Three signs you're getting burnout as a lash artist and three tips to help you recover from it.
Establishing and sustaining a successful career as a lash artist is no small task. Like any other trade-based profession, lash artists must manage their business by attracting and maintaining clients while perfecting their craft. Whether you are just starting out or have an established business, you will wear many hats on any given day. Juggling multiple priorities every day can be draining. That’s why we’re talking about burnout.
When I first opened my storefront, I became extremely busy quickly and didn’t know how to prioritize myself by saying no to clients. While I don’t regret that decision, working 12 hours a day with only one day off was not a sustainable way to live my life. Once I was in a spot where I could reevaluate, I realized how burnt out I was. I’m happy to say I get two days off a week and stopped working nights after almost seven years! It was scary at first, but my clients adapted.
So now I’m here to help you! Let’s talk about how to recognize burnout and tips to getting yourself back on track so you don’t lose sight of what you love - being a lash artist!
How to recognize you’re getting burned out as a lash artist
First, I will start off by saying that you WILL get burned out. It happens to everyone, and it doesn’t mean you aren’t great at what you do or your business is failing! It’s your mind and body’s way of telling you to check in with yourself and also an opportunity to improve things. We are all human, and sometimes we must prioritize our well-being.
Let’s talk about three common signs you are getting burned out as a lash artist.
1. You’re getting annoyed about having a packed schedule
Not having to worry about filling your openings as a beauty professional is #goals. But if you’re exhausted and already stretched thin, it could make you feel like you don’t have any time to do anything other than lash. If you’re resenting clients for booking time with you or dreading going to work for days, that’s burnout.
2. You aren’t feeling inspired
Small business owner, manager, employee, or whatever - you are a lash artist at the end of the day. The keyword is artist! You make beautiful things that make people feel fabulous. If you aren’t inspired to pick up your tweezers and create beautiful lashes, that’s burnout.
3. You’re having trouble interacting
Whether it’s posting on social media to promote your business or chatting with clients while you’re doing, they’re lashes. You know you SHOULD be engaging more, but you can’t find it within yourself to do it. Maybe it’s because you’re grumpy or too caught up in your own thoughts - you don’t feel like chatting, and the last thing you want to do is put up some fake post about how great things are when you really aren’t feeling it. That’s burnout.
You may be experiencing one or all of these things to some extent, and that is totally normal. But if you feel this way for days, you may need a break. Realizing you are experiencing burnout is the first step to helping yourself feel better and return to loving lashing!
Three ways to help yourself recover from burnout while still lashing
You can recover from burnout, but it must be intentional and may take some time. As a small business owner in a trade professional, sometimes it’s easy to forget about yourself. But YOU are the most important part of your business, so make sure you take care of your best asset - yourself.
Let’s talk about three ways to recover from burnout as a lash artist.
1. Plan for time off
Everyone needs a break, and taking some time off is OK, but make sure you plan for it! That can look like budgeting so you aren’t stressed about money during your time off or picking one day you don’t work every week. As a service professional in the beauty industry, it’s very easy to work seven days a week. But that is not a sustainable way to live your life! Take some time to reset. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Reset your clients
As mentioned above, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of catering to your client’s schedule. You should do that to some extent, but working 70 hours a week to accommodate clients will absolutely burn you out. Instead, step back and think about how many hours you want to work in a week. What will you need to charge if you are thinking about reducing your hours? The great thing about being an independent lash artist if you can make your own schedule and set your own prices! If you have a loyal client base, they will make your new schedule work to get their lashes done. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries!
Tip: I raise my prices once a year which allows me to re-evaluate my schedule and change it to what best works for my life at the moment. It also allows me to drop clients if needed.
3. Practice gratitude
If you’re experiencing burnout as a lash artist, you are crushing it! It means you have a successful business, loyal clients, and practice an art you love. You did that! You got here, and that is something to be proud of. In times of stress, it’s important to step back and look at where you came from. Be grateful for yourself and all you have accomplished. Be grateful to your body and mind for letting you practice lash artistry. You worked hard to get here, so take a break and think about all the people you made feel beautiful. Celebrate all you’ve accomplished by treating yourself. You deserve it!
Just like any trade or self-run small business, being a lash artist will come with ups and downs. It’s important to take care of yourself to weather the storms ahead. If you’re currently experiencing burnout, remember you deserve the time to recover to be your best self. Your clients and your future self will thank you in the long run!