Meet Elise Willsey | Master Lash Artist & Microblading Artist

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

Hi Elise, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Elise Willsey and I am the proud owner of R&R Studio. I am a Licensed Cosmetologist, a Certified Master Lash Extension Artist and a Certified Microblading Artist.

For as long as I can remember I have had a true passion for all things beauty, art, and creativity! It has been no surprise that I ended up in the beauty industry. In high school, I was presented the opportunity to complete cosmetology school through the Buinger Academy in Bedford and I jumped right in! After graduating with my cosmetology license, I ended up coming across an indeed add for Amazing Lash Studio. I got great education and a lot of experience working there but I always knew I would someday, work for myself! So here I am, with a successful business of my own and an amazing clientele who I look at as friends. I couldn’t be any more grateful.

Here at R&R Studio, we specialize in creating natural, customized services for Lash Extensions, Lash Lifts and Microblading. Every service is crafted thoroughly to your face and bone structure. What sets me apart from others is that this is not a beauty studio that uses cookie cutter styling for every client nor are we a jack-of-all-trades. I am a specialist in a few services who made the choice to focus on a couple of services and be the best at those. I also love to educate all of my clients on how to properly take care of their service, because we want long lasting results! I take pride in my work all while using the most advanced techniques, facial mapping, artistic point of view and the best top brands in the industry.

How has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Two years ago when I opened my business, work life balance was not one of my priorities. I did not do a great job at separating my life from my business. I was practically working 7 days a week. I would try to find models that I could practice my skills on when I had any free time and I would typically book their appointments on my off time. When I didn’t have clients I would work on anything associated with my business, like, updating R&R’s website, marketing, finances, education, content for social media and etc. Don’t get me wrong the first year or so of your business is very lucrative. You’re building a business from scratch, its good to prioritize your business but finding work life balance is key. Now I only work 5 days a week, inside my working hours and I always give myself a lunch break. If there is anything that is business related that I cant get done during work hours I will use only use one of my off days to finish those tasks. I will also make lists and goals for my business and at least finish 2 tasks a day, depending on the task. This helps me to not get burnt out and continue to enjoy what I love doing. Owning a business can be incredibly stressful but its very rewarding. Having a work life balance eases most of my stress.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My Favorite Places Near R&R Studio that are definitely worth your while!

Entertainment- Chicken & Pickle, Dave & Busters, Drengr Axe Throwing

Places to eat- San Diego Taco Shop, Los Jimadores

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout my educators, who taught me how to perform microblading, through the Phi Academy. Their names are Julie and Antonio Mayo. They own Modish Artistry in Dallas, TX.

Website: www.randr-studio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/_randrstudio

Facebook: R&R Studio

Image Credits
Victoria Nguyen www.victoriadventures.com Photographer of the business headshot and two other pictures of the same model R&R Studio has credit of the rest of the pictures