash Spell gives me chills. What many don't realize is that the serum isn't just changing the lives by helping people feel confident in their beauty, but it's also helping people who have been affected by other battles, like cancer. Stories like these give me chills and make all the "business" challenges feel worth it.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing time! Between running a business and a home, I have a hard time turning off one when I'm doing the other. I can go into "mom" mode or "Lash Spell Tara" mode in just a snap – which isn't necessarily a good thing. I'm learning how to be more strict with my time and allow myself to have "me" time, not just family or work time. It has helped my mental health immensely.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be prepared for late nights ;)
  2. Invest/bet on yourself. This doesn't necessarily mean financially but also emotionally; give yourself rest and motivationally, be your biggest cheerleader. There are more times I'd like to admit that I have felt alone in this, and that's when it comes in handy to always think about what motivates YOU. YOU have to motivate YOU!
  3. Have fun! There will be stresses & so much out of your control. It's helpful to have a brother/co-founder who always reminds me to have fun! This is, after all, the reason we started Lash Spell. I mean, doesn't everyone want to work with their older brother?! ;)

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Keep an eye out in your local salon for us (or ask them to!), or you can find us online at www.lashspell.com and get 15% off your order with promo code "spell15" at checkout! We promise to help you feel confident in your own natural lashes and brows!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://lashspell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashspellstory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lash_spell/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lashspell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lash-spell/about/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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