Meet Lexi Williams | Owner 614 Lash Bar, Esthetician and Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lexi Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lexi, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor bending success for me or for my brand is the impact I make in other peoples lives, specifically women. My goal is to always create an environment of growth and positivity. Whether that’s with my clients or my team. I love connecting with my clients on a daily basis and there is no better feeling than when they leave with a smile on their face, not because their lashes look great but because we had meaningful conversation. When it comes to my team, creating an environment, especially in the beauty industry that feels safe and welcoming is a top priority. I have been in toxic work environments and if my studio creates one less bad experience for beauty professionals, that is success to me.

What should our readers know about your business?
614 Lash Bar was founded in 2014. It still doesn’t seem real that we are going to be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year! What really sets us apart is the confidence and collaborative mindset that not many business owners have. I’m so proud to go into work knowing I’m supporting goals and growth of my team. What fills my cup is being able to pour into others, which is why I’m very passionate about education in the industry. I started setting the foundations of the business when I was 19 years old. My biggest foundation is providing excellent customer service and I wholeheartedly believe that is how my business was able to expand to where it is today.
The process of opening any business isn’t easy, there’s lots of learning curves but if you go in knowing that perfection isn’t the goal, you will continue to move forward. There’s going to be setbacks and challenges but always a way to work through them. For me, having people in my corner has been a huge help. Not being too “prideful” and thinking I can do everything on my own. Having a coach/mentor, financial advisor, accountant and surrounding myself with other business owners helped me through those challenges.
Some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along way, like mentioned above is to not do it alone. Owning a business can get very lonely and you feel like you are the only one going through challenges, but you aren’t. Asking for help when I needed it, set me up for success. Another lesson I have learned over the years is to let go of control. There’s so many things out of our control and the sooner you accept that, the better. When I finally learned to let go and not force the outcome I wanted, I realized everything flowed with ease.
I want aspiring professionals, especially young women with big dreams to know they can do anything they dream of. The first 1-3 years in business is the hardest. After that, it’s still hard work but you can do your craft with more confidence and you have the mindset to work through challenges versus giving up. It is possible to truly love what you do and I’m so thankful to have preserved to see the positive outcomes of owning a business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love living in Columbus. I’m a downtown girl and that’s where some of my favorite spots are Whenever I have friends come to visit some top spots on my list:
Emmett’s cafe, my favorite latte in town
Lox bagels
North market and walking down high street
Taking a walk around Schiller park and exploring German village
Stop in the book loft
Get a spicy margarita and hang on the patio At habanero’s
Walk down the Scioto mile downtown
Goodale station for cozy rooftop vibes
The sacred palm, a hidden speakeasy in the basement of a pizza shop
We’d have to grab some ice cream from Jenis, in a waffle cone

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without my loyal clientele that has been with me for 10+ years. They are the reason I’ve been able to grow from a solo artist to opening up my business. And of course, my husband. Without his support throughout the years I would have given up during the hard times. His encouragement, faith and taking on the role of Mr. Lash Bar has been such a blessing!

Website: Www.614lashbar.com

Instagram: 614lashbar / lexthelashgirl