Amanda Robinson
A note from Amanda:
Hi!! I'm Amanda, the founder of Iris+West Lash Co. The next three journals will be featuring myself, Anais, and Coral. I thought this would be a fun way for you all to get to know us a little better.
Y'all submitted these questions on IG a couple weeks ago, and I've really enjoyed answering them - thank you!
HOW DID YOU START?
I started Iris+West Lash Co. eight years ago after working as a hairstylist and makeup artist for many years. I was noticing a trend of people getting painful extensions or lashes that were damaging their own and thought “hmm maybe there’s a place for my style and technique here”. My intention of creating a place where people can get great lash services was luckily an easy one to fulfill, but what I wasn’t expecting was that it would also be a place for women to connect, and care for themselves in a meaningful way. I’m so excited about cultivating more connection as we grow.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE LASH/BROW COMBO?
I go through phases of what I love for myself and what services I also love to give. For myself I love brow lamination and lash lifts, and if I can find time in the schedule I’ll get a full set of extensions (I love to mix brown and black lashes because it looks so soft).
a CHALLENGE you face BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER?
I think it’s knowing where my time and efforts need to be focused. I love to be in the studio and taking clients, it’s truly the most fulfilling part of my day, but sometimes I need to be working on budgets, or training etc. It’s easy to choose the thing you like the most but learning to delegate my time to things that don’t come so naturally has been essential.
what's your favorite item in your closet?
Omg ok… so I love summer dressing because I love girly skirts and dresses. I recently got this gingham dress from Doen. I feel SO good in it. I’m wearing it all the time lately.
what's your ideal weekend?
I love to have a mix of time alone (I’m a deep introvert at heart) and time with my friends and loved ones. Usually that’s a balance of a night out having dinner or drinks. I’m really enjoying Queen St in Eagle Rock lately, or having friends over for dinner, followed by a day at home, looking through cookbooks and cleaning my house. I also love spending time working on ceramics- even if it’s not something I’m going to make to keep, I love to sit in my yard with a cup of coffee and just play/make whatever feels right in the moment.
what're you looking forward to?
There’s so much!
Personally I’m really excited about some travel plans I have over the next few months. Scotland, England, Mexico City, and maybe even a long weekend by myself in Palm Springs (I’m just starting to explore solo travel and am really loving it as a way to recharge. Let me know if that’s something any of you do too, I’d love to swap notes!)
Work wise, I’m really excited about continuing our east side pop ups. I’m also generally so excited and grateful about the connection we are building with you all. I’ve always imagined I+W as being more of a lifestyle than just a place you get a service, and I’d love to find more ways to cultivate a sense of community through events or even making a playlist for the studio with songs everyone loves - if you have any thoughts, suggestions or would like to collaborate in any way I’d LOVE to hear from you.
