Self-Training as a Lash Tech: My Journey and the Struggles of Starting Small

As an international student trying to balance school, work, and living in a new country, it’s hard to find time for anything else. But through all the challenges, I’ve found a way to slowly learn a profitable skill—becoming a lash technician. The journey hasn’t been simple, but it has been incredibly rewarding in its own way.

When I made the decision to leave Nigeria, I was already aware of the financial challenges that lay ahead. As an international student, I’m limited to only 20 hours of work a week and and if I’m lucky to work the entire 20 hours, which isn’t nearly enough to cover my expenses, especially with my tuition fees staring me down. I knew I needed a side hustle to supplement my income. So before leaving Nigeria, I took lash extension classes to get a basic understanding of the craft. I figured it’s a skill I can do on the side, it’s in demand, and let’s face it, lashes are like the magic wand of beauty. Plus, who doesn’t want to be their own boss, right?

Before all of this, I had my own clothing line in Nigeria for four years. I’ve always been the kind of person who loves being my own boss and having control over my time. Running a business back home gave me a sense of independence, and I could schedule my days the way I wanted. I thrived in that routine—the hustle, the creativity, and the freedom that came with managing my own brand.

Now, here’s where things get tricky. I thought, “Great, I’ll learn the basics, and once I get to the UK, I’ll be all set to start my lash business.” I had big dreams,  LOL. But, surprise surprise, life had other plans. With school assignments that never seem to end and jobs that take up every free moment of my day, finding time to practice became a joke. My idea of practicing has turned into watching YouTube tutorials at 2 AM when I should be writing an essay on something I barely understand. But hey, YouTube is my unsung hero. If you’re a student with no time, YouTube tutorials are basically the equivalent of a free personal coach who doesn’t judge you for binge-watching videos at 3 AM.

Between working at my two jobs (which is basically like participating in a marathon with no finish line) and trying to survive school, I’ve been squeezing in practice whenever I can. It's all about the hustle, baby. But here’s the kicker, while I’m out here learning and practicing, I’m also saving up for the tools I need. Every month, I put a little bit aside to buy equipment expand my lash tech setup.  Some items I was able to bring with me from Nigeria, but there are still a few essential tools I need, such as high-quality lash supplies and the proper training kits. It’s a slow process, and sometimes I honestly feel like I’m trying to run a race with a broken shoe, but it’s progress.

And let me tell you, saving up for equipment is a whole other level of discipline. I feel like a professional tightrope walker trying to balance school, work, and being able to afford those super expensive lash trays that cost more than my weekly grocery run. But every time I buy something, even if it's just a little thing, I feel a sense of accomplishment, There’s something incredibly fulfilling about building a business from scratch, especially when it allows you to take control of your financial future. So even though I’m currently buried in assignments and splitting my time between jobs, every step I take toward becoming a successful lash tech feels like I’m inching closer to reclaiming that sense of independence I had back in Nigeria.

I know that my client base is non existent right now, but I’m taking it one step at a time. The goal isn’t just to make some extra money, it’s to build something bigger and I’m slowly chipping away at it, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come, even if it’s not as fast as I’d like. I’m still working two jobs, still drowning in school work, but I’m also becoming a better lash tech . Who knows? One day, I might be the go-to lash artist, giving people fabulous lashes and living my best life. For now, I’ll settle for squeezing in an hour of practice whenever I can and making the most of the resources I have.

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