From Teen Mom to Business Owner: My Journey into the Beauty Industry

If you had told my teenage self where I’d be today, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I was a teen mom, a high school dropout, and for a long time, I thought that meant my options were limited. But deep down, I always knew two things: I had a passion for beauty, and I wanted to own my own business.

When the pandemic lockdown hit, everything changed. Like a lot of people, I suddenly had time — time to reflect, time to dream, and time to hustle. I started teaching myself how to do lashes at home, practicing for hours and watching endless tutorials. It wasn’t easy, but every small step made me fall more in love with the craft.

I knew that if I wanted to turn this into a real career, I needed to invest in myself the right way. I enrolled in an online esthetician course through Honolulu Nail Academy, making sure I had the education and proper licensing to back up my skills. After that, I took an online nail tech course to expand my services even further. Getting licensed wasn’t just about checking a box — it was about building a legitimate, professional business that I could be proud of.

More than anything, I was determined to be the first beauty studio in our little hometown of Pāhoa — a place where people could come not just for lashes or nails, but to feel beautiful, confident, and cared for. I wanted to create something special for my community, a place that felt like home.

This journey has taught me that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. You don’t have to have a perfect past to build an incredible future. All you need is passion, persistence, and a willingness to bet on yourself.

And trust me — I’m just getting started.