Conversations with LaTonia Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTonia Lee.

Hi LaTonia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Since I was a child I’ve always been very intuned with the beauty industry. From getting my nails and hair done, to learning makeup very young I’ve always enjoyed the process. During the pandemic, I felt very dissatisfied with my role at the time at my then employer. I felt like I would be stuck if I didn’t take the initiative to move forward in life so I decided to enroll back in school to become a licensed esthetician. My parents, little sister, and my very close friends were very encouraging when it came to me expressing that I wanted to go back to school for something that makes me happy, and doesn’t feel like a “job” per se. I enrolled at my local community college and from there I felt like every day I went to class was a new day to be better and perfect my love for esthetics.

After finishing the esthetician program I was blessed enough to have gotten a job working at a large wax chain in which I trained and learned different techniques in waxing and how to become the most efficient, thorough, and professional esthetician. When I felt like I could take a leap of faith and open my own business, I did just that. Currently, I am located in North Hills in Raleigh, NC. where I am specializing in lashes, Brazilian, and full body waxing in the suite I moved into. It hasn’t been the easiest, but my clients who come to see me for services make it worth every sacrifice and now the only way is up.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been easy, this has actually been one of the most challenging processes yet very rewarding. One of the major struggles I had at the beginning stages of my business was finding a place to service my guests. It wasn’t easy, mainly because I commute and most of my clients are in Wake County, and also I wanted to find something in a nice area.

The first place didn’t work out at all, the day that I was supposed to move in something happened with the occupant at the time. Luckily, I didn’t have clients scheduled that week but I was devastated because I didn’t know where to look next. Then I eventually came across my current suites and message the manager about any available suites. Thankfully, it all worked out and I’m even more thankful that I didn’t allow something so small to make me give up.

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?
I am an esthetician, and I specialize in eyelash extensions, Brazilian waxing, and full body waxing. I feel like what sets me apart from others is my professionalism and the experience you get while visiting Lastetics. Not only are you receiving a great service, but you’re also in a safe space.

Meaning everything we talk about stays here. So many women have expressed that they were so scared, and didn’t know what to expect. But, because I do take my time on the service, explaining the service, answering questions, and just starting everyday conversations making my guests feel as comfortable as possible.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I think was always talking, I always had something to say. There was never a moment where I felt like I didn’t want to get my point across (LOL). My personality growing up was the same as it is now, comical and outgoing. I’m never afraid to take on a challenge, even if I am scared I don’t show it. Attentive and affectionate, and always the one to cheer everyone else up on their worst days. Both of my parents worked very hard to provide us with a good life, so sometimes my little sister and I would be at my grandma’s house after school and she would take us to our after-school activities.

I played sports so I was always doing something. My parents kept me and my siblings in different activities all the time. Reading books was my thing as well, I always had books in my hand and I was always in church but I’m very grateful for my mom who kept me in church growing up because my faith probably wouldn’t be what it is today.

When I was old enough to start getting my nails done, I always had them done thanks to my daddy and was so fascinated by their techniques and how creative I could be with them, but it was when I began to get my lashes done that’s when I fell in love with the process and I fell in love with how well they add to you.

Pricing:

• Brazilian Wax $55
• Lash Extension Sets $60+
• Full Body Waxing $10+

Contact Info:

• Website: lasteticsbeautyco.as.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasteticsbeautyco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasteticsbeautyco/