Meet Arlett Castillo | Oh La La Boutique Owner and Lash Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arlett Castillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arlett, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I decided to start my own lash extension business, my thought process was driven by a combination of passion, opportunity, and the desire for flexibility. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty industry, and lash extensions seemed like a niche where I could combine creativity with precision. I noticed there was a growing demand for lash extensions, and I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market, offering high-quality, personalized services that clients could trust.
Beyond the passion and market demand, I was motivated by the entrepreneurial freedom that comes with running your own business. I wanted to create an environment where clients felt comfortable and pampered, but also have control over my schedule and business decisions. I took time to get certified, research the best products, and build a brand that reflected quality and care. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the business grow, knowing that I’m helping people feel more confident in their appearance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets my work apart is my commitment to personalized service and attention to detail. I focus on creating lash extensions that aren’t just beautiful, but customized to fit each client’s natural eye shape, lash health, and personal style. I make it a priority to maintain the health of my clients’ natural lashes while giving them the look they desire, whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a bold, dramatic effect. I believe in a balance of artistry and care, which helps set me apart in the industry.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. It’s rewarding to see people leave my chair feeling more confident and happy with their appearance. Watching my business grow through referrals and repeat customers has been incredibly exciting.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy—it took a lot of hard work and persistence. Like most entrepreneurs, I faced challenges, especially in the early days. Building a client base took time, and there were moments of doubt, but I stayed focused on providing excellent service and building a reputation for quality. I also invested time in ongoing training to stay updated on the latest techniques and trends, which helped keep me competitive.

Some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way include the importance of resilience and adaptability. In business, things don’t always go as planned, but learning to pivot, stay patient, and trust the process has been key. I also learned the value of client relationships—building trust and offering a personal touch goes a long way.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s built on passion and integrity. My goal is to provide not just a service, but an experience. I want clients to feel like they’re in good hands, that their unique needs are being heard, and that they’ll walk away feeling their best. My story is one of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for what I do, and I hope that shines through in every client interaction.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, I’d create an itinerary packed with the best this vibrant city has to offer. Here’s how I’d break it down:

Day 1: Arrival & South Beach Vibes

• Morning: Start with brunch at Tap 42 either in Doral or the Kendall location. It’s a great way to ease into the Miami scene.
• Afternoon: Spend the day on South Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the iconic Miami sands. Maybe rent bikes and cruise along Ocean Drive.
• Evening: Dinner at Sugar, a Chic cocktail bar atop the EAST Miami Hotel featuring craft drinks & a tropical rooftop deck.

Day 2: Art & Culture in Wynwood

• Morning: Head to Wynwood Walls, a must-see for street art lovers. Walk around the neighborhood and check out all the galleries and murals.
• Lunch: Grab a bite at Coyo Taco, known for its authentic and flavorful tacos.
• Afternoon: Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for modern and contemporary art.
• Evening: For dinner, we’d go to KYU, a trendy spot serving wood-fired Asian-inspired dishes. Wynwood also has some great bars like Gramps for a more laid-back nightlife vibe.

Day 3: Explore Little Havana

• Morning: Enjoy a Cuban breakfast at Versailles, one of Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurants.
• Afternoon: Walk around Little Havana, stopping by Domino Park to watch the locals play, and check out the shops selling cigars and Cuban art.
• Lunch: Hit Ball & Chain, a historic venue with live music and great Cuban food.
• Evening: Watch a movie or live performance at the iconic Tower Theater, then grab some tropical cocktails at Café La Trova.

Day 4: Coral Gables & Coconut Grove

• Morning: Start with breakfast at Threefold Café in Coral Gables.
• Afternoon: Visit the stunning Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an Italian-style villa on Biscayne Bay. Then head to Miracle Mile for some shopping and exploring.
• Lunch: Eat at Bulla Gastrobar for some fantastic tapas.
• Evening: Finish the day with a relaxed dinner at Glass & Vine, an open-air restaurant in Coconut Grove, with views of Peacock Park and the bay.

Day 5: Day Trip to Key Biscayne

• Morning: Drive to Key Biscayne and start with breakfast at Rusty Pelican, with beautiful views of the Miami skyline.
• Afternoon: Spend the day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park—go for a swim, rent kayaks, or visit the historic lighthouse.
• Evening: Head back to the mainland for dinner at Ariete, an acclaimed spot for inventive Cuban-American cuisine in Coconut Grove.

Day 6: Shopping & Relaxation

• Morning: Start with brunch at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables—luxurious and delicious.
• Afternoon: Spend some time shopping at Bal Harbour Shops, or if your friend prefers a more casual experience, Lincoln Road Mall on South Beach is a great outdoor shopping destination.
• Evening: Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution, followed by drinks at the speakeasy-style Sweet Liberty on Collins Ave.

Day 7: Farewell Miami

• Morning: A laid-back breakfast at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove, perfect for people-watching and enjoying the last bit of Miami’s charm.
• Afternoon: If time permits, head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden to explore the lush, serene grounds before wrapping up the trip.

Miami’s got such a vibrant mix of culture, art, food, and nightlife!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are definitely a few people and influences that deserve a shoutout for where I am today.

First and foremost, I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my mentor, who was instrumental in helping me get started in the beauty industry. She taught me not only the technical skills I needed but also shared invaluable business advice that helped me navigate the challenges of starting my own business. She’s been a constant source of support and wisdom, always encouraging me to stay focused on my goals.

I also want to give recognition to my clients, especially the ones who trusted me in the early stages of my business. Their support, word-of-mouth recommendations, and loyalty helped build the foundation of my success.

Lastly, I’d shout out to my husband and kids who are a constant source of encouragement to keep going everyday and to keep my head up and thriving.

All of these influences helped me get to where I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for them.

Website: https://Lashesbyarlett.square.site

Instagram: @LashesByArlett

Image Credits
Credit to Daryll ( IG @Tailored.ls) for the pictures and my clients Liz and Melanie