Daily Inspiration: Meet LaShanda Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShanda Thomas.

Hi LaShanda , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the beauty industry began as a self-taught makeup artist, fueled by a deep passion for creativity and helping women feel confident in their own skin. What started with brushes, palettes, and a dream quickly evolved as I gained hands-on experience working with clients for weddings, special events, and photo shoots. I loved the transformation—not just in appearance, but in how women carried themselves after seeing their beauty reflected back at them.

As my passion grew, I continued to expand my skill set. After building a solid foundation in makeup artistry, I became a certified lash technician, which allowed me to enhance my clients’ natural beauty in a more long-lasting way. That step opened new doors and helped me develop a more complete understanding of how different elements—from lashes to brows to skin—come together to create a polished, confident look.

That passion led me to take things a step further and become a licensed esthetician. I wanted to understand skin on a deeper level and to be a business woman of integrity with the proper credentials, to not only enhance beauty but also promote wellness. From there, I expanded into permanent makeup (PMU), waxing, and other brow services. Building a well-rounded skillset that could truly serve women in a complete, meaningful way.

Today, I’m proud to be the CEO of Poised Beauty—a space where beauty meets empowerment. Our mission is simple: to help women exude confidence by looking and feeling their absolute best. We specialize in bridal and event makeup, custom looks for any occasion, private and group lessons, body waxing, brow services, and permanent brows. Every look we create at Poised Beauty is carefully curated to reflect modern femininity, natural elegance, and timeless beauty.

I believe every woman deserves to feel fresh, flawless, and empowered—and I’m honored to play a part in that transformation. Whether it’s a soft glam for your big day or a bold brow that frames your face just right, Poised Beauty is here to help you show up as the best version of yourself.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth—but every bump has helped shape who I am today, both personally and professionally. As a wife and a mom of three, balancing family life while building a business from the ground up has been one of my biggest challenges. There were times, and still times, when I felt like I am being pulled in every direction—trying to be present for my kids, supportive as a wife, and still give 100% to my clients and my vision for Poised Beauty.

There were late nights, early mornings, and moments of doubt where I questioned if I could truly “do it all.” Like many entrepreneurs, I faced the typical growing pains—building a client base, investing in education and tools, marketing myself, and learning the business side of beauty, all while juggling the demands of home life. It wasn’t easy, STILL ISN’T EASY, but it has taught me resilience, discipline, and the power of purpose.

What kept me going was my passion for what I do, my supportive husband and my desire to show my children that with God, faith, consistency, and hard work, you really can build something meaningful. It hasn’t always been smooth—but it’s been worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Poised Beauty, I specialize in enhancing natural beauty while promoting skin health and confidence. As a licensed esthetician, certified lash technician, PMU artist, and professional makeup artist, I offer a range of services including bridal and event makeup, brow shaping and permanent brows, body waxing and lash enhancements. I also love educating through group and private makeup lessons, helping women feel more confident in their everyday routines.

What I’m most proud of is the experience I provide for each client. It’s more than just a beauty service. It’s a transformation from the inside out. My goal is to make every woman who sits in my chair feel seen, heard, and beautiful in her own unique way. I believe in creating a calm, welcoming environment where clients can relax, trust the process, and walk out feeling like the best version of themselves.

What sets Poised Beauty apart is my attention to detail and my genuine care for people. I take time to get to know my clients, their skin, their style, and their stories. So I can deliver results that feel custom, effortless, and elevated. It’s not about covering up flaws; it’s about enhancing what’s already there and helping each woman own her beauty with confidence and grace.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice for anyone just starting out is to stay committed, stay consistent, and trust the process. Even when it feels slow. There will be moments of doubt, challenges that test you, and times when you feel like giving up. But if you’re truly passionate about what you do, keep going. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Just focus on becoming better than you were yesterday.

One thing I wish I understood earlier is that it’s okay to grow at your own pace. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and building something meaningful takes time. Lean into the lessons, invest in your craft, and always keep your “why” at the center of everything you do.

Most importantly, keep God first. I’ve learned that with God, all things are possible. Even the dreams that feel out of reach. A scripture that has carried me through many seasons is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Trust that God’s timing is perfect, and your gift will make room for you. Keep showing up, keep praying, and keep believing in yourself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://poisedbeauty.glossgenius.com/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Poised_Beauty