Wednesday Wink: A New Chapter, From Dixie

Posted by Dixie Gladbach on October 07, 2026

Hi, I'm Dixie and I'm so excited to be taking over Wednesday Wink! I'm a lash artist, beauty professional, business owner, and lifelong student of this industry. I've spent years building, rebuilding, learning, growing, and occasionally figuring things out the hard way. Some of my biggest lessons have come from the incredible women I've had the opportunity to learn from along the way.

How It All Started

I built my beauty business in Los Angeles with the guidance of an incredible mentor, Shannique Austin, owner of Glam Spa. Shannique was more than a mentor to me. She taught me what it looked like to build a business, create opportunities, invest in yourself, and surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. She also introduced me to some incredible forces in the beauty industry, including GladGirl, and opened my eyes to just how much is possible when you continue to learn, network, and put yourself out there.

Working alongside Shannique and watching her build her own business taught me something I'll carry with me forever: You don't have to figure it all out alone. The right mentor, community, education, and support system can completely change the trajectory of your business.

Starting Over in San Diego

Then I moved to San Diego and started building again. Moving to San Diego meant starting over in a lot of ways.

• New city
• New clientele
• New connections
• New opportunities

And now I'm building my business here at Garnet Lash. And you know what I've realized? Starting over doesn't mean starting from scratch. I brought everything I learned in Los Angeles with me.

• The techniques
• The business lessons
• The mistakes
• The confidence
• The relationships
• The education

And most importantly, the understanding that there is always another level to reach.

Women Helping Women Succeed

What I've loved about both my LA experience and my time building in San Diego is that they have something really important in common: women helping women succeed. Whether it was learning from Shannique, being introduced to industry leaders, connecting with other artists, or continuing my education, I've seen firsthand how powerful it can be when beauty professionals support one another.

• There is always another technique to learn.
• Another class to take.
• Another business idea to try.
• Another artist to learn from.
• Another way to improve your client experience.
• Another opportunity to grow.

Continuing education isn't just about becoming a better artist. It's about becoming a better business owner. As I've built and rebuilt my business over the years, I've learned a LOT about what works and what absolutely doesn't. Marketing, branding, client retention, networking, investing in your business, creating opportunities, and actually putting yourself out there all matter. You have to market yourself. You have to let people know who you are, what you do, and why they should choose you.

If you're ready to sharpen your craft and grow your offering, keep investing in education and tools that keep you client-ready. GladGirl's consent and client history forms, point-of-sale marketing tools, and the reusable Application Tile are simple ways to look polished, stay organized, and show up like the pro you already are.

Let's Talk About the Business Behind the Beauty

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to watch, learn from, and work alongside some incredible women in this industry. Now, I want to share what I've learned with you. Building a successful business around your talent is another skill entirely. Don't be the best-kept secret in your city. You've worked too hard on your craft to hide behind the lash bed. It's time to put yourself out there.

• You're talented.
• You're passionate.
• You've put in the work.

Your Talent Gets Them to Stay. Your Marketing Gets Them in the Door.

Think about it. There are probably dozens of talented lash artists, estheticians, hairstylists, brow artists, makeup artists, nail artists, tattoo artists, and beauty professionals in your area.

So why does a client choose you?

• Sometimes it's a referral.
• Sometimes it's your work.
• Sometimes it's your personality.

Sometimes they saw one photo of your work at exactly the right time. Sometimes they picked up your business card six months ago and finally decided to book.

Don't only market when you're desperate for clients. Don't wait until your books are empty to start marketing. When you suddenly have five openings next week, posting "I have availability!!!" isn't necessarily a marketing strategy. Your marketing should be happening before you need the appointment.

You want people seeing your work, getting to know your personality, learning from you, trusting you, and remembering your name. Because when they finally decide they're ready for that lash set, facial, brow appointment, hair transformation, or whatever your specialty is… you want to be the first person they think of.

Stock the station with pieces that help clients remember you: appointment cards, counter cards from the marketing collection, and clear aftercare so every visit feels intentional. Beauty begins with you, and your brand should say that before you ever pick up a tweezer.

I'm so glad to be here with you on Wednesday Wink. Let's grow together. XOXO, Dixie

DIXIE GLADBACH