Imagine running an upcoming lash business right from home, all while still attending high school. What started as a simple interest has become an active side hustle, with a growing client base and a reputation for impeccable work, offering clients a personalized, high-quality experience that keeps them coming back. Her journey reflects a trend of high school students turning hobbies into profitable businesses, proving that with passion and discipline, young entrepreneurs can thrive even while managing academics.

Although Leslie Venegas is only 17 and a senior at West Chicago Community High School, she has already built a successful business as a lash technician with Lashes by Leslie. Her venture into the beauty industry was not planned – but she always knew she wanted to pursue something business-related.

“My mom does nails, so I knew I couldn’t do nails. I was like, ‘What else could I do?’ Like, there’s facials, there’s lash extensions, there’s hair and makeup…but I just like lash extensions, because it’s one-on-one, it’s very peaceful. I really had to think about what am I gonna enjoy doing as my job?” Venegas said. “When I took my course and the classes, I really did click with it. And I found it really relaxing  because I don’t like to overthink when I’m working. It’s just like one thing I need to focus on, and that’s it.”

The process was “sort of a struggle,” Venegas said. She first took a course, practicing lash techniques on her mom, who is still her favorite client. Upon becoming certified, Venegas took in clients free of charge, focusing on refining her technique and understanding the process. During this time, she learned what to expect when things became more serious, recognized mistakes she could improve on, and figured out how long appointments would take. As she gained confidence, she began charging for her services, treating it as more than just a hobby.

The whole process took six months.

“I wanted to be confident in my work. I’m working on somebody’s eyes, somebody’s face,” Venegas said.

She then started taking actual clients and making money from the business—all while still attending school, something many people find difficult to juggle.

“I try to make priorities. [If] I have a upcoming test [and] I know I’m struggling, I won’t go out and I’ll just save [an appointment] for next week or whenever our schedule aligns. Whenever I’m too stressed, I won’t [book appointments],” Venegas said.

Luckily, the lash business only takes two hours of her day, giving her enough time to catch up on homework and study for any upcoming tests. But she still faces some challenges.

“On the client’s part, sometimes they don’t respect my policies, or they don’t confirm with me, and it just messes up my time, my schedule. So that can be a little difficult sometimes, and it can be confrontational, but I have to do it. You know, that’s part of being a business owner,” Venegas said.

Despite the occasional difficulties, her dedication to both her clients and her craft does not go unnoticed. Alexandra Tinajero, one of her longtime clients, said she was drawn to Venegas’ business early on because of how consistent she was with advertising and showcasing her work.

“I first heard about Leslie’s lash business at the start of her career as a friend, also her advertising and putting a lot of constant work on social media that gave me a visual of her work,” Tinajero said. “What made me decide on booking a lash appointment with her was seeing how consistent she was in her work on social media and seeing the work she provided and how all the girls she did lashes on looked beautiful.”

According to Tinajero, Venegas’ ability to customize the experience for each client sets her apart.

“She takes time to get to know her clients and how they want their experience to be – either music or none, talking or no talking – and looks out for the best interest of her customers and gives suggestions,” Tinajero said. “And for me, an at-home setting once you book with her, her lash room provides a comfortable and relaxing inviting space that breaks off any shyness one could have in the beginning, making for a better experience.”

Venegas does not let a negative interaction with a client ruin her day, however; she always sticks to her plan and knows what to do in any situation.

“Be cordial. You still have to be respectful,” Venegas said.

No matter how she feels, Venegas never acts out of emotion and always stays professional. That is something she has learned through her experiences in the beauty industry.

On the bright side, one thing she really enjoys about her job is seeing the results.

“I love seeing the transformation in my clients,” Venegas said. “When I edit the photos, I think, ‘Damn, I did that.’ It’s so rewarding to see the before-and-after.”

Even with a packed schedule, Leslie makes time for the things that bring her joy – whether perfecting her craft, spending time with loved ones, or unwinding with her beloved dog, Benito.

“I get to dress him up and give him food – that’s just so cute. It’s just like a daily routine. I like that. I have to take him on walks and stuff. I have to bathe him. It’s just a routine that I’m used to, and I like doing,” Venegas said.

Benito is like a son to her. She loves him so much that he even makes her want to get another dog.

Venegas may seem shy at first, but once people get to know her, she is actually very talkative. She also loves spending time with her friend Kimberly Munoz.

“Although Leslie seems like a shy person, once you get to really know her she’s the most funniest, caring person in the world,” Munoz said.

Munoz has seen firsthand how Venegas juggles school, business, and friendships.

“I think Leslie does a great job balancing school, lashing, and friendships. Every time we text, she’s always doing one of the three,” Munoz said. “She always makes time for me even when she has a busy schedule. Even if we don’t hang out for a while, whenever we do, it’s like we were just together the day before.”

Though their schedules make it difficult to see each other often, Munoz said their bond is unshakable.

“We both have busy schedules most of the time, and since we do live a little far from each other sometimes it’s hard, but we always work something out,” Munoz said. “Our favorite things to do together are going shopping, going out to eat, and even going to the gym together. It doesn’t really matter what we do as long as we’re together.”

When devoting time to her clients or friends, Venegas leans toward resting and catching up on sleep. If she is not doing that, she can be found performing chores around the house, which she enjoys. She takes advantage of her days off to reset mentally and practice self-care – she particularly enjoys doing face masks to take care of her skin. She then makes plans for the week and checks her schedule.

Venegas hopes to continue doing lashes for a while.

“I feel like a long-term goal for me would just be to make a brand out of my small business, and just make it into something really big and sell lash supplies. For other lash artists, you know? Do classes, teach other people how to do lash extensions,” Venegas said.

Her advice for those who plan on joining the beauty business?

“Just keep trying, and don’t look at any other lash accounts or don’t try to compare yourself to others because they started at a different rate, and then you started at a different rate. So just focus on your work and try to always practice to get better,” Venegas said.

Her final piece of advice is to take things one day at a time – focus on today, and the rest will fall into place.

“I would say don’t multitask or procrastinate, because that’s what I do. You get stressed out even more. Just get everything that you need to get done, like that same day, that same time, doesn’t matter. Just don’t wait [too] long,” Venegas said.

This story was originally published on Wildcat Chronicle on March 20, 2025.