How did you get your start in the beauty industry?

I was hired to work with CHANEL Inc. as their Business Manager/Beaute Division in San Francisco, and it all started from there.  

What gave you the idea to start Lashes in a Box?

After graduating college at UC Berkeley with a business degree, I was flown to Asia for modeling contracts. Did that for about 5 years. Beginning in Singapore, I continued traveling eastbound to study the indigenous beauty secrets of Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. 

Then I had an "Aha!" moment. I noticed that in every country I visited, false eyelashes were always a part of the beauty process for every makeup artist; it was the finishing touch to completing a look. 

Upon my return, I founded Lashes In a Box with the concept of "Your Favorite Eyelashes...times 10!" in a mission to guarantee safe, high quality lashes that are perfectly suited for everyone, especially for the working-traveling makeup artist. 

What has been the driving factor for your worldwide fan base?

I believe it's our distinctive and unique packaging that offers 10 pairs of lashes in a box that makes us different from other lash companies.  

How has the Bay Area contributed to your success?

The Bay Area is where Lashes in a Box all started. I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the environment the community had to offer me as a young entrepreneur. It was the Bay Area's 'word-of-mouth' advertising that got me to where I am today. 

Who are your biggest influencers in beauty?

I was very fortunate to study beauty through extensive world traveling. But, I'd have to say my biggest influencers in beauty are my parents.  They have always instilled in me the importance of embracing our own unique beauty, without having to use makeup to 'mask' my imperfections. Then I started to understand that makeup should enhance our features, not hide them.  

Mary Sanchez (@makeupregistry) has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years. When she’s not writing for 7x7, she’s making faces beautiful as a bridal makeup artist.