Meet LaGena “Lala” Cain of Browsbylalapresents in Bronzeville/Lincoln Park Chicago

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaGena “Lala” Cain.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in the beauty industry. My love for beauty and fashion all began when my playpin was in La’Gena’s (my aunt named her salon after me) beauty salon on the west side of Chicago. I guess at that point you could say I was destined to be in this business. Although I was born in the beauty industry, I always had a passion for fashion. After HS, I decided to pursue fashion and attend Columbia College for Fashion Business. I sought out to be a fashion stylist and pursued that career for years until I started having a family. It was during my pregnancy with my first child that I realized that I wanted to pursue cosmetology and continue with my family legacy. I decided to attend my family business our beauty school Your School Of Beauty and become a licensed cosmetologist who specialized in hair removal. I have been a brow artist for 12 years now and I absolutely love what I do. Mostly because I love the connections that I built with my clients. My clients have become my family. Although I have had a thriving career for the past 12 years, my personal life had taken a bad turn in 2008. The perfect family life that I was accustomed to living and literally been swept right from under me and I was left to pick up the pieces and raise my children the best way that I could. During that hard time of my life, I noticed women in my circle of influence making boss moves and making things happen and instead of being bitter and jealous I chose to be empowered and inspired. It was during that time that God told me to honor those women and that is when I started Browsbylalapresents The Taste Makers brunch. This year will be the 5th year of spotlighting amazing and inspiring women. The very first year, I honored my mom and aunt who are pioneers in the beauty industry (the owners of Your School of Beauty) and who are the reason why I am in this business.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I am a single mother. Who has a demanding career that can take away time from my children as well as free time for my friends and family. Balancing it all is very challenging. But I had to learn how to say “no” to things that don’t serve my purpose and my peace, at times. I had to make my peace and sanity my first priority. I had to learn to pour into myself first then I can be full enough to pour into others.

Browsbylalapresents – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is Browsbylala and Browsbylalapresents. I offer all hair removal in the forms of waxing and threading. I also offer brow tinting, and microblading eyebrows. I am also the creator of the TasteMakers brunch which has become my baby and something that I am most proud of mainly because I feel as though I am living out my purpose. Which is to motivate, inspire, encourage and celebrate others. I remember when I was about 15 years old prophet told me that I would be a motivational speaker. Although I never really saw how that would be. I can see now how that is being fulfilled in my life.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is what you define for yourself and what fulfills you. When you are at a place of peace with yourself and you trust the process of your journey!

Pricing:

• $25-$400

Contact Info:

• Email: browsbylala@gmail.com
• Instagram: Browsbylalapresents
• Facebook: TasteMakers

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