Lash artist longs to return to work

For Hanford native Celeste Piceno, getting eyelash extensions was a hobby until one day she was offered an opportunity she could not refuse.

“I was offered the opportunity to become an apprentice with Desiree Martinez. She is known as Desi Loves Lashes. She offered the apprenticeship and I couldn’t turn it down,” Piceno said.

Eyelash extensions are a cosmetic application that is used to enhance thickness and fullness of natural lashes, a top beauty trend that has received a lot of attention recently.

As Piceno perfected her craft, she also entered a contest for an opportunity to join the 2020 Bella Lash Talent Team. The winners received Bella Lash products. Out of the 500 who applied only 25 were chosen around the world. Piceno was one of them. 

“It was really cool. We were with them for a year and they sent us products and they promoted our work,” Piceno said.

She had just moved to a new salon and her lash business was booming. Then, COVID-19 happened, and non-essential businesses were shutdown including the salon and beauty bar where she works.

“We’re too close to them. We’re right above their faces. So we’re all, well me and the client are, both talking to each other. It’s too dangerous for us to be that close,” Piceno said.

Piceno has been unemployed for the last two months while the shelter in place order is still in effect. She is still paying her booth rent even though she is not allowed to work.

“I’m losing a lot of money. The help they’re giving is like, I don’t want to say nothing, but not what I was making when I was working,” Piceno said.

Because lash products are expensive and they have expiration dates, Piceno may also have to throw away some of her products if the shelter in place order is not lifted soon. While she hates losing money, it is the people she misses the most.

“Just seeing everybody again–my coworkers and being around other people–that’s what I’m excited about,” Piceno said.

Even though Piceno is unsure when she will return to work, she is excited to get back to doing what she loves.