Meet Sydney Huntley | Licensed Esthetician, 3x Certified Lash Artist

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

Hi Sydney, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Lash Experience by Marie is rooted in service. I started this business full time in order to help my family. This entrepreneurship journey gave me the freedom to help care for my mother who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s and Dementia in 2013. What started as just a hobby turned into a passion for servicing others.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Lash Experience is all about providing the top tier beauty service to everyone alike. We have a very diverse clientele, and take pride in making beauty an EXPERIENCE that everyone can have no matter the socioeconomic status, race, religion, etc. The Lash Experience by Marie also understands that being a local business also means being apart of the community. As a mother first, and entrepreneur immediately following, I understand that access to beauty is important. Self-care is important. I set myself apart with my availability. My work hours begin at 4:30AM for those clients who are “about that life”. I also offer late hours to make sure I accommodate those who have free time in reverse.

I am most proud of opening my store front in spite of my trials and tribulations.
As a caregiver, full-time student, single mother, and full-time entrepreneur, I was under so much pressure. In the midst of that, losing my mom is a pain that is paralyzing. I was paralyzed for some time. Days that I needed to push myself, it just wasn’t possible sneaks up on me sometimes is the worst way. some days it just depletes my energy and I just cant be productive, I am also a single mother. My son Lennox is 3 years old, and its a full time job as well. I’m most proud of the strength that I have exhibited to pull this together despite the adversity.
I got to where I am today with GOD, family, and dedication. I always stay prayed up and acknowledge that God is my help. It has not been an easy road to get here, but my faith runs deep. My confidence and willingness to learn has always been apart of my success. I am always willing to learn and grow in some way. I take advice form anyone on any platform and see where it can apply to my business. I have always been eager to learn. Confidence is key. You have to believe In your craft. I overcame the business challenged b y going to seek out information that I needed to know. Anything that was unfamiliar to me became familiar.

One of the most important lessons that I have learned in entrepreneurship is the importance of accounting for your time. There is always something to do, but there is also a way to do everything. You have to be intentional about your time and you have to have a plan. I want the world to know that it’s possible. If you want it, it’s yours. You can’t just dream it, you have. to do it. You have to put God first in everything that you do. Faith without work is dead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend coming in, I would take them to all my local favorite spots. A couple of those spots belong to my fellow MORTAR alumni, and are Black_owned/Women Owned.

We would grab breakfast at Wild Eggs, one of my favorite spots, or the JW breakfast truck (black-owned) not far from my house. Always in the mood for shopping, so Kenwood Mall or the Monroe Premium Outlets would be would be the next stop. Lunch would be at a fellow MORTAR alum restaurant called Soul Secrets! Down home Southern food that’s amazing! We could go and grab drinks and live music later at Nostalgia, another fellow MORTAR alumni jazz bar. They have spoken word, live music, and my favorite singer in the city Ms. Lauren Eylise. The streetcar would be a great way for us to get around especially because its free!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, Perry and Karen. Blessed to have had them chosen for me. They made so many sacrifices in order for my sisters and I to pursue every dream we had. We were afforded every opportunity possible. We were rooted in faith, and showered with love. As much as we were given, we also understood that we had an obligation to secure our futures by working hard, and we were provided the tools to be able to do so. MORTAR absolutely changed my life. MORTAR Cincinnati is a program that helps both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs build a comprehensive business canvas and learn the nuances of business management; The goal being to launch businesses that create jobs and circulate dollars locally. MORTAR changed the game for me as far as starting to think about my business in the financial light. They have all the networking resources and the staff do the work with you! MORTAR is a great place for entrepreneurs to go and give their businesses a push, and build confidence in their journey. MORTAR helped me tremendously.

Website: www.thelashexperiencebymarie.com

Instagram: @thelashexp_bymarie

Facebook: The Lash Experience by Marie

Image Credits
Jamal Foster Eightyone Visuals