Artist Spotlight Building Beauty, Confidence, and Legacy in Brooklyn

New York City is a place where artistry and ambition collide. In Brooklyn, beauty isn’t just about trends it’s about identity, expression, and confidence that moves as fast as the city itself.

For this spotlight, we sat down with one of our talented professional lash artists to talk about her journey from entrepreneurial beginnings on her grandparents’ porch to building a thriving beauty business in one of the most competitive cities in the world.

Her story is one of creativity, resilience, and deep care for the people she serves.

Starr Blackshere

The Woman Behind the Brand

Before she ever picked up a lash tweezer, artistry was already a part of her life.

“I was always doing something creative,” she says.

“Hair, makeup, brow artistry; those skills really helped shape me into the lash artist I became.”

Entrepreneurship also started early. One of her favorite childhood memories involves an 11-year-old version of herself running a shaved ice stand on her grandparents’ porch.

“I had my machine set up with all the flavors,” she laughs. “The local ice cream man became a regular customer. He would literally pull up in his truck just to buy shaved ice from me. He always asked for a lot of cherry and grape syrup.”

That early encouragement mattered.

“I was never denied the opportunity to pursue my ideas. When I said I wanted to do something, I was supported.”

That support planted the seed for the business owner she would become.

Representation and Building a Brand

Before opening her studio, she worked as a freelance hair and makeup artist across New York City, serving clients from all backgrounds.

“I naturally attracted more Black women as clients and fewer women outside the Black community,” she explains.

It wasn’t something she expected, but it taught her an important lesson about branding and representation.

“People often need to see themselves reflected in branding before they feel connected to it. That realization pushed me to intentionally build bridges with people who may not initially see themselves in my brand.”

Her goal is simple: ensure that every client feels seen and understood.

“My team and I see beauty solutions for everyone.”

The Early Days

Her first attempt at lashing actually dates back to 2007 long before the industry exploded the way it has today.

“At the time, I didn’t like how individual lashes had to be pulled from tiny jars, and I didn’t like how inconsistent the adhesive was,”

she recalls.

“So I stopped almost immediately and focused on makeup artistry instead.”

More than a decade later, the industry had evolved and she decided to try again. In 2019, she committed to learning the craft properly.

“I curated my education carefully. I only worked with mentors, artists, and products that I truly admired.”

That search eventually led her to the illumino Lynk-Gel Method.

“I flew to Hawaii to learn it.”

But mastering lashes didn’t happen overnight.

“My first full sets took six hours,” she admits. “I felt like I should have been paying my models.”

Thankfully, her clients were patient.

“Soon it became five hours… then four… then three. But wow that was a tough period.”

The Tool That Changed Everything

When she discovered Lynk-Gel, it was exactly the breakthrough she needed.

“I needed to become a lash master fast, I needed a pro-level solution.”

The system changed how she worked almost immediately.

“Lynk-Gel gave me working time to perfect my fan placement while still curing the lashes properly. And most importantly; my clients’ sets lasted.” That reliability transformed her confidence.

“My clients can feel the difference. They can see it too.”

It also changed her business.

“Because the method is so reliable, it improved my pricing confidence and overall growth.”

Brooklyn: Where Style Meets Speed

Running a beauty business in Brooklyn means keeping up with a city that never slows down.

“New Yorkers have a strong sense of identity. They know exactly what they want. That actually pushes artistic mastery because you have to nail the look in real time every time.”

Time is the biggest challenge.

“Lashes take time, but New Yorkers are always moving. So we treat our clients like celebrities. Their show must go on.”

Her lash sets need to do three things:

• Look amazing
• Last through busy schedules
• Photograph beautifully

“Brooklyn inspires my brand to be fashionable, but also editorial.”

And running a beauty business in NYC comes with its own realities.

“Everything costs more—real estate, team wages, operations. But what makes you stand out here is simple: you care more. You put deep love into every step.”

Artist vs. Owner

Interestingly, she never saw her work as just a side hustle.

“I planned my business from the beginning.”

But like many entrepreneurs, she’s constantly evolving.

“I’m always learning how to think like an owner at every turn.”

For her, structure and mindset make the biggest difference.

“Systems keep me organized and pointed north on my path. And I stay optimistic. I live for joyful opportunities.”

Defining Success

From Growth and Momentum to Balance

Success used to mean growth and momentum. Now, it means something more balanced.

“Success to me now looks like balance, autonomy, flexibility, and legacy. I’ve been solid.”

Showing Up for Women

Community Plays a major role in her philosophy

“I show up for women by investing deeply in their best outcome. I do that for everyone.”

Within the beauty industry, mentorship is something she hopes to build intentionally in the future.

“I would love to mentor someone but I want structure around it. I want a real program with clear outcomes.”

For young Black women entering the industry today, her approach is thoughtful.

“The advice would vary depending on their circumstances, but I would meet them with love and offer my best.”

Looking Ahead

The future is already taking shape

She’s building a larger team to meet the demands of her busy New York clientele.

“I would also love to launch multiple products. Where that lands is still unfolding.”

But one thing is clear: she’s focused on creating something lasting.

“I’m building a legacy of incredible kindness while performing amazing transformations.”

For her clients, lashes are about more than beauty.

“They create confidence. Confidence that can take you as far as you want to go.”

And five years from now?

“I see myself succeeding with my content concept, leading a fantastic team, and opening an established cosmetic retail store.”

Check Out Starr's Artistry and See How She's Transforming the Lashing Landscape of New York!

Check Out Blackshere BeautyBlackshere Beauty on Instagram

Check Out Some of Starr's Favorite illumino Products

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