Hey Guys,

Bille here again to follow on from my previous blog, I want to tell you all about day two at Lash Bash.

Day two consisted of small group training with approximately fifteen people in each class. There were seven classes available to choose from. Each attendee was able to choose two classes to attend.

The class options were, Rocking Volume with Loreta, Mega Volume with Julia, creating a fantasy shoot with pixie, mastering your henna with Mel and Mandy, Technique troubleshoot with Mimmi, Level up - What they didn't teach you in training with Sommer and Kim and the customer X factor with The Mitters.

Trying to just choose two of the courses that were up for grabs was a difficult thing to decide. I went with Rocking Volume with Loreta and the customer X factor with The Mitters.

In the morning I started with Rocking Volume with Loreta, she went through a specific volume lash technique using Dumont tweezers to create fans. She also covered several other volume related issues. It was such a fabulous experience being taught by Loreta and the having opportunity to ask her all sorts of lash questions. She is such an inspiration in the lash world.

In between the sessions there was a fantastic lunch supplied and it gave us yet more time to network and meet more of the beautiful people attending the conference. The market place from the previous day was also up and running allowing for shopping. Ha-ha.

After lunch it was time for the customer X factor with the Mitters,. Upon arrival we were offered herbal tea in a variety of flavours. Throughout the presentation the Mitters (Otto and Zoe) with the help of the lovely ladies that work with them at Elleebana pampered us to show us how small things can make the difference in making your client feel amazing. We were treated to pieces of slice; a hand massage and the girls were very attentive. It was only small things but the honestly made all the difference. They covered so many different areas of customer service, from the kinds of clients you will come across to how to deal with different circumstances. It was such a well-rounded, interactive and informative presentation.

After the final class, all the attendees with Diamond tickets and the speakers and sponsors had a private dinner at The Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Casino.

It was a fantastic networking opportunity and just a great opportunity to be able to meet other lash artists.

In summery Lash Bash was such a fantastic experience and I am so glad I was able to take part in it this year. I hope to make it an annual trip.

Bille xx

Hey Guys,

So it has almost been a month since Lash Bash and I am still processing the information that I gained.

Lash Bash is the love child of 3 of the most sought after Eyelash Extensions Trainers, Julia Mann from Lash Tribe, Mimmi Ebbersten from Lashia and Mandy Jeffery from “Australian Lash and Brow Artists”. It was developed for the love of lashing and to bring together the finest artists and business minds Australia has to offer. It was such a an informative 2 day lash conference that covered many different aspects of the lash industry with fantastic speakers from all of Australia and the World. The day was MCed by Otto Mitter from Elleebana.

There was Julia Mann the creator of Lash Tribe world renowned lash training company explaining the advantages to video marketing. The lovely Mandy Jeffery the owner of Australian Lash & Brow Artists sharing her knowledge of customer service from her 20 years in the beauty industry. The beautiful Mimmi Ebbersten founder of Lashia Sweden and Australia talking about how to find your ideal client.

Kei Kim from Beautier International informing us about the manufacturing of eyelash extensions, what it actually takes to create the curls and lengths.

The amazing Pixie Ambler, Pixie is one of Australia’s most sought after lash artists, mentors and director of Pixie Lash Artistry salon in Western Australia. She is also a 18 times award winning lash artist. Pixie shared her knowledge about how to win lash competitions.

The fabulous Kimberly Haworth the founder of Lash Vision Global, Lash Vision Academy and all round amazingly talented lash artist speaking about conquering your road blocks.

Geoff Crichton the managing director of Lashiamegastore Australia who is also Mimmi's husband, speaking about the how we all need a support system. Be it friends, family, colleagues or business partners, we all need a support system of some kind to help us achieve our dreams. Brent Derepas from Alchemy Suit, a volume lash specialist informing us on how best to master our time. Summer Deaves owner of LPL Studio – Lash Studio, Education Academy & Mentoring, speaking about how to create a killer instagram helping you to grow and build you business.

Last but not least Loreta Jasilionyte from Flawless Lashes By Loreta, travelled all the way from the UK to speak to us about what it takes to expand and grow your business.

To end the days events Mimmi and Kei ran Lash Games, it was a quiz about lashes and people in the lash industry. It was a great way to end the days events and I came second in the lash games!

The day as you can tell from the amazing speakers was filled with so much information, so much knowledge and love for the industry. It was just the best experience being in a room with people from far and wide to talk about this industry that I love so much.

Keep an eye out in the next week or so for my day 2 blog.

Bille xx

Let's clear up some fears.

The most common fear we get from new clients is that the eyelash extensions will wreck their natural lashes. We go to great lengths to ensure your natural lashes are not damaged, by assessing the length and health of your natural lashes before proceeding. We will then choose lengths and diameter of lashes that will be the best for your natural lashes. By doing this we ensure every client has a lash set that is specifically designed for them. Each eyelash extension is then applied to one natural lash at a safe distance away from the lid surface to ensure no damage or discomfort.

Another question we are asked a lot is, “does it hurt?”. The answer is a resounding NO! When your extensions are applied correctly there should be no pain or discomfort at all. If you have any discomfort at any point get in contact with your technician.

The final thing we often hear is that the client is unsure they will be able to lay down for an extended period. We have gone to extra lengths to make sure our lash beds are super comfortable, and the lash room environment is pleasant and relaxing. In fact, it is so comfortable that majority of the clients fall asleep.

We encourage people to speak up about any thing they may be curious about or have questions about regarding the application and care of eyelash extensions.

We look forward to seeing you in the salon soon.

At Koto Beauty we have a few exciting things on the horizon that we can’t wait to share with our amazing Koto clients.

At the beginning of May, Bille will be starting a lash specific business course run by SugarLash Pro, a premier Lash Education and Product Company. We had the honour of meeting the amazing Courtney Buhler the owner of SugarLash Pro at Lash Vision Conference last year. She is such an inspiration and has such passion for improving the industry as soon as the opportunity to join this program became available we jumped at it. The course runs over 35 weeks covering every aspect of working in the lash industry that you can think of, and then some.

In June Bille will be heading to the Gold Coast to Lash Bash, a two-day lash conference with speakers and trainers from all over the country, and a few international ones as well. The conference covers a range of different subjects and the second day will be comprised of small group training in specialised fields. The conference will be a fantastic opportunity for Bille to catch up and to network with some of the lash industries best and brightest.

Then well down the track in October we have the annual event that will never be missed, of Lash Vision. Lash Vision has been a quintessential part of the Koto Beauty journey. We attended the first Lash Vision in 2016 before either of us had even lashed a single person. We would not be here today without the help and guidance from the amazing speakers, sponsors and fellow lash artist we have met through Lash Vision. This year however it is going to be bigger and better than ever. This year there is also the secondary event of Lash Vision Business to be held on the following day. The business event already has many fantastic speakers announced, Courtney Buhler (who we mentioned earlier from SugarLash Pro), Tara Walsh (the Lashpreneur), Ruthie Bell and Carissa Hill.

With all this to look forward to we can’t help but be so excited to see where it will take Koto Beauty in the future.

Love, Bille and Lucy. xox

Images from Sugarlashpro.com, Lashvision.com.au and Lashbash.com.au

Koto beauty is the brainchild of two sisters Lucy and Bille together they have worked to create a tranquil space that people can come, get pampered and relax. Koto Beauty specialises in eyelash extensions that are designed for each individual by Bille our amazing award winning lash technician.

Koto beauty has recently just had it’s first birthday in our first year our lash technician Bille has won two international awards one of which was in Australia’s first Live Lash Competition, the LashJoy Sunshine Pro.

The business began by one sister asking the other, do you want to take a chance and start a business with me....? And the answer a resounding yes! A year on, and we’re going strong. Having the opportunity to work side-by-side with your sister is an amazing opportunity. One that we have not taken lightly as anyone who has a sister knows working together can have its ups and downs but we feel that we have thrived during the process. Communication is key.

One thing that we have been so blessed with is the support and and guidance from the Koto Hair team. Kristy and Tahleaha have been instrumental in our success, without them I’m not sure that our dream would’ve been possible. To them we will be forever grateful.

We have strived to build a place that’s attention to detail and customer service is second to none. Always taking the greatest precautions in safe practices and hygienic work environment. We also follow the Australian and New Zealand eyelash industry (ANZEI) code of ethics.

We love what we do and we love our clients.

Love Lucy and Bille

Koto Beauty