Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Sweet.
Hi Natalie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I consider myself a true ‘people person’ and after spending some years in the corporate-startup world I got to the point where I just couldn’t take any more. I felt so detached. I craved human connection and meaningful work. I wanted what I spent my days doing to make the world feel better and brighter & I knew I needed to get out from behind the computer and get in front of people so I set out to find a career that nurtured me and allowed me to nurture others. Strangely enough, I found my path through eyebrows.
I waved goodbye to my corporate life and shifted my focus to the beauty world. I earned my esthetician’s license and quickly began to dream of creating my own beauty business based on my values, style, and unique approach; which for me meant creating a space that is welcoming and accessible to all and only utilizing products that are cruelty-free.
I zeroed in on eyebrows right away, knowing that a niche market is sometimes the best market. Through my experience working with a notable cosmetic brand, I learned what clients really want, which, from my observation, is focused attention and an excellent outcome. In fact, it was a client at my first brow artist job that planted the seed of an idea in my head, “you could totally do this on your own!” and I almost instantly became obsessed with the idea. I set about to gather as much knowledge and expertise in all things brow.
Hoping to create a beauty experience that felt both luxurious and welcoming for all, I daydreamed the entire concept of Bunny’s down to the last detail. I set out to make Bunny’s LA’s go-to spot for brow shaping, brow tinting, and lash lifts. I believed in the idea so deeply that I put my money where my mouth was and quit my job. The concept of a brow-focused beauty salon was still relatively new but I was able to convince my friend Megan it was a solid idea so she quit her job too and together we opened the first Bunny’s location in DTLA in 2018.
A year later we relocated to our permanent storefront home on York Blvd in Highland Park. Today Bunny’s is owned and operated solely by me. Our menu has expanded to include cosmetic tattooing and skin rejuvenation services in addition to brows and lash lifts and we remain cruelty-free. Clients love the one on one attention, super comfy treatment chair, and good tunes.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The one thing about business that is a 100% guarantee is that there will absolutely be some bumps in the road. I don’t think it’s perfectly smooth for anyone. It’s all about problem-solving and recalibrating constantly. The toughest part, for me anyway, is the mental game; staying focused on the goal and not getting thrown off course by the challenges. I find you need to be strong but flexible, in every sense. As 38 Special taught us, you have to ‘hold on loosely.’
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an esthetician and cosmetic tattoo artist specializing in brow shaping & styling and supernatural cosmetic tattooing. I am most known for my obsessive attention to detail, my ability to see and create a beautiful brow on any face, and the fact that I can’t help but sing while I’m working. For me it’s not just about the outcome it’s also about the experience. I am proud that I have created a groovy studio space that has its own character unique unto itself.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Fave apps: I can’t live without Headspace for meditation and my kindle app for reading
Fave books: I always gravitate toward memoirs of people I admire.
Some recent faves include: Blowing My Way to the Top by Jen Atkin, All I Ever Wanted: A Rock n Roll Memoir by Kathy Valentine, and Bossypants by Tina Fey
Fave podcasts: I can’t get enough of Smartless and Sounds Like A Cult… these podcasts get me thinking and make me laugh
Pricing:
- Brow Shaping (& tint) $40-$75
- Cosmetic Tattooing $375-650
- Lash Lift $135
- Brow Flip (aka brow lamination) $135
- ProCell Microchanneling $425
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bunnysla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunnys_la/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bunnysbeautyla
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bunnys-los-angeles
Image Credits
Natalie Sweet, Mat Dunlap
