Today we’d like to introduce you to Samara McKinley.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
I had a passion for the hair and beauty industry all of her life, and it has taken on her favorite quote “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” After being in the in the corporate life, at 36, I got laid off and decided to go after what I always loved.. the beauty industry. I went to cosmetology school and after I graduated shortly opened Couture Beauty Lounge in 2017. I believes in continued education and strives to stay at the forefront of my field with my knowledge of new products and services, in order to provide excellent service to her clientele. In 2018 , I started my lash career and my love for lashing came, my love for teaching. With over 100’s of students under my belt, I decided to start coaching my former and prospective students on how to start a business from the ground up in 2021.
When I am not servicing her clients, teaching or selling Real Estate. I am a busy mom to 3 young men (28, 16, 9) and her daughter (23). You can see Jailen (her daughter) at the studio taking over the classic lashing and lash lift and tints. Samara biggest loves are her family, wine the beach and the beauty industry,
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
The challenges that I have had along the way definitely came in the beginning of my career. Just getting my name out there and making sure I am authentic to myself first and then to my clients so that they can trust me with their services goes a long way. Also, understanding my surrounding area and making my business known for being the best in my around town.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and is certified in individual Classic & Volume Eyelash Extensions, Beauty Education, Microdermabasion/Hydradermabrasion Facials, Microneedling Facials and Stretch Marks, SculptIce, Microblading, Microshading, Ombre Brow, Lip Blushing technique, Hyaluron Pen Fillers (Lips and Face, Fat dissolve), Body Contouring, Mesotherapy and Virtual Mesotherapy, Teeth Whitening, Yoni Steam, Infrared Sauna Detox, Laser Hair and Stretch Mark Removal, as well as double certified in master speed waxing brow/body.
Prospective Clients and Students should choose me because we strive to keep clients up to date with our extensive knowledge of services/aftercare to produce the optimum results. Not to mention we want our clients to feel like the are at home in CBL.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My best piece of advice would be to work hard, no one is ever going to promote you like yourself. Also never give up and invest in yourself! There are so many times that I wanted to quit and give up but I remembered why I started…and for that reason I am who I am today.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to means to me that I have achieved my desired goals, visions and dreams. Yes I am successful now, but I have so much more work to do. Being able to do what I do and teach aspiring cosmetologist and estheticians is one of the best feelings, especially when they feel discouraged. When they get discouraged, I am there to understand and help them get through their problems without judgement, and always letting them know I am exactly where they were a few years. I make sure that they CAN achieve what they put their mind to.
What’s next for you?
Such a great question. What’s next for me? I am in the process of looking for a second location and open a Health and Wellness center focusing on nutrition, weight loss and meal planning. I firmly believe that being in this industry has definitely transformed my idea of Beauty. There are so many outlets in this field and it’s only up from here.
My true purpose I believe was to help others and be a true support system to whoever may need it.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Future students and clients can email me at samara@couturebeautylounge.com, text “interview” 7812306464 or call 781-236-3781. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook @couturebeautyloungellc
