Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaylove Bateman
Hi Shaylove, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a very young age, I was drawn to the beauty industry. It was more than just an interest—it felt like a calling. As a single mother of three, I was always searching for ways to create a better life for my children, to reach the next plateau in life while still doing something I loved. I worked a full-time job during the day, and when my babies went to bed, I’d study and practice lashing—sacrificing sleep, comfort, and personal time to perfect my craft.
I started by doing lashes in my living room, working alongside my two sisters, Shanshay and Shannon. The early days were tough—no balance, barely enough energy to get through the day, and very little support in terms of business knowledge. As a Black woman and single mother, the weight of it all could have easily broken me. But I had something stronger—faith. I leaned heavily on my belief that God gave me this gift for a reason. I knew in my heart that what I was building would not only change my life but create a legacy for my family.
With the support of my sisters, the encouragement of my clients, and guidance from a mentor, Tonita Smith, I took a leap of faith and left my job. That decision changed everything. I went from hustling out of my living room to opening my first lash suite in Florissant—where I’ve now been rooted for over 10 years. Since then, Lash U Studio has grown tremendously, servicing over 1,000 clients and expanding to Houston, TX.
But the growth hasn’t just been about numbers. I’ll never forget the client who told me my story inspired her to launch her own business, which grew into a six-figure success after she had been sleeping on couches. That moment reminded me this journey is about more than lashes—it’s about impact. Another proud moment was hosting Thanksgiving in my own home for the first time, bringing three generations of my family together under one roof. That memory still fills me with gratitude—it was the manifestation of every sleepless night, every risk, and every prayer.
Today, I’m proud to have created not just a business, but opportunities—for my sisters, for my community, and for other women trying to find their own way. Lash U Studio now has two locations in Florissant and one in Houston, offering not only lash services but brow services and more. I’ve transitioned from being behind the chair to mentoring other women, helping them grow their skills and chase their dreams.
What’s next? I envision a storefront location, a bigger team, and even a nonprofit to mentor young women who want to enter the beauty industry and become their own boss. This journey started with a pair of tweezers and a dream—and it’s still just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road—but every bump along the way helped shape the woman and business owner I am today. As a single Black mother of three, trying to juggle a full-time job, parenting, and launching a business felt nearly impossible at times. There were days I was physically exhausted, mentally drained, and emotionally stretched so thin I questioned if I was doing the right thing. I’d work all day, come home to care for my kids, and then stay up late lashing clients or practicing my craft in the living room.
There was no work-life balance. No clear roadmap. And in the beginning, I didn’t have a network of entrepreneurs or business owners to turn to for advice. I had to figure things out as I went—Googling everything, asking questions, and praying my way through the unknown. Financially, it was a challenge too—investing in training, supplies, and eventually renting my first suite while still making sure my kids had everything they needed.
But through all the struggle, I never lost sight of my “why.” My kids were my reason and my fuel. The encouragement of my sisters, the loyalty of my clients, and my faith in God kept me moving. I reminded myself that temporary sacrifice would lead to long-term success. And now, when I reflect on everything I went through to get here, I’m grateful for the challenges—they taught me resilience, discipline, and how to build something meaningful from the ground up.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lash U Studio is more than just a place to get your lashes and brows done—it’s a space that was built on faith, sacrifice, and the desire to create something meaningful. We specialize in high-quality lash extensions and brow services, but what we really offer is an experience that makes women feel beautiful, valued, and cared for.
This business started in the most humble way—me, in my living room, lashing one client at a time while my kids played in the background. I didn’t have a roadmap or investors backing me—just a gift from God, a dream in my heart, and a desire to provide more for my family. Every client that came through the door was treated like the most important person in the world, because they were. That same energy is what Lash U Studio is still known for today.
What sets us apart isn’t just our attention to detail or the luxury feel of our suites—it’s the love and care behind every service. We don’t believe in rushing people in and out. We take our time. We build real relationships. We create a safe space where women can relax, be pampered, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
I’m most proud of how far we’ve come—from my living room to multiple locations, from just me to a growing team that now includes my sisters. And beyond the beauty services, I’m proud of the lives this business has touched. I’ve watched clients find healing, confidence, and even the courage to start their own businesses just from sitting in my chair. That’s the kind of impact that means everything to me.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about Lash U Studio, it’s that we’re not just here to make you look good—we’re here to remind you that you are good, worthy, and capable of anything. And we’re just getting started.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is simple: start scared, but start anyway. Don’t wait until everything is perfect or until you feel fully ready—because that moment may never come. I started Lash U Studio with no business background, no blueprint, and barely enough time in the day. But I had faith, a vision, and the willingness to outwork my fear.
There were so many nights I questioned myself—wondering if I was doing the right thing, if I was being selfish for chasing a dream while raising my kids, or if I was just setting myself up to fail. But every time I pushed through those doubts, God met me with just enough strength to keep going.
I wish someone had told me that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Growth comes through trial and error. You’re going to make mistakes—but they don’t mean you’re failing, they mean you’re learning. Keep your eyes on your why—whatever that is for you—and let it be your fuel on the hard days.
Surround yourself with people who support you, even if it’s just one or two people. And if you don’t have that yet, be your own biggest cheerleader until you do. I also can’t stress enough the importance of doing things the right way from the beginning—register your business, keep track of your finances, and stay professional even when things feel small.
Lastly, don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter twenty. Focus on your own growth, stay true to your purpose, and trust that what’s meant for you won’t miss you. You’ve got this.
Pricing:
- New Client Special (Any Lash Set) – $100.00
- Lip Blush (PMU) – $200.00
- Ombre Eyebrows (PMU) – $299
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lashustudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lashustudio?igshid=1upwa2m1vz3qq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lashustudio/#
