Coral Fowler
A note from Amanda:
This month we are talking to our girl, Coral Fowler. Coral has been working at Iris+West for just over a year, but she’s really been with us all along (she’s been Anais’ model for training since she started 7 years ago). Having Coral join the team has been such a joy, and felt right from the moment we jokingly floated the idea in 2021. I’m sure a lot of you know this already, but Coral is just a delight. She’s so thoughtful and creative, and I’m just loving getting to know her more and more everyday!
what's your favorite music to listen to while you're working?
My favorite music to listen to is actually the playlists I create for Iris + West. These playlists are filled with songs that touch in some way, a heart string or two for me. In these playlists you’ll find songs that can relax you to the point of slumber, songs that leave you feeling hopeful with a pep in your step, songs from decades ago that envelope you in nostalgia, songs that bring out your inner bad bitch, songs to match a gloomy day, and most importantly, songs that remind you why you love, to love.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE way to have a little treat?
Well my ~favorite~ has to be when Anais or Amanda are able to squeeze me in their schedules for a little lash extension fill treat, that’s the best treat around!!
Close seconds: a smoothie, boba, or tea midday, giving myself a fresh manicure at home or going to Gloss, getting a massage at The Now, or curling up into a ball on the couch with soft serve or pie from Magpies coupled with a comfort show/movie.
what're you finding inspiring lately?
Lately I’ve been inspired and heavily touched by the vulnerability of people, more specifically our clients. Coming from a background in construction and working on “Hollywood Time” there is little space to be held for tender conversation. Everyday I meet at least one new person at Iris + West. We start off as “strangers” and our time together usually ends in some form of laughter or solace, and the stranger in us fades and the community shared within the studio shimmers and I am just always left feeling whole. I admire the transparency that exists within the space Iris + West provides. The willingness for connection. The countless stories, memories, recommendations, achievements, secrets, adversities, and desires our clients share with us, inspire me to truly make the most of our time together, and never take for granted the safe space I am able to express and share myself in.
can you tell us how you ended up at iris + west?
I was feeling overwhelmed and very stuck in a career in the entertainment industry for the last decade. My mental, emotional, and physical health were at an all time low. Being my best friend, Anais witnessed this exhaustion more than anyone and knew I was at my breaking point wanting to get out. In August 2021 I took a trip to Sweden to visit a friend and sink my teeth into a new horizon. At the same time Amanda was looking to hire another lash and brow artist. I’ve been involved with Iris + West since Anais began working there in 2016. I was her model for all services as she found and grew her roots over the years and it was always such a pleasure. Anytime I thought about working in the beauty industry (like perhaps one day at Iris + West) it seemed like a far off unattainable dream. It wasn’t until August of 2021 when I felt like a change in my career was within my realm of possibility. I told my friend in Sweden of my possible career change endeavors. When the words left my mouth they didn’t fall flat; they held weight and stayed with me. Hearing them made me hopeful.
Serendipitously on the last day of my trip, I received a random text from Anais that said, ”dude just quit your job and get licensed and come work at Iris and West.” It was the invitation that changed everything. It was not going to be an easy task with my current work schedule, but I new it was necessary. I arrived home from my trip, researched schools, applied/enrolled in the Esthetics program at Paul Mitchell The School Pasadena which commenced in October. For 7 months my work + school days were a grueling 19 hours long. I graduated in April of 2022 and with heavy tears of gratitude and relief, fell into the arms of the family that is Iris + West.
it's your perfect day off - what are you doing?
Waking up by sight of the sunlight, into a slow morning of listening to a vinyl while making tea and breakfast. While getting ready for the day, look into the mirror at my reflection with a little more grace for myself than I had the day before. Stroll the gardens of the Huntington Library or be a wallflower at an LA based art gallery/museum. Hopefully run into a dog or two I can pet. Go out for dinner or order takeout with my partner and friends. Fall asleep reading in bed.
what's one thing we don't know about you?
I collect letter openers from places I've travelled.
what Are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to dedicating time and space to beloved hobbies. I miss using my hands creatively with mediums that aren’t exclusively lashes or brows. I want to take more stained glass and ceramics classes. I look forward to turning my ideas that are on paper, into tangible pieces, or at least fond processes/memories along the way.
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