Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Oliveira
Hi Ellen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my professional journey in Brazil at the age of 14. My father met this woman that was coming from another state to teach class in my city and she needed a space to do it, he had a place so he asked her if I could join the class and he wouldn’t charge her to use the space. At the time i didn’t really appreciated the idea but because i was working in a salon already as an assistant I thought it would be good to try.
Upon completing this course I began practicing on my friends and family until I get my first clients. Jacqueline is the salon owner where i started my journey, she not only embraced my initiative but also provided support helping me to become who I am, getting clients and supporting me. The first clients i didn’t do a really good job and I got frustrated with that, i wanted to give up many times, but thanks to the people that kept believing on me I never did.
Determined to improve, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement by enrolling in various classes, attending workshops, and continuously expanding my knowledge in the field. I dedicated the earnings from my work towards furthering my education and investing in my personal growth.
Within a few months, my client base grew significantly, and soon my schedule was fully booked every day. Despite my young age, my dedication and skill quickly earned me the trust of my clients.
By the time I turned 20, I had established myself sufficiently to start teaching classes at a cosmetology school. Also I was on college getting my degree on Biomedicine because I wanted to expand my skills.
I grew up in a poor family, raised by my father after my parents’ divorce, i went through many challenges and struggle in Brazil, also moments of depression. One of my dreams is to be able to help my family and support others in the same way I was once supported. Because of that I always think about how I can improve and be the best version of myself so I’m always looking to expand.
One day I decided that I wanted more so I took a big leap and left college, left everything in Brazil and moved to United States.
I started everything from zero again, i didn’t know any English or I didn’t know anybody besides my Brother that was living here. Slowly I started getting some clients, but it was not enough and because i didn’t know English and anyone besides my brother. It was tough at first. I had to do many sorts of jobs like cleaning houses, delivering food, restaurants, events, etc.
It was when I realized how good and important it was for me to know how to do eyebrows and to have my skills. Because making people to feel beautiful, happy and more confident makes me feel amazing, also nothing could make me more money and be as good as having my own business. I never thought this would be so important to me as it is today, I never valued it as I do now. I’ve tried many other things here until I realized that Eyebrows and beauty is my thing. I started growing my social media and learning English, learning how to talk to people manage my own life and business by myself. It was really hard and lonely moments, I wanted to give up and felt lost so many times. So one day I met Ariel, Kylie Jenner makeup artist, and he was a angel that helped me to get many clients, he used to post me on his social media when i was doing his eyebrows, he introduced me to Kylie Jenner and other famous celebrities and also he introduced me to Sahara the owner of Lashify, she loved my work and she is an amazing person, I’ve been doing her eyebrows and doing house calls for my clients for some years until Lashify opened a boutique. Now I have the opportunity to have my space at Lashify. Also I work as a model on photoshoots and comercial for some brands and companies and I have some plans that I’m working on right now for my business that I believe is really good. I’m happy for where I am and what I’m becoming.
I want to say for people that is trying, specially in LA. You are your biggest project, don’t get distracted, have a goal and focus on that. Never give up even if it seems impossible and learn how to talk and connect with good people that are above you. Also it’s really important to be a good and honest person because God will open doors and put people in your life that will help you to get where you want. Everything that you put in the world it comes back to you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The challenges started in Brazil and it was my age when I first started, I was just 14, also I had to manage work with school. So I always had this doubt in which one would be better to focus on. Besides that, the beauty industry is very competitive, you need to continue investing and specializing in what is new so you can be different and better and when you don’t have much money it gets hard to invest. I was really shy and not much social, so being on this business challenged me a lot.
The most challenging moment was when I decided to move to USA and started my business here. I had to learn a new language, new culture, get the licenses, learn everything again. Learn how to manager a business, get clients and keep them, do social media, all that and do the work. Everything cost a lot of money and I didn’t have financial support here, so I needed to make money to survive while learning to live here. I rented a car and started doing food delivery and drive to my clients house when I had appointments, getting on strangers houses was a little bit scary too but everything worked out. And just trying many things and failing, studying a lot and experiencing the world I could learn. seeing all my friends having fun while I had to work, trying to connect with the right people and make them to trust me was hard.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a business owner with 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, along with 4 years in modeling and social media. I specialize in eyebrow procedures, sales, and teaching. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with many celebrities, and I’m currently booking appointments in Los Angeles. I’m passionate about making people feel confident, beautiful, and empowered.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I believe that COVID-19 presented a crisis for some, while others saw it as an opportunity for growth. With the rise of the internet, many individuals were able to generate income through online classes and remote work. I think that those who lost their jobs discovered new ways to earn money and build their own businesses, which they may have hesitated to pursue before due to fear. What I’ve learned is that while many focus on the challenges, others are able to recognize the opportunities that arise from adversity.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @browsellen @ellenmaoli
- Other: https://calendly.com/lashify-melrose/eyebrow-services
Image Credits
Leonardo Vieira
