From the American Lash Association Magazine – Second Edition
Everybody in the lash world knows @itsmackenzieg on Instagram, but MacKenzie Graham is way more than a lash influencer. Ask any ALA Member, and they will tell you, “MacKenzie is the business bestie I’ve always needed!”
As a lash artist, salon owner, and educator out of Washington state, MacKenzie has found international success through social media because of her authenticity. MacKenzie brings the personality, the laughs, and the “real talk” to every interaction. She wants to see you WIN!
As an Official Partner of the American Lash Association, and an ALA Member herself, MacKenzie sat down with us to share her heart with the ALA community.
Here are some of those Interview Highlights:
ALA: What is a message that you feel people need to hear right now?
MG: I dropped out of college and became a lash artist when I was really young. There was a path set for me, but even though it was scary I knew I had to make a big move. I want people to know that it’s okay to switch paths when something doesn’t serve you anymore, and to know that things can get better. I was REALLY bad at lashes when I first started, and I just kept going. Seriously, don’t give up! Now I’m where I’m supposed to be. I love making an impact, whether that’s helping my clients feel beautiful, or helping my students have amazing businesses that give them lifestyles they love too.
ALA: What’s your advice for becoming “successful” on social media?
MG: First off, be authentic. It’s going to be really hard to keep up with your social media if you are trying to be like other people. Being consistent is more valuable than being perfect, so have fun with it and be YOU. When you meet people in real life and you aren’t who you were on Instagram, that’s going to cause problems. Also, don’t get in your own head because you think it’s been said before or said better. Say what you have to say YOUR WAY, and know that there are billions of people out there. Your message won’t hit for everyone, but for the people it will, that’s meant for them. So, it’s really about finding the right audience to hear what you have to say and then showing up to serve the people who show up to support you.
ALA: Have you ever dealt with fear of failure or anxiety?
MG: Absolutely! Even when I took a year off of social media, I thought people were going to forget about me and I’d have to go find a different job. But there was a time when I was mentally really struggling and I did therapy every single week for two years. I actually used BetterHelp so I’m really happy that’s one of the discounts we have in the ALA! It really helped me to understand my triggers, build a toolkit of resources to calm my nervous system, and learn how to reframe things that pop up in my head.
Mindset is such an important part of being a business owner, and you’ve got to build it like a muscle. Just know that everybody goes through those days of fear and anxiety, and even though I’m on the other side of it for the most part, there are still days when I have to use my toolkit. Now those moments of anxiety don’t last as long, so yeah, don’t be afraid to get help if you need it!
ALA: What advice would you give an aspiring lash artist?
MG: Be open minded, and keep learning. People probably think that I have it all figured out by watching me online, but I don’t. I have a lot figured out because of my failures and what I’ve learned from them. But I’m still a student. I’m still learning every day. We all make mistakes. We’re human. So as a newbie, give yourself grace and permission to “fail” often. I’ve been in the industry for 10 years, my sets today are going to look differently than yours. That’s ok. Don’t expect that of yourself! And remember my early sets were really bad!
I’d also say when you are first starting out you should be spending 100% of your time on technique, and then move to 75% on your business and 25% on technique. Don’t think because you took a 2 day course that you suddenly know how to do everything. Work on providing the best service and then focus on building a sustainable business.
Most importantly, know that you CAN do it. It will take time, but success is really about mindset. If you believe you can, you will, and if you need help, the ALA is here to support you!
