If ever there were a competition for “social butterfly” of the lash world, Latoya Turner would definitely make the winners podium. This Virginia Beach Lash Stylist has taken social media by storm and built a legion of lash followers online for her Lashes by Toya Studio. Her outgoing attitude and stylistic lash work have made her a natural “go to gal” for clients seeking information on eyelash extensions. Even beauty professionals interested in lashing out in their career are finding Latoya online and asking about her Xtreme Lashes business.

A licensed cosmetologist since 2004, Latoya has been lashing with Xtreme Lashes since May of 2008. “I chose Xtreme Lashes for my lash training because of the requirements for a professional license, the small class sizes and the detailed hands-on instruction they provide,” she says. “In fact, on my first phone call, the customer service rep asked me to fax my license in before we got into the details about taking a class. I liked that.”

After her initial training, Latoya returned for additional skill building in a September 2008 Xtended class where she received her Certification as an Xtreme Lashes Stylist and qualified for listing on the elite Xtreme Lashes online Stylist Directory. “I do 4 new sets every week,” Latoya says, “and at least 2 come to me from the Xtreme Lashes Directory. It’s great because I don’t have to do any other advertising. I just let Xtreme advertise for me.”

We’re willing to bet Latoya’s additional lash business is coming to her by way of the internet, too. Latoya has a presence on just about every social media forum imaginable. She’s built up over 600 followers on Twitter, 370 fans on her Facebook page, over 1000 friends on MySpace and has a profile on LinkedIn in addition to her main website. How did she get all these lash devotees online? “I’m constantly talking about lashes online,” she says. “and I post tons of pictures of my work. Pictures really help so I take pictures of almost every appointment and I often have people tell me they chose me because they were able to see my work.”

Latoya has also become a lash “eyelighting” specialist after taking an Advanced training program in 2009. A huge fan of colored lashes, she encourages every new client to try some color in their application and has converted most of the color-wary to color-worshippers like herself. She says her pictures are a great advertorial when it comes to color, too. She shows off the many color variations she has applied on her social sites and in the studio so clients can see different looks, from the subtle to the Xtreme. She also wears color on herself, currently sporting a black with purple look courtesy of lash buddy and fellow Xtreme Certified Stylist Dwanna Hudson.

Latoya tells us that Dwanna found her on the Xtreme Directory and approached her with questions about the company before decided to take the training herself. They now exchange services to keep each other lashed and looking lovely. She loves networking with other Lash Stylists and counts quite a few of them amongst her online followers. For those looking for advice on training, she happily recommends Xtreme Lashes to any interested newbies and reminds them to do their research and keep in mind that customer service and product quality should always factor in to the decision they make.

As for her decision to go with Xtreme, Latoya says she loves it! “My income has been crazy! When I first started, I was working full-time doing hair at a salon and now I’m down to 1-2 days per week. I plan to be out completely by October of this year!” She cites Xtreme Lashes trainer Ignacia Garcia as one of her role models and says she would love to follow in her footsteps, becoming a trainer and expanding her studio with additional Xtreme stylists.

Latoya is definitely on right track for her future goals, as evidenced by these comments from her loyal followers:

"Before I found Toya I was lash-less! I've tried strips, drug store lashes, and the so-called individual lashes that the girls at the nail salon offer. They are all bogus and a waste of money. Toya's lashes last over a month (if you take care of them) and look like you grew them. Everyone asks me what mascara I use. If they only knew! The initial price may be more than some people want to spend but if you maintain them, it's cheaper than filling you nails at the salon. I say it's worth every penny!! If you weren't blessed with long full lashes then this is the only way to go!"
- S.R, VA Beach, VA

"I got sooo many compliments on my beautiful "NATURAL" lashes today! No one could tell they were false.You have certainly gained a new customer. I am sooo satisfied. Thank you so much! I'll be calling you soon"
- C.M., Virginia Beach, VA