Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny McCain.
Hi Destiny, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have a passion for people, and I’ve always been a creator. What started as a personal beauty journey when my sensitive eyes could no longer handle mascara has evolved into a total mind/body/beauty lifestyle brand. In late 2018, I sought eyelash extensions to enhance my look without using makeup daily. They were expensive! However, traveling down the rabbit hole of who, what, and how, I quickly realized I could learn this skill and make a profitable business. I took a class, got certified, and immediately started practicing. It was great doing something different and engaging with friends regularly in the name of “work.” But so much more was happening during these lash sessions. A complete set takes about 2 hours; some days, that was the only time I could sit still and think uninterrupted.
I created a zen space to lash in and ensured my client and I had a calm, comfortable place to be in our minds. The art of lashing had become its therapy. Having previously received a master’s degree in Counseling and simultaneously working in the mental health field, I knew how great this experience could be if I allowed my passion and purpose to collide. So that’s exactly what I did with the creation of Feathers: Life & Lashes! My clients are businesswomen, moms, educators, therapists, and nurses. They wear several hats and are expected to wear them well. The world’s weight is heavy, and the feminine essence of today’s woman- that thing that makes her HER- is often smothered first.
What better way to lighten the load than with self-care that is both effective and efficient? Today, Feathers: Life and Lashes sits at the corner of Cultivation and Curation. Clients get their feathers fluffed and allow themselves to be coached into greatness. I have also expanded to include a product line of essential items for the woman on the go. Feathers has gone mobile for Galentine’s Day expos and bridal parties on location. Feathers: Life and Lashes is where beauty meets boldness! Think convenience swaddled in luxury. What was expected to be a side hustle was birthed into a brand, and now, It’s bigger than a brand; it’s a lifestyle!
Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth?
I have had traditional obstacles such as funding and location concerns. When I started, I didn’t have a mentor. I was learning through tube university and working with very little capital. I did not have great credit and could not get a loan to purchase a business space, equipment, etc. I had to navigate self-funding this new venture on a school counselor’s salary. I chose to utilize my home and dedicate a space to lashing. This was best financially but posed another challenge. As a woman and single mother, I limited my clientele and only accepted trusted referrals to ensure safety. I didn’t find it wise to have any and everyone in my home, which I’ve identified for my daughter as a safe and free space.
I am also my own worst critic. Excellence is always the goal. While my service has always been client-centered, I struggled with feeling inadequate because I worked out of my home, didn’t have the “IG-worthy” look that other lash artists promoted, and living with ADHD made everything feel unorganized. Getting past some of this has taken a lot of growth and personal development. As my concerns surrounding funding and location diminished, other adversities appeared. One was the general capability to build and run a business, work a full-time job, and meet my daughter’s personal, academic, and social/emotional needs. There were days I was mentally and physically exhausted. Providing 2+ hours of service per client was the last thing I had energy for. Fast forward to 2023, where I have finally worked my way into a place that has provided more freedom of time and eased the load somewhat; I was hit with two of the greatest losses I’ve ever experienced. My oldest sister lost an 8-year battle with cancer on March 1, 2023, and my mother passed away completely unexpectedly from complications of diverticulitis on September 13, 2023. I have had to will myself to continue to be a mom, sister, friend, Soror, and business owner all year. I have had to take time off from my business, and I’m grateful to have built solid relationships with amazing clients who have given me grace during these times. My mother and sister were two of my biggest supporters. I consulted them often regarding business and personal endeavors, so the new challenge of 2023 going into 2024 is to strengthen my way to keep growing and have the capacity to push through when the next obstacle arises.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Feathers: Life & Lashes?
Feathers is a lifestyle brand. Most clients come for my eyelash extensions and stay for my counseling services. You can book either service independent of the other. My artistic ability, attention to client experience, and mental health background set me apart. Many clients I see suffer from alopécie and other disorders that cause hair loss. My goal is not to determine that you aren’t a candidate for my services but to figure out how to create a look you will be pleased with and an experience you didn’t know you needed. As a master’s level clinician, I can legally provide counseling services. I have had formal training; I understand what is required to transcend any client-centered service into a therapeutic self-care experience, beauty or otherwise.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am a karaoke queen. While I can be very reserved and have a professional persona, I come alive on stage and get into character. I also love to travel and enjoy immersing myself in the culture around me. I rarely stick to the resort when on vacation.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/feathersstl?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeathersStL?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/destiny-mccain-collinsville-il/1156126
