We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffani “Bri” Werner and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffani “Bri”, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve been in the cosmetology industry since 2009 and have always worked for someone else. I saw friends go solo throughout the years but I was always scared to make the jump because I enjoyed the security of working for a franchise brand.
Finally, I realized that I don’t know one person that has gone solo in my industry that has not succeeded. So I prayed about it a lot and knew that God would provide! Working for someone else and being unhappy was not worth it. So I took the gamble on myself and I’ve never been happier!
Even on my slow days, I am beyond grateful to work for myself and have the freedom to make my own schedule.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I had been doing hair for 7 years and one day I had a client that told me she did lash extensions. I was immediately intrigued and asked her all about it. At the time, the salon I wanted to work at was not hiring. So I prayed about it and eventually a spot opened up, I jumped on the opportunity and I was hired!
At first, it was strange and challenging to transition from doing hair to lashes but I knew I wanted to do it so I worked hard and made it work for me. I loved it! I knew I found my niche and soon excelled at my craft.
I was happy for a while at the salon but always wanted to go solo even when I did hair. I was scared to take that risk but after fervent prayer, I realized, more people succeeded in my industry solo than failed. So in 2019, I bet on myself and went solo and I have never been happier! I learned more than ever that where God guides, He always provides.
As the sole lash artist and owner of Bri The Lash Genie, I am a licensed cosmetologist specializing in lash extensions. I also provide lash & brow tinting and the lash lift.
The lash side of my business is known for my skill and thoroughness but also because I go above and beyond to take care of my clients lashes by double checking myself and taking time to educate myself on newer techniques and products. I believe my cup is never full, I enjoy learning new ways to better enhance my craft.
The relationships I’ve developed with my clients over the years have honestly been a blessing as well. My clients that have been with my since I started, help keep me motivated and to truly love what I do!
What also sets my business apart, is that I use a product at the end of the service that will cure the glue in 3 minutes! Traditionally, clients have to wait 24 hours before they can get their lashes wet. Also, I take the time to go over their at home after care routine with clients and even posted a whole list of everything they need to know on my website.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I’d start with a road trip and go down to the coast because even though Texas ain’t got the prettiest beaches, it’s our beach. For me that’s Port Aransas because that’s where my husband took me on our first trip together. We’d eat at Moby Dick’s and Blackbeard’s. Of course, we’d have to go see the Selena statue! Then, make our way to San Antonio to check out the river walk.
Next is Austin to float the Guadalupe river and a night out in downtown.
End the week in Fort Worth with coffee at Summer Moon, maybe go to the Grapevine lake beach area then dinner at the iconic Joe T Garcia’s because it’s all about the atmosphere and tradition.
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?
To God first and foremost, for inspiring me to start my own business and for giving me the courage and peace to go for it.
My husband, Bryan has been so supportive since I started working towards starting my business. He helped me set up everything in my salon and more than that, he was encouraging, loving and made me feel safe.
Website: brithelashgenie.com
Instagram: bri.thelashgenie