Meet Lexi Zao | Owner | Founder

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

Hi Lexi, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Wild & Bloom doesn’t sound like your typical beauty salon. I started my business under the name Lash Lair San Diego – it was my second time trying to start my business after my first failed attempt, and I was nervous to put too much thought into the name in case I failed again. Two years later, I had hired my first employee and was in the process of expanding the business and moving to a larger brick and mortar space. With that, I decided to rebrand my business to something that resonated more with why I got into this industry in the first place. I worked with a brand designer who helped materialize my vision of the business and brand. We spent hours going over and tweaking my mission statement, my target demographic, etc. I wanted the new name of the business to not be focused on lashes themselves, but rather the reason behind why I love them so much. I was asked questions like, “What do you want your audience to feel?” or “What words identify with you personally?” After about a month of revisions, Wild & Bloom Beauty was born.

Our mission is to ensure quality, natural lash and eyebrow services that allow people to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. This gives them the ability to purely enjoy life rather than focus on the beauty and aesthetics of getting ready in the morning. Yes, having lashes makes me feel more beautiful of course, but, my favorite part is the convenience. Having lash extensions takes away time from getting ready, dealing with annoying makeup, and having to wash mascara off at the end of the night. With the extra time you save each day by having lash extensions, you are able to go out and experience the world, have fun with your friends and family, spend time adventuring, and be your truly authentic self. Wild represents having freedom and adventure in life, while Bloom represents embracing your true beauty and individuality. Many people ask why I chose a wolf for my logo. My father, Wolfgang aka Wolf, had always been my biggest supporter in chasing my dreams. He passed unexpectedly from complications of esophageal cancer in 2009. When I started my business, many of my friends and family did not support my goals. I really wanted my father to be a part of the business as I know he would have been rooting for Lash Lair/Wild & Bloom from the start.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We only use Wild & Bloom Beauty lash extensions for each lash service. I often ran into quality and inconsistency issues with the products I was using for services. Because of that, I had always wanted to create a line of products I knew I could use with confidence.

During the pandemic shutdowns, I was able to dedicate most of my time to create this product line. I spent about a month researching and educating myself on different materials and ingredients that are used for lash extensions and cleansers. I then knew exactly what I did and did not want in my products and began working with various manufacturers. I sampled what felt like hundreds of lash trays, asked for modifications, negotiated, asked for more modifications, and after about nine months I had a line of lash extensions and lash cleanser I knew I could stand behind.

I then started sending samples of my products to various lash artists across the US, asking them to fill out a short questionnaire I had created in return. I received great feedback and began using the products with my clients. Today, we exclusively use Wild & Bloom lash products for our services. It is important that we master our craft, and being conscious of the materials we use, how they’re made, and what they’re made of is all part of it. Wild & Bloom Beauty Lash Extensions and Lash Bath are now available online or in-store for lash artists worldwide.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love when I have a new client who recently moved to San Diego as I have a list saved of all my favorite restaurants and things to do!

Italian: Monello (look up the cheese wheel pasta), Siamo Napoli, and Enoteca Adriano, Piatti

Thai: Bahn Thai, Bangkok Bay

Japanese: Tajima Ramen, Sushi Ota

Chinese: Dumpling Inn, Jasmine for Dim Sum

Pho: Shank and Bone

Mexican: Brother’s, El Zarape, Puesto

Burgers: Crazee Burger, SD TapRoom

High Tide Breakfast Burrito in Coronado

Must See:

-Wild & Bloom Beauty 😉

-I grew up in Encinitas, so a walk down Highway 101 is a must

-Liberty Station

-Walk around Seaport Village

-Bike around Coronado

-See all the pups at Coronado Dog Beach

-See the seals or caves in La Jolla

-Hike Torrey Pines

-See a show at the Shell

-Balboa Park

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I jokingly refer to my boyfriend, Dave, as my “silent business partner”. We met just a few months before I started this business and has been with me every step of the way. I truly believe he has been a huge part of Wild & Bloom’s success. Lucky for me, he studied Business in college while I was busy studying Biology (I never planned on owning a business!). Every time I come up with a new idea, I typically sit down with him, discuss the pros/cons and possible outcomes, and make sure my vision makes sense before implementing it within the business. Although he’s currently in the military, he has always talked about starting his own business when he gets out. We’ve spent countless hours coming up with goals, business plans, timelines, etc. and I am so grateful I have another entrepreneurial mind to bounce ideas off of. Lastly, he’s been a part of each buildout as I’ve expanded through the years – he even built our reception desk. Check it out at your next appointment!

I’d like to give Dave a HUGE thank you for all the time he’s invested in my business. Stay tuned for the business he starts!

Website: www.wildandbloombeauty.com

Instagram: @wildandbloombeauty

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildandbloombeauty

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wild-and-bloom-beauty-san-diego

Image Credits
Katie Wall Photography