My FK*IT Lash business started on my drive to work one day. It was dark, cold and early, and my falsies were NOT cooperating. FK*IT. I’d worked in retail for a decade, cosmetics for a large portion of it, but I’d never been able to find anything that would work on my Southeastern, Asian, mono-lid eye.
It was rare that I met a makeup artist who knew how to work with my eye shape until I entered the industry myself. It’s amazing that brands are becoming more inclusive, and I hope to be able to contribute to that growth, even a little bit.
I reached out to many different sources to find false lashes that could truly be comfortable on all eye shapes and look badass at the same time. I got samples from all over the world and asked friends in the cosmetics industry for their feedback.
The best decision I made was to hire a professional graphic designer once I had secured my product.
I ran into a friend who’s a graphic designer, and I’m so happy I invested in the packaging and marketing from the get-go as opposed to waiting until the business picked up before re-branding. Not only did a professional help me gain a sense of confidence in my vision for my brand, but it also helped me to make sure I stayed true to myself. At the end of the day, this is my business, and the packaging is me—on a box. No one who knows me can say they are surprised by the color palette, design, and accent details!
FK*IT Lashes is a brand-new venture for me. Despite having just launched September 7th this year, I’ve already had the pleasure of being invited to showcase my products at four events. I’ve learned to refine what I do to better reach my target customer base and had the opportunity to meet and learn from so many amazing entrepreneurs in our welcoming city.
My parents are both entrepreneurs, so I saw all the benefits and hardships first-hand very early on. I love the flexible work hours when it comes to work-life balance, but I also know how that scale can tip dramatically the other way whenever things at work get stressful. Ultimately, this is a project that I can feel very fulfilled working on after a long 9-5 at my day job.
No matter what, you’re your own boss, and every dime you make goes towards your own future.
My husband and parents have been incredibly supportive. My friends have been amazing cheerleaders. Other entrepreneurs are now my close confidants and trusted advisors. Together they have pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I couldn’t have imagined within such a short period of time. People I’ve met have generously introduced me to their connections in the industry, openly rave about my products, and think of me whenever opportunities arise.
I hope to be able to do the same for them and pay it forward.
I have connected with so many amazing #BossBabes over the past 13 weeks, and I cannot wait to meet more. There are so many more exciting events and launches to come, and I am hoping to collaborate with even more local #YEGBOSSBABES!
Fanny Kung | FK*IT Lashes
instagram.com/fkitlashes