Exclusive Interview - Excuse Proof Leadership with Jana Gadischkie.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Jana Gadischkie, the mastermind behind Illuminate Beauty (Lash & Brow Studio) and the co-owner of The Studio Collective nestled on Bloomfield Street, Cleveland. Jana has not only carved a niche for her business, she has inspired countless other women on their small business journeys with her passion for helping others.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a local resident, or simply someone who appreciates the dedication that goes into running a local business, this interview offers a glimpse into the life and passion behind a locally owned business in our community.

1. Tell me about your journey into Lash & Brow Artistry. Is it true that you started your business in your garage? What inspired you to start your own business?

Yes, it’s true! I was 21 years old, heavily pregnant and I came across a Facebook page for eyelash extensions. They looked beautiful! I decided to get my lashes done for the very first time as a ‘pick me up’. Driving home, I felt like a queen, fluttering my eyelashes in the revision mirror. Maybe a little too much as I got pulled over and given a speeding fine! (Please don’t tell my husband… the police officer!)

As much as I loved the look of the lashes, they HURT. They were stuck all over my eyelids (not onto my natural lashes). I contacted the lash artist, concerned and the customer service experience made me feel very uncomfortable.

This is where my passion was born. I knew that if I could give clients a warm experience and master the skillset of lash artistry, it would allow me an opportunity to help other woman feel amazing about themselves too. I have a genuine passion for people and this lead me to start researching lash courses.

We didn’t have a lot of money. I spent my last $500 that I had saved for maternity leave, on a very basic lash course. I knew this was a gamble but then again, YOU are your biggest investment and failing just wasn’t an option.

With nothing but a portable massage bed, lash kit & kitchen chair, I started lashing my close friends from my lounge, while my husband had our newborn in the bedroom. Every week I invested in something new and every day I continued to research lashing. It wasn’t long that I graduated to a little salon in my garage and then within 8 months, I was fully booked!

My passion for customer service and prioritising lash health, continued to grow and I expanded to renting a room, then opening my first small salon. I have since opened a Beauty Collective Space for beauty professionals to work in harmony with one another. Finally, I launched my Lash Training Academy which was born from my personal experience training and a gap I could see in the industry for exceptional education.

2. You've got a new training academy? Tell us more!

My passion project! I saw a gap in the industry . There was a lack of support for new lash artists and the course content didn’t contain all the knowledge one needs to be a successful lash artist/ new business owner. I personally know a lot of people who have completed online or 1 day in person Lash Artist training and leave feeling deflated and uneducated. I created my Lash Academy to bridge this gap and create educated and thriving new Lash Artists who have the tools and support to succeed in the industry. Illuminate Beauty is here to raise the standard of the industry and give others the opportunity to start living life on their terms by becoming a successful Lash Artist.

3. I love our chats about all thing's leadership & business. One of my favourite things about your leadership is that you are not afraid of competition, you welcome it! Tell us more about your mindset around this.

I love this question! I whole heartedly believe there is enough room for everyone to succeed in business. The beauty industry can be hostile and competitive. This is just not me! I believe that what you project, is a direct reflection of the battles or insecurities you feel. I am comfortable with who I am, what we offer as a business and the services we provide. Looking to others in an effort to simply 'compete ' is a waste of energy. Starting a new business is scary - I want uplift other business owners and work as a community instead of being competitors.

4. Something that we share is our love of productivity! You accomplish in one day what most leaders potentially accomplish in one week. What daily routines do you follow? Give us ALL the tips!

I believe it comes down to how much you want something! Life is busy and everyone has a lot going on, however we all get the same 24 hours in a day!

The best advice I was given is to write down WHO you want to be and the life you want to live and start showing up like that person, from NOW!

When we welcomed our second child, I was in the midst of opening The Studio Collective. Between bringing multiple businesses together, coordinating a commercial fit out, lease agreements & juggling my husband who often works away, my schedule was totally scrambled!

Because I had the vision of who I wanted to be & the life I wanted to live, I came back to that picture in my mind & what it would take to live like that person.

My daily routine is below;

4am - Wake, lemon water & Make a coffee (of course)

4am – 4.45 am - Journal ( 3 things i'm grateful for, write down any thoughts sitting heavy on my brain and write my to do lists and intentions for the day)

5am – Get my steps in on the treadmill while listening to a podcast (on the weeks my husband is away) or I head to a group fitness workout.

I complete all aspects of my admin on my list, create social media posts for the business and start my day with nothing lingering over my head

5.30am-7am - Morning cuddles with my girls, relaxed type of morning and we all get ready for our day

7.30am - Leave for, school work and drop off

8.30am - 2.45pm - Physically in the studio, either with clients or students, working with my team or in meetings (depends on what day of the week it is)

3 - 4:30pm - Pick up the kids from school/kindy and go for a bike ride, walk or scooter

4.30 - 5.30pm - Free time. I play with the children, sometimes watch a show, go for a family walk, clean the house. Sometimes we all head into the gym for a 4.15pm session. (I love my kids seeing an active lifestyle and incorporating them into it)

I also ensure everything is done for the next morning, before I go to bed. (lunches, bags packed, house reset, meals organised, my to do list clear) to ensure I am not rushed or stressed in the morning.

5. Alrighty, so the real question that we all secretly want to know. Those stray grey eyebrow hairs...to pluck or not to pluck?!

HA! OK, so this depends on where the grey hair is situated in the brows! If it is in the middle area and pulling it out wont effect the shape, structure or fullness of the brows then absolutely! If you already have sparse brows, the hair is helping create your brow structure, then it’s a big no. My advise – regular brow maintenance appointments (3-4 weeks). Our tip for clients to maintain the youthfulness of the brows between appointments is using our Brow Creamade. This is a creamy pomade that will cover those unruly greys between appointment, where pencil or powders just wont do the trick. Did I mention its 24 hour water resistant and smudge proof?! Can you tell that I'm obsessed with this product?!

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From a garage operation to a thriving collective space overseeing 9 other business women, Jana's journey serves as an inspiration—a reminder that in the face of challenges, with unwavering determination and a clear vision, it's possible to build something remarkable. How badly do you want it?

You can read more about Jana, her team and the thriving business she has created here! Thank you Jana for sharing your time, insights & wisdom with us!