The Lash and Brow Diaries: A Mompreneur's How-to

The Lash and Brow Diaries: A Mompreneur's How-to

As a lash + brow artist, you’re not just shaping brows and creating beautiful lash sets, you’re building confidence and empowering clients to feel their best. 

But behind the scenes, there’s another role that demands equal (if not a little more) attention and care — motherhood. Shaping little lives, doing endless loads of laundry, managing your own mental health and managing a business. It’s a LOT. Balancing these two worlds can feel overwhelming, but also incredibly rewarding at the same time.

Here’s my story, and how I navigate the beautiful, chaotic dance of being a mom and business owner in the beauty industry while staying focused, fulfilled, and (somewhat) sane.

I opened the doors to my first salon suite in February 2021.

During my first week of opening, I found out I was pregnant! This was crazy exciting news for my partner and I, but on the inside we were freaking OUT. It was go time baby. The next few months I was hustling on instagram posting my work and different promos to get clients in the door, working around the clock between clients and my restaurant job in the evening. 

To be honest I was not exercising regularly, was not seeing a therapist, had zero time management skills, and was definitely not giving my mental health any attention. My nervous system was beginning to take a hit, but I was managing to stay afloat and I just put all of my energy into my work. (I do not recommend doing this lol)

Lets fast forward to March 2022

My beautiful baby girl was born in January, and I took almost a full 2.5 months off of work completely. I was cocooning at home with my little one and husband; it was a beautiful and crazy time, but I felt I was ready to take a few clients part-time.

I thought at the time that I had managed to “skip” the postpartum blues. I was feeling decently good all around. Little did I know, within the next few months I was about to experience some intense postpartum anxiety and depression that would rock my entire world. 

I was pushing away close friends, the relationship with my husband started getting rocky, and distanced myself from family. I was in a pretty dark spot mentally, but my career was booming, and my baby girl was as healthy and happy as ever, which was all I truly cared about. Meanwhile I was living in a state of fight-or flight: irritable, experienced mood swings, stress, depression and anxiety. All which had ups and downs but lasted about 1.5-2 years. My nervous system was extremely dysregulated. 

Fast forward to the present: January 2025

Within just the past year really, I started taking my mental and physical health seriously and pulled myself out of all of that

This is how I balance becoming/being a mother while running + scaling my business even more: 

Set Realistic Expectations

The first step to finding balance is letting go of perfection. Some days my business takes center stage, I’m taking clients, creating bomb content and batching posts for instagram. Other days, family comes first, I’m giving my daughter and husband more attention. Or maybe I wake up, thinking I’m going to cross all these things off my to-do list, and I end up taking a nice long nap instead. All are okay, and ALL are important.

Time Management 

I have a type b personality, time management has always been a struggle for me. I am still learning, but time management is crucial when you’re a mom running a business. I used to spread myself thin, working 6-7 days a week taking clients and filling in with family time, leaving very little time (if any) for *me* time. 

Now, I take clients 4 days a week. One full day for content creation/admin. Two full days for family/me time. I highly recommend creating a schedule that’s similar to this. Its changed my life completely, and your clients WILL still schedule with you, even though you’ve reduced your days / hours.

Build a Support System

It truly takes a village to manage both roles successfully. Your friends and family want you to lean on them, they love you! Hire a babysitter for an evening out with your friends or partner. I started working with a therapist and a health coach to tackle my anxiety, depression, and dysregulated nervous system. (It’s very important to learn how to regulate your nervous system!)

For business tasks, consider outsourcing when you can. Maybe hire a college student to help with social media tasks, and definitely use a booking system to streamline appointments. I also started working with an amazing business coach which has helped tremendously with my mental health believe it or not, as well as keeping my goals + visions clear. The more support you have, your capacity will grow. You’ll start to have more time and energy for what matters most.

Practice Self Care Without Guilt

As a mom and a beauty business owner, it's easy to put yourself last, but self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it’s taking a yoga class, treating yourself to a relaxing facial, taking a walk in nature, or journaling. Prioritize moments that recharge you. You can’t pour from an empty cup. A happy, healthy you is the foundation of your family and your business

Blend your Business with Motherhood

Sometimes, the best way to balance is to let the two worlds overlap just a bit at times. Although boundaries are extremely important, my daughter has seen me finish up a quick instagram reel, and loves coming into the studio with me to help fill castor oil bottles for my clients. Lets be honest: this flexibility is one of the many reasons why many of us chose to be self employed. She loves it when I include her in my work. It teaches her the value of hard work and creativity while helping me feel less guilty about working during family time.

Celebrate Small Wins

Balancing motherhood and business is no small feat, so take time to notice and celebrate your achievements. Whether it’s posting on social media for the first time in a week, hitting a revenue goal, or simply surviving a hectic week, every victory counts. Your journey is unique and every step forward is something to be proud of.

Regulating Your Nervous System:

Breathing techniques are imperative. Search on google or YouTube “Simple breathing techniques” I personally love “breath of fire” and “box breathing”.

Connecting with nature: hiking, talking a walk around the block, or simply planting my bare feet in grass for a few minutes.

Limit alcohol/cannabis intake: We love to self medicate with these, thinking it will help with anxiety when in reality, it increases it drastically. 

Journaling: Write down your deepest desires, dreams and goals. Get clear on what you’re envisioning for your future, or simply write what you did today. Start practicing the act of putting pen to paper. It’s freeing and beautiful. 

Exercise: I can’t tell you how important it is to just move your body! We can get so set in the act of going into the studio, sitting and taking lash and brow clients, coming home and going to bed. Prioritize exercise and notice the increase of energy and serotonin. Your life will completely change, and you will breathe new life into your family and business.

Final Thoughts

Being a lash + brow artist as well as a mom isn’t easy, but it is a role that’s filled with purpose and passion. You’re not just shaping brows and nurturing kids. You’re showing your kids the power of chasing your dreams while being their biggest cheerleader. You’re shaping a life filled with love, passion and purpose. Keep going- you’ve got this!!

♡ Amanda Kennedy 

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