Week 1 Lean Start

I previously met with Jeff Ponders from Tech Town April 24th to discuss plans for creating a Livid Lash Pro App, an app for people who need to book quality lash appointments, but also for stylists who are looking for clients who fit their target market. I was advised to submit a pitch for Tech Town’s Start Studio program, which I submitted but I don’t think they really understood the need for a product like Livid Lash Pro. I am not sure if people in the tech world understand hair or lashes.

Jeff suggested that I read Ash Maurya’s book “Lean Canvas”. After reading it, I began to work on the Lean Canvases for Livid Lash Pro. Since I intend to service two different markets, I must make a Lean Canvas for Service Providers and another for Customers. 

After pausing by own lash business Livid Lash, Inc in August, I haven’t updated the website. Jeff suggested that I publish the site and work on trademarking. I have re-published the website and have started to work on products and workshops that can be sold online. I formatted the lash extension workshop for online training and am testing marketing strategies to see if people purchase it. I have initiated product orders and am working with graphic designers add to the esthetic of the products. Hopefully, all these efforts will assist in the funding needed to create a tech solution for lash extension businesses.

Progress during prior week

• I began creating the Lean Canvases (Service Provider & Customers)

• I worked on the product line with manufacturers and graphic designers

• I worked on a pilot for marketing the online workshop for Livid Lash "Lash Extension Training 101"

Plans for the coming week

• Submit trademark application

• Stay interactive with social media (engagement)

• Research Livid Lash revenue data (PayPal, Square and Acuity)

• Research local Accelerator programs

• Look for SBA PPP Loan Update

• Revise Lean Canvas

Questions/Issues/Concerns/Observations

• On the Lean Canvas, I am not sure what "Key Metrics" are appropriate for that section of the Canvas. And if I am providing a free service, what do I use to represent that revenue stream?

• With the current state of the economy, as it pertains to the personal appearance industry, I want to make sure that the time and money I am spending is spent wisely. Salons are completely shut down because of the COVID-19 crisis with no future date for reopening. I wonder how I should prioritize my plans so that I can adjust, or cutout as needed.

• Still haven’t heard from the SBA on the PPP Loan.