Hey Beautiful Friend!
With my birthday quickly approaching and another year ahead, I’ve been reflecting a lot about WiNKED’s journey. I’m reminded of how far this little business has come, how much I’ve personally grown, and just how much there is still to learn. As I get older (and wiser 😉), I find myself looking back on the years with a sense of gratitude, pride, and maybe a few “I wish I’d known that!” moments.
What really blows me away, though, is that some of you have been with me since the very beginning of my career in 2015, when I started as a solo lash artist before WiNKED even existed. Now, as I look back on the growth we’ve experienced over the past 2 years, I can’t help but feel thankful for your loyalty. 10 years of lashing, 2 years of WiNKED—and I’m beyond grateful for every step of this journey with you. Whether you’ve been with me for a few months or since the very start, YOU are the reason WiNKED is here today.
So today, I’m sharing some lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you're just starting out in your own journey, I hope these insights resonate with you.
1. The Work Never Ends (And That’s Okay!)
I remember thinking that once I had everything set up, the business would just run itself. Spoiler alert: it definitely does not. 😂 There’s always something to do, whether it’s marketing, ordering supplies, refining my skills, or managing a schedule. Running a salon and building a brand means there’s no “done” moment—it’s a continuous journey.
But here’s the thing: that’s what keeps it exciting. The constant work, the learning, the growth—it all makes this ride worth it. Every challenge and obstacle has taught me something new, and every little win gets me closer to my vision. So now, I embrace the hustle, because it’s a huge part of why WiNKED is what it is.
2. The Power of Consistency
I cannot stress this enough: consistency is EVERYTHING. Whether it’s showing up every day for my clients, posting on social media, or maintaining the quality of our work, it’s the steady, daily effort that builds trust.
I’ve made it a point to always show up—no matter what. And I know that you, my amazing clients, can count on me to provide the same top-notch experience every time you walk through the door. Trust is the backbone of WiNKED, and consistency is how we keep it strong.
3. You Can’t Do It All Alone (And That’s Okay)
When I first started out in 2015, I thought I had to do everything myself. From setting up the space to managing the business, I was wearing all the hats—and let me tell you, it was exhausting. But here’s the thing: I’ve learned that you can’t do it all alone, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s better when you don’t.
I’m still in the early stages of building my team, and I’m actively working on improving my leadership skills to create an even stronger, more supportive crew. It’s a journey, and every step is helping me grow as a business owner. But what I know for sure is this: building a strong team makes everything easier, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
4. Embrace the Setbacks (They’re Part of the Journey)
Here’s a truth I’ve had to accept over the years: things don’t always go as planned. From hiccups with inventory to unexpected tech issues, there have been setbacks along the way. And at first, they frustrated me.
But the more I faced setbacks, the more I learned to embrace them as part of the process. They’ve taught me to refine my systems, be more resilient, and stay focused on the bigger picture. The truth is, setbacks don’t mean failure—they mean growth. And every setback has made WiNKED stronger, and me too.
5. Building Relationships is Everything
When I first started WiNKED, I had this vision of making a space for people to feel beautiful and confident. But what’s happened along the way is even more special: I’ve built relationships with all of you. It’s not just about lashes and brows—it’s about creating a community where you can feel like family.
The support I’ve received from each and every one of you is what has allowed WiNKED to thrive. Our connection goes beyond business—it’s personal. You’ve become a part of this story, and I’m so grateful for that.
Here’s to Many More Years of Growth Together 💖
If you’re thinking about your own journey—whether it’s in business, personal growth, or just finding the right path—remember that the road is rarely straight. But each twist and turn, every setback and breakthrough, is part of what shapes you into who you’re meant to be.
So from the bottom of my heart—thank you for being part of WiNKED’s story. Whether we’ve been together for years, or you’re just getting started with us, I’m beyond grateful for you. And I can’t wait to see what the next 10 years hold!
Let’s keep growing, learning, and glowing together.
With all my love,
Ashli Renee
CEO + Founder of WiNKED
The Safe Place for Your Face 💜
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