Brows & Esthetics Hawaii is a beauty, cosmetic and personal care salon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Owner Faren Salinas recently spoke to Big Island Times to discuss her business.
Big Island Times: Can you give us a brief description of what your business sells and what inspired you to start it?
Salinas: I am a licensed esthetician and own and operate a salon which specializes in cosmetic tattooing. Our salon also provides PMU, tiny tattoo, makeup, nail and lash services by other estheticians. I was inspired to start my business because I worked as a makeup artist for over 10 years and in the bar industry and needed a change. I had time to get my esthetician license while bartending nights and decided to go fully into doing permanent makeup. At the time, permanent makeup was new and starting to take off and I’m glad I made the leap. I’m now five years in and have a steady, successful and growing business.
Big Island Times: What is the thing about your business that you’re most proud of?
Salinas: The thing about my business that I am most proud of is that I created employment, a steady income and growing business for myself and a beautiful space that I am able to share with other estheticians. I am also proud to offer PMU training classes to others who want to start their own business and new career.
Big Island Times: What sets Brows & Esthetics Hawaii apart from other beauty shops in the area?
Salinas: What sets Brows & Esthetics apart from other beauty shops in the area is that everyone who works here is a permanent makeup artist! Usually PMU artists work alone in their own studio or as a PMU artist among other estheticians who don’t do PMU. I believe we are the only salon on the island with that dynamic and I love it because we work together to get better and are able to help each other when there’s something one of us doesn’t know. It also helps a lot because we order special supplies that aren’t available on the island and if one of us runs out of something, we can borrow from each other.
Big Island Times: What has your experience been as a female business owner in Hawaii?
Salinas: So far it’s been good! I’ve seen a lot of female owned businesses start around the same time I did until now and I see a lot of us collaborating or helping promote each other on social media.
Big Island Times: What are some of the biggest challenges you and your shop face, and how do you overcome them?
Salinas: People are more cautious about what they spend their money on. I overcome those challenges by making sure that when business is going well, we save for those times when it’s slower. I am truly grateful for our clients who refer others to us and keep our business going!
Big Island Times: What is your vision for your business going forward?
Salinas: My vision is to continue to grow year over year, continue offering training but on a larger scale and also open a second location.
Big Island Times: Anything else you would like to add?
Salinas: Being a female business owner on this island has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life. If I could give anyone advice on starting their own business, it would be to just TAKE THE LEAP. I know it’s scary, but you’ll never know unless you try. Hard work and consistency will pay off in the end!