Located on Burke Street in Downtown Winston-Salem, Lash & Blade is a cosmetic tattoo and lash studio specializing in lash extensions and cosmetic tattoos. Opened by Caitlyn Wright in May 2019, Lash & Blade also offers services such as teeth whitening, dermaplaning, and tooth gems. All artists at Lash & Blade have been thoroughly trained by Caitlyn in each service provided and are a tight-knit group of women with a passion for what they do.
Although Lash & Blade has made a name for itself as a stunning studio in the community, Caitlyn’s climb to becoming a successful business owner didn’t happen overnight. She started working her first job at McDonald’s when she was 16 years old, and worked as a waitress at Mellow Mushroom for three years while she studied medical sonography at Forsyth Technical Community College. In August 2017, Caitlyn enrolled in Leon’s Beauty School before discovering that she was pregnant a couple of weeks later. Caitlyn pushed through her pregnancy in order to graduate from beauty school, in addition to waiting tables to pay for her tuition. After graduating and giving birth to her son Carson in April 2018, she became trained in applying lash extensions, lash lifting, and microblading, and even traveled to California for additional training. Despite the pandemic, she took a leap of faith and moved from a 100-square foot studio space to the studio’s current and much larger location in July 2020.
When Caitlyn met Urbn Girl owner Katie Shaver, along with Jordan Vines, the owner and photographer of Vines Studios, the trio decided to form an alliance among their fellow female business owners who might be struggling during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. Known as the WSNC GIRL GANG, the trio and their newfound group of female business owners organized giveaways and two outdoor, socially distanced events to support local businesses in need. Soon enough, WSNC GIRL GANG became a social media sensation, reaching 2,000 local followers and counting on Instagram, and 300 official members on Facebook. “We are amazed at the growth GIRL GANG has seen and we hope to expand throughout the state,” explains Caitlyn. “GIRL GANG is all about supporting one another and creating connections and friendships.”
Events sponsored by WSNC GIRL GANG donate to various causes and give back to the community. In fact, the group hosts four events each year as the seasons change. On October 3rd, GIRL GANG is hosting a Halloween Bash, asking members to bring clothing items or toiletries upon entry that will be donated to a local women’s shelter. If you missed the chance to purchase a ticket to GIRL GANG’s Halloween Bash this fall, keep your eyes peeled for the group’s upcoming event this winter. Due to the dynamic nature of the pandemic, future events are subject to change and are constantly in the works. Follow @girlgangwsnc on Instagram to keep up with the GANG’S whereabouts and stay up to date on special events. If you’re a local female business owner interested in becoming an official member, request membership through the @girlgangwsnc Facebook page and fill out the team’s questionnaire.
According to Caitlyn, “We urge everyone to join our community of like-minded women, especially during this crazy pandemic where life is so stressful and uncertain.”
If your eyebrows are in need of some serious post-lockdown TLC, Caitlyn and her team are here to help. In addition to microblading and waxing, Lash & Blade also offers semi-permanent brow lamination services designed to help your brows grow thicker and darker, with results lasting for six to eight weeks. Considering investing in lash extensions? At Lash & Blade, extensions are applied correctly and will not damage your natural lashes, thanks to the studio’s licensed and trained professionals. Put down the tweezers and mascara and enlist the help of the Lash & Blade squad to keep your face looking fresh.
Want to book an appointment? Visit lashandbladewsnc.com to schedule. Keep up with Caitlyn and her team on Instagram at @lashandbladewsnc, and follow the studio on Facebook for the latest news and updates.
