Are you passionate about the art of eyelash extensions? Are you considering venturing into the world of lash education as a lash trainer to share your hard-earned expertise and lash experience with other aspiring Lash Artists?
Perhaps you see yourself starting your own Lash Academy, but you’re unsure about where to begin or how to navigate the process. If so, you're not alone! It’s almost a natural transition for Lash Artists who love what they do to want to share that skill with others.
As a Lash professional who has established a brand as a successful eyelash extension Artist and Eyelash Trainer, I understand the desire to share. This passion allows us to engage in endless conversations about our favorite topic and opens doors to the incredible support and opportunities available in this tight-knit Lash community of like-minded peers.
Embarking on the path to becoming a Lash Educator may seem straightforward at first, but the reality is often more complex. In this article, we’ll delve into the comprehensive checklist of requirements, industry regulations, and qualifications you need to consider. This guide will help you navigate the journey to becoming a Lash Educator with confidence.
You can also join our podcast for an engaging discussion with our CEO, Jodi Harrison, and Head of Marketing, Alicia Phoenix, as they share their expert insights on the advantages of becoming a lash educator:
Your Complete Checklist for Becoming a Successful Lash Educator:
1. Research Lash Industry Regulations and Qualifications
Understanding national and local regulatory requirements is a critically important first step in your journey. Your considerations should include meeting key beauty industry curricula and health and safety protocols, as detailed here. So, you’ve got some heavy research to do before you even get started.
Although Australia’s eyelash extension training regulatory landscape may not be as stringently regulated as other countries. An increasing number of training academies, eyelash extension trainers, and industry professionals who are passionate about this industry are performing at the top of their game. They have developed their training curriculum to meet the requirements of “SHBBMUP008—Apply for Eyelash Extensions” and have gained certificates in “TAE40122 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment” for themselves and their trainers in order to provide a high level of quality training in this mostly unregulated industry. So, if you’re serious about the industry, then these qualifications are an important consideration. Contact any beauty-specific RTO to learn how to register and complete these certificates.
2. Develop Comprehensive Training Resources
Starting from a zero-base, developing training manuals and resources even with extensive lash experience is not for the faint-hearted. Your training manual will become an ever-evolving labour of love as you work through the material, continuously improving and updating it to reflect industry trends and regulatory changes.
You’d be doing yourself a massive favor by reaching out to an organization that has developed customized training material for your brand and whose curriculum meets the regulations you're looking to attain. However, do be wary of MRR (Master Resell Rights) Products, you may find that many individuals are offering to sell their Lash training manuals, however, they may not have been developed by the person selling them.
If you haven't heard of MRR Products, the general idea is that you can purchase a course, such as a lash course, and you are given the right to resell the course for profit.
The safest way to stay authentic and really understand what you are selling and teaching is to create your lash course yourself.
Keeping up to date on industry trends and changes will enable you to provide current, relevant information to your students. Research is time-consuming yet critical because a Google search will provide reams of facts about eyelash extension trends, do’s, and don’ts. Working out what’s current can be a minefield, and we can easily fall into the trap of regurgitating old and incorrect information. Networking with industry groups is a must to stay current on industry trends and updates. I strongly recommend signing up for community groups and attending at least one or two conferences a year to remain a current expert in the industry.
And remember, when developing comprehensive training resources for your eyelash extension academy, consider including quality lash aftercare products. Prolong Lash offers top-notch products that help maintain the health and longevity of eyelash extensions. By incorporating Prolong Lash Cleanser into your curriculum, you provide your students with practical lash experience and the knowledge to recommend the best aftercare solutions to their future clients.
3. Invest in Effective Marketing for Your Eyelash Extensions Academy
Promoting your Lash Training Academy in a highly saturated industry requires a strategic approach. Here are the top 5 things you need to do in developing your marketing strategy:
- Define Your Target Audience: Identify your ideal customers based on demographics, psychographics, behaviors, and needs. Having a clear understanding of your target audience helps you tailor your marketing approach and the strategies you’ll use to reach that audience effectively.
- Set Clear Objectives and Goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your marketing efforts. Whether your aim is increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or boosting sales, clear objectives will provide direction and focus for your strategy. Understanding your analytic data is critical to determining whether you are spending your marketing budget in the right areas.
- Conduct Market Research: Through market research, you can learn who you’re competing against and gather insights about the industry, competitors, and your target market. You can also learn about trends, customer preferences, competitor strategies, and any existing gaps or opportunities. This information informs your strategy and helps you make better-informed decisions.
- Develop Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP): Be clear about what sets your product or service apart from competitors and why customers should choose you over others. Your UVP should communicate the benefits and value you offer to your target audience in a compelling and memorable way. Your beauty, Lash Artist, and training qualifications and those of your trainers will go a long way toward helping persuade prospective students to come on board and train with you.
- Choose the Right Marketing Channels and Tactics: Select the most appropriate channels and tactics to reach your target audience and achieve your marketing objectives. Consider various options such as social media, email marketing, content marketing, SEO, PPC advertising, influencer partnerships, etc. Tailor your approach based on where your audience is most active and receptive.
4. The Power of Accreditation
Achieving and broadcasting your trainers and academy's accreditation and qualifications is not a mere formality. It demonstrates a commitment to industry excellence. By gaining the recognition we spoke about earlier, you build confidence in prospective students and demonstrate that your curriculum and training meet industry requirements and are of the highest standards. Accreditation for your lash training academy and your team is a seal of approval for your offer's quality and credibility. Use that point as a key marketing strategy to set you ahead of the game.
5. Launch your Lash Academy
Building anticipation is a vital part of your marketing strategy, and planning to build interest and momentum before your academy's launch is critical to a successful debut. Invest time and money in pre-launch promotions to cultivate excitement and attract prospective students to your classes.
Embarking on the journey to becoming a Lash Educator or Lash Trainer is an exciting yet multifaceted endeavour. From understanding regulatory requirements to developing comprehensive training resources and effective marketing strategies, the path demands planning and dedication. Researching regulations, obtaining accredited certification, and staying updated on industry changes are foundational steps. Moreover, effective marketing, tailored to define target audiences, clear objectives, and unique value propositions, is crucial for success. The power of industry-recognised achievements cannot be overstated; it instills confidence in prospective students and showcases the quality and credibility of your training academy. Lastly, launching your academy requires strategic pre-launch promotions to generate interest and anticipation. With perseverance and a passion for sharing knowledge, you can turn your dream of educating aspiring Lash Artists into a rewarding reality.
Explore valuable insights and advice on the Prolong Lash blog, our YouTube channel, and The Aussie Lashwives Podcast. Find out how collaborating with us can enhance the growth of your small business today!
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