Wilmington Magazine Jan-Feb 2023

the clients started coming at a rate that
even Smith herself didn’t expect.
“The most surprising thing since
opening was how fast we grew,” she says.
“Within two months of being open, we were
nominated and won the WWAY Viewers’
Choice Award for Best Day Spa, and after
a friend of ours posted us on her TikTok
page, the flood gates opened and people
never stopped showing up, and for that we
feel truly blessed.”
Smith, who is a twice-certified lash artist
and certified lash trainer, also attributes
the rapid growth to good timing. Women
were in quarantine due to the COVID-19
pandemic for so long without beauty
services that they are now craving being
pampered and feeling like themselves
again, she explains.
“It’s so nice to be in a community with other
women, especially after a long pandemic
where we were all isolated from one another,”
says Smith. “Our clients are all great people
who love their high-quality services.”
Keeping It Glam strives to offer a unique
experience for its clients, who span all ages
and walks of life.
“What sets our business apart from
others in the same industry is our attention
to detail, building relationships with our
clients and the ultimate client experience,”
she says. “Your service takes place in
a uniquely designed private room with
ocean sounds under the beds while you lay
under a mystical trellis. We have designed
Keeping It Glam with the soul intent to
have a feel-good vibe from the moment you
walk in, and not just mimic what every
other studio is doing.”
The studio offers a 10 percent student
discount because “being a girl is expensive,
especially while in school,” Smith says.
Smith, who at 24 is a young business
owner, says she never thought she would
be an entrepreneur but is grateful for
the opportunity.
“My favorite thing about owning the
business is the creative freedom to do
things differently,” she says. “I am put into
a position where I am able to give women a
boost of confidence while giving them a safe
space to talk freely and encourage them,
walk alongside them and uplift them. I have
the opportunity to play a very different role
in the beauty community that advocates for
giving kindness to yourself and others.”
Another plus, Smith adds, is being able
to bring her long-hair Chihuahua Coopie,
who is an emotional support animal, into
work every day.
“He loves our clients as much as they love
him,” she says.
More About Keeping It Glam
Owner: Taylor Keeping Smith
Services: Eyelash extensions, hair,
permanent makeup, facial waxing and
lash lifts
Location: 326 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC
Phone: 910.338.1133
Website: keepingitglam.com
Facebook: facebook.com/keepingitglamm
Instagram: @keepingitglam W
January /February 2023 | 45