Story & Lesson Highlights with Alliya Jayde Cunanan of Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Alliya Jayde Cunanan. Check out our conversation below.

Alliya Jayde, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I find immense joy in spending time with my loved ones. My family and friends are my rock, and I cherish every moment I get to share with them. Whether it’s a simple dinner, a game night, or just hanging out, quality time with them is what brings me the most happiness. They’ve been my biggest support system, and I’m grateful for their love and encouragement. Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to prioritize these moments, and it’s truly recharging my batteries. It’s amazing how being around people who uplift me can bring so much joy and fulfillment. In their company, I feel seen, heard, and loved, and that’s all I need.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey everyone, I’m Alliya Jayde, a passionate lash and tattoo artist based in Los Angeles. As a self-employed artist, I wear many hats, creating custom tattoo designs and helping clients look and feel their best with lash or brow services. My brand is all about empowering individuals to express themselves through art and beauty. What makes my work special is the connection I make with clients, helping them feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I’m currently working on expanding my tattoo business through collaborations and pop-up markets, and I’m excited to share my journey with you.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
As a child, I was always drawn to creative expression, spending hours drawing and exploring my artistic side. Before external expectations shaped my path, I was driven by curiosity and a passion for creating. I’ve carried that creative energy into my work as a lash and tattoo artist, where I help clients express themselves through art and beauty. My goal is to empower others to tap into their own creativity and confidence, helping them become the best version of themselves.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Hi little one, it’s going to be okay. You’re going to face challenges, and life will get crazy, but you’re going to handle it. The most important thing is to enjoy the ride, to soak up every moment, and to be present in your life. Don’t rush to grow up, don’t rush to figure it out. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Your dreams are worth the wait, and the journey is just as beautiful as the destination. You will make mistakes, you will stumble, but you will also rise, and you’ll be stronger because of it. You are enough, you are loved, and your life is a masterpiece in the making. Take a deep breath, trust the process, and remember to breathe.”

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
As a creative entrepreneur, I think differentiating between fads and foundational shifts comes down to intuition and research. Fads are often loud, attention-grabbing, and short-lived, whereas foundational shifts are subtle, yet profound, and have a lasting impact. For me, it’s about understanding the “why” behind a trend. Is it solving a real problem or meeting a deep-seated need, or is it just a surface-level fix? I look for patterns, listen to feedback from my community, and stay curious about the underlying currents driving change. That way, I can tap into what’s truly meaningful and build a business that stands the test of time.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop rushing the process and take a deep breath. I’d stop putting pressure on myself to have it all figured out and appreciate how far I’ve already come. I’d stop comparing my journey to others and focus on my own path. I’d prioritize the things that truly bring me joy and fulfillment, like creating art, spending time with loved ones, and exploring the world. I’d let go of fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism, and instead, focus on making meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impact. I’d savor every moment, celebrate my wins, and be kinder to myself along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hiighbrowsbeauty.co
• Instagram: @hbbeauty.ink
• Yelp: Hiighbrows Beauty

Image Credits
Credits to Alliya Jayde