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

Hi Lucine, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Living in uncomfortable situations drove my hustle. I knew I wanted better for not only myself but I wanted to create generational wealth in my family. I used to always set up lemonade stands, I also sold those little rubber band bracelets everyone used to wear. I can go on all day about items I sold during my pre teen ages but as I grew I finally decided I knew what I wanted my first legit business to be. Selling lashes. Lashes are very popular and all my friends we’re always complaining about wearing hair store lashes. So my goal with my business was to offer a variety of QUALITY products. For an AFFORDABLE price. 100% mink 15-25mm lashes, 100% HYPOALLERGENIC lipsticks and lipglosses and whatever else is added on the way will always be the best in quality.

What should our readers know about your business?
In 2020 when the idea of starting my business first came about my business name was “LuLashes”. “Lu” comes from Lucine (my name) and “Lashes” because that was only what I sold at the time. I didn’t have any personal packaging. Just regular lashes boxes in they’re little baggy with a spoolie and business card. As my business began to grow, I wanted to add new products and become more professional. So in 2021 I rebranded. My new and final business became “TheLouLuCollection” “Lou” comes from my late uncle, Louie whom I hold dear to my heart. “Lu” from my name and collection just gives that effect that she doesn’t only sell one thing. After logo and name change I also added personal packaging for my lashes and added new products such as jewelry “Icey Butterfly Necklace” and hypoallergenic lipsticks. “TheLouLuSticks”. The biggest lesson I’ve learned running a business is you must be consistent. Understanding that if I want my business to flourish I must pour into it everyday. I put myself on a set schedule to post, take photos etc. Consistently and execution will take you a long way. There are two major ways I feel set my business apart from others one is the QUALITY. I take pride in anything I even think about selling and deliver it to you guys for an affordable price. Secondly how AUTHENTIC my business is. Every time you see a butterfly your gonna think “TheLouLuCollection” or even down to the pink glitter boxes my lashes are packaged in.

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.
Day 1 | I would take her to “Café Du Monde” to start her day with some coffee and fresh beignets. By it being her first day i’ll book us some massages over at “Spa L’eau Nola” and of course for dinner we have to eat “New Orleans Seafood & Spirits” known for their unique Crawfish Voodoo Rolls. Day 2| We’ll start activities I’d take her to “City Park”. After viewing the beautiful oaks and ponds we definitely get on the swans and take a ride on the water.
Day 3| I’d take her on a cruise on “Steamboat Natchez” were we can enjoy a nice view of the water and city while buffet dining.
Day 4| We can take the day off and say it’s Saturday. We’re definitely heading to Bourbon Street and Canal Street for a night out. Might see something a little crazy but it’ll be fun!
Day 5| We can go to Bayou Segnette. A day in the wave pool!
Day 6| We can wind down and do a little shopping Oakwood Mall, Lakeside, or even the Riverwalk.
Day 7| Last day we’ll start off with breakfast at “Brothers Cafe” with their fluffy pancakes. After breakfast I know I’d take her to view my HBCU Thee Dillard University. We’ll end off our day with dinner at my house cooked by Chef Joe Flores. “Eats By Joe” Whom I have the privilege of being his little sister.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to begin showing love to my city, New Orleans. All those little black girls and boys in their room, in the trenches know that you can make all your dreams come true. Only if you HUSTLE. No matter what your situation is, no matter all the people and losses you may have took, always remember that hustling can get you wherever you want to go. Big shoutout to my backbone God first and my mom, Sandra and my stepdad, Mr.Kirk immediately after with their everlasting support.

Website: www.theloulucollection.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theloulucollection/https://instagram.com/luucineee?r=nametag

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/lucineeee

Image Credits
The very first photo of myself was taken by @2uesdai on instagram. All lashes and business photos by myself.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.