Meet Cymica Shegog | Mom trying to balance it all.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cymica Shegog and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cymica, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?

Since the COVID pandemic, I’ve had to change my work life balance traumatically. In 2020 I welcomed a healthy baby boy to my family. I assumed I could continue the balance of being a mom, working a full time job, doing lash extensions part-time, and working on my online lash boutique, Lash Bodega. But, as COVID started to become a real thing that literally changed the world overnight, my life changed as well. It’s a different feeling being cleared by your doctor after just having a baby, only to face the reality of being on strict lockdown. That meant no visits from close family and friends to help with baby. That meant Homeschooling. That also meant no lashing my clients and no sales from my boutique. The reality of the lockdown drove me into a feeling I never felt before. You can say I was naïve to the fact that I was experiencing Postpartum Depression. It was on me bad. I had moments when I wanted to cry but I couldn’t because I didn’t want to feel weak, these moments made my disease worse.

My pivitol moment came when I returned to work. Getting back into my work routine made me realize I needed to get my life together. I started purchasing cute notebooks to write my feelings down.  I wrote down questions that helped me figure out how I got to the state of depression. I wrote solutions on how I could overcome the issue. Journaling questions and solutions in my cute notebooks has helped me tremendously.

These days I’m putting more into my children and my business. Although, I am still working a full time job, I have a renewed sense of balance and focus. I use my 9-5 to help fund my business. I’ve added my 8 year old to the Lash Bodega payroll. This allows us to spend more needed mommy/daughter time together and she gets to see mommy building a brand that she will inherit. After I put the kids to bed I dedicate at least 2 hours to Lash Bodega.

I can remember being so afraid to call off from my 9-5 but know, if it’s my kids, my health, or my business, I’m calling off or putting in more PTO where needed.

My goal is to retire from my job within a year and focus on Lash Bodega full time. I tell myself everyday that Lash Bodega is a MILLION DOLLAR COMPANY. Its time to live my best life!!!!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m an Eyelash Extension Lash Artist and Owner of an online Luxury Lash Boutique called “Lash Bodega”. I provide a luxury experience and product. Eyelash extensions came first. My goal as a lash artist was to transition EVERYONE over to eyelash extensions.  The process of installing eyelash extensions is intricate. It entails placing one extension on one natural lash. Literally. One extention on one lash. Tedious work, but I love it!! Initially I wanted to turn everyone on to eyelash extensions. Then I quickly realized that eyelash extensions weren’t for everyone. So I started exploring more options. My commitment to finding a solution for everyone who desired a luxury lash experince led me to Mink Lash strips. After finding mink lash strips, I immediately fell in love with the entire lash industry.

The thing that sets me/Lash Bodega apart from other lash techs in my area would be, experience. Though I’m servicing my clients in an intimate setting, I still provide a luxury experience. I have a big comfy chair for clients to relax in. I offer drinks if one is needed before services. I’ve taken a shot of tequila with clients. I have music playing and a candle burning to set the mood. During some services, we have conversations during sessions. I’m a shrink or my client becomes my shrink for the next few, lol.

Being a business owner doesn’t start off easy but with time and hard work it does get easier. I started off doing lash extensions. I had to introduce my body to ergonomics which was very frustrating. My hands had to get accustomed to moving certain ways and angles. While I was perfecting the trade, I was venturing into sales. SHEESH, I’m still trying to figure that out, lol. But I’m getting there. Practicing my craft everyday got me to where I am today. I still take trainings to become better. With my online boutique I read a lot of marketing books and materials and reach out to individuals who have successful businesses. Another thing that I love doing is collaborating with new business owners who may have some of the same issues as me. It’s like a magical moment to bounce ideas of one another.

If there’s anything I would want the world to know about Lash Bodega it’s that the Lash Bodega Luxury Lash Experience is a BIG DEAL. Its a beautiful brand that promotes enhancing the God given beauty that we all have. Its about having fun and enjoying experiences.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So, I’m at the point in my life where I take my kids with me everywhere, lol. Anywhere the kids can have a juice box while I have my “Mommy Juice’ is a hit! I’m sure my friend would understand, and besides, Covid has changed the dynamics of hanging out for me, unfortunately. But if we’re able to get away I think the first place we would go to is Narwhals Crafted to get to-go drinks. My favorite is the Mudslide. One of those days we would hit up Gramaphone in The Grove for a bomb sandwich. The Taco Del, OMG!!! Also, their margaritas are really good. Another place we would visit is Selfie World in chesterfield outlet. Great photo ops!! Lastly, we would for sure hit up Union Stations aquarium with the kids, of course. There’s tons of things for them to explore for free. Our favorites are feeding the turtles and and petting the baby sharks. After we’re done there we would head over to The Train Shed. A restaurant located in the Union Station. I personally LOVE the spinach and artichoke pizza . Its a must have if you’re a pizza lover like me. The Train Shed is the “Juice Box and Mommy Juice” spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My support system means everything to me. My mom, who jokingly gives me a hard time when I need a babysitter, definitely deserves a shoutout. Anytime I need her she comes through HARD. Especially for my kids!! My children’s father is another person who deserves a shoutout. When I have clients he takes over the parenting scene. He’s also my delivery guy when I have packages that need to get to the post office, and he’s my confidant. He’s always by my side, even when he disagrees with me. Another individual who deserves a Shoutout is my business mentor, Devon Graham, CEO of CEOMom. She’s always giving me helpful business advice. One thing that helps me daily is my “B Encouraged Journal” by Bettye Nicole. I write things down and refer back to it a later dates for encouragement when I need it the most. Also, anyone who has ever supported my brand. I appreciate the love and support!!!! Thank you!!!!!

Website: lashbodega.com

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