The ALA Leadership Council
The ALA Leadership Council is at the heart of the American Lash Association’s mission to promote excellence, inclusivity, and integrity within the lash industry. Composed of dedicated professionals from diverse backgrounds, our council members volunteer their time and expertise to guide and support our community. Their leadership ensures that our industry continues to grow, innovate, and set high standards for all lash artists.
Goals of the ALA Leadership Council
Promote Professional Standards
- Developing a framework to uphold best practices and standards across the industry.
- Defining values and ethics to guide professional conduct and ensure client satisfaction.
Ensure Health & Safety
- Researching and communicating the latest health and safety standards.
- Promoting best practices for safe lash application and product usage.
Advocate for the Industry
- Identifying and addressing legal challenges and regulatory changes.
- Advocating for the recognition and advancement of lash technicians as distinct professionals in the beauty sector.
ALA Plans: Advancing Education and Industry Standards
In 2024 and into 2025, the ALA Leadership Council is focused on several key initiatives to support and elevate our members:
Establishing Educator Standards and Recommendations
- Educator Standards: Developing and promoting rigorous standards for lash educators to ensure high-quality training and professional development.
- Finding an Educator: Providing members with guidance and recommendations on selecting the best educators and training programs to meet their career goals.
Tracking and Disseminating Industry Changes
- Industry Updates: Keeping members informed about the latest trends, regulations, and innovations in the lash industry.
- Census and Research: Conducting industry-wide research to gather data and insights that inform our advocacy and educational efforts.
Offering Comprehensive Courses and Live Trainings
- Courses: Expanding our catalog of online courses to cover a wide range of topics, from technical skills to business management.
- Live Trainings: Hosting live training sessions and webinars with top industry professionals to provide hands-on learning and real-time feedback.
Areas of Focus
Professional Standards
- Developing a comprehensive professional framework to guide members throughout their careers.
- Defining and promoting ethical standards to enhance industry credibility and client trust.
Health & Safety
- Researching and sharing best practices to ensure safe lash application and maintain client safety.
- Raising awareness about the latest health concerns and safety protocols.
Advocacy
- Identifying and addressing legal and regulatory challenges impacting the lash industry.
- Empowering members with the knowledge and tools to advocate for themselves and their profession.
Join Us in the American Lash Association
As we move forward, the ALA Leadership Council remains committed to supporting our members and advancing the lash industry. We invite you to join us in these efforts, take advantage of the resources and opportunities we offer, and contribute to the growth and success of our vibrant community. Together, we can achieve great things and continue to elevate the standards of our profession.
Meet Our Leadership Council
Thank you to the amazing industry leaders who have volunteered their time and expertise to help our community thrive.
Ashley Gonzales
As a dedicated Lash Educator and Industry Advocate, I’m extremely passionate about providing artists with accessible, high-quality education that empowers them to grow their skills and businesses. Having built my own career from the ground up, I understand that many beauty professionals are not only pursuing success but also overcoming adversity along the way. I’m honored to be part of the ALA Leadership Council and excited to contribute to the future of our industry by creating opportunities for all artists to succeed, regardless of their background.
Brittany Hawse
Being a solo lash artist can be a lonely and overwhelming journey. That’s why I love the idea behind ALA. It provides a community where lash artists can find support and connect with others on the same journey. It’s about turning a solitary venture into a collective experience, where we all grow and thrive together.
Kimber Jaynes
I am honored to join the American Lash Association’s Leadership Council to help support its mission of uniting the lash artist industry. With over a decade of experience growing a successful lash brand, I am eager to contribute my business experience and passion for professional standards, quality, and creativity. Together we can do so much, and I’m here for it!
Paul & Tussanne Luebbers
Building a positive community and empowering lash artists is at the core of our mission. When we learned about the ALA and their vision, we were thrilled to find that we share similar goals. It is an absolute privilege to collaborate with the ALA to serve our lash community.
Mike Alexander
Bringing over 15 years of experience in building and scaling beauty brands, a passion for innovation, Mike is dedicated to advancing the Professional Lash Industry by creating new opportunities and expanding distribution channels. Under his leadership, Borboleta Beauty has pioneered the availability of professional lashes at Cosmoprof Beauty and elevated lash education through partnerships with Paul Mitchell Schools and Milady.
Mike is committed to institutionalizing the lash industry, positioning eyelash extensions as a fundamental pillar of beauty across all verticals. He holds an MBA from Westminster College and HTW Saarbrücken. Residing in Highland, Utah, he enjoys life with his wife, Darby, and their five children.
Denys Rodrigues
My name is Denys I am a full time working lash artist. I have been in the lash industry since 2016 and have pretty much done it all from mobile/home based, salon employee then manager, educator, and now a solo salon suite renter. As a working artist I’ve used all my previous work experience in different areas of customer service to help me build the successful career I have now. I am passionate about this industry and take any opportunity I can to give back and help others grow and succeed in their own careers.
Uli Shchepeleva
I’m incredibly honored to join the American Lash Association’s Leadership Council. My journey in the lash industry began at a time when there was little to no education or community support. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to carve your own path without guidance. That’s why being part of ALA means so much to me. I’m beyond excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years and to help others in the lash community write their own success stories. Together, we can build a supportive space where everyone has the tools and inspiration to thrive.
Shelby Tarleton
I love that the ALA is bringing so many resources to new and seasoned lash artists. At the same time, they prioritize community and mental health which is such an impactful contribution to our industry.
Sylwia Walus
I’m absolutely thrilled that our industry now has an official association – how amazing is that! It’s a warm and friendly space for lash artists of all levels, from Newbies to Masters, to access a wide range of tools and resources, build connections, and be inspired! I feel honored to be a part of the leadership council, and I can’t wait to share my experience and all the amazing things my team at LASHBOX has learned to help our community grow in an inspiring and innovative way.
Nikki Jacobson
Nikki Jacobson, Global Director of Education for Lashbox LA, has trained lash artists and educators worldwide, sharing her passion for the lash industry by providing genuine connections, experience, and helping lash artists build a strong foundation. Dedicated to advancing education, she continues to lead and inspire through her expertise.
Maddi Morris
I’m thrilled to serve you on the ALA leadership council. I find no greater joy in life than loving on and serving my beloved lash community. It can be a lonely and exhausting career without people to walk alongside you and that is what the ALA is here for. Education, support and connection. I could have only dreamed of having access to the American Lash Association when I began my lash journey. I’m so grateful it now exists in our very special industry.
Cristina Fard
As the former Executive Director of the American Lash Association and the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for LashCast, she is deeply committed to empowering lash artists and elevating the industry through education, community, and advocacy.
Passionate about helping beauty entrepreneurs thrive, Cristina specializes in strategic consulting, fractional executive services, and ADHD coaching, guiding professionals toward clarity, confidence, and sustainable success. She is honored to serve on the ALA Leadership Council, continuing to support the industry’s united future by fostering collaboration and championing the lash artist—the heart of our shared mission.
