Meet Haruka!

Meet Haruka!

Hey, lovelies! My name is Haruka Ota. I’m originally from Japan and made the bold decision at just 15 years old to pack up my life and move to New Zealand on my own, with zero English and just one suitcase in hand.

The Beginning - "you are here every 3 weeks, might as well learn how to do lashes lol " (my former lash tech)

My journey into the lash and brow world began in 2021, encouraged by my lash tech, when I completed my Classic Lash Extension course at Auckland Lash and Brow. Before discovering my passion for beauty, I was just another regular salon client, getting my lashes and brows done every three weeks. I’ll never forget that amazing confidence boost I felt every time I looked in the mirror at my fluffy lashes and fresh, clean brows. That feeling of joy and empowerment is exactly what inspired me to create the same transformative experience for others.

After finishing my training, I started out lashing in my tiny university dorm room, where I barely had enough space for the second-hand massage bed I’d bought off Facebook Marketplace. Back then, I charged just $20 for a full set as I built my portfolio to add to my CV. I managed to land jobs at two salons, but unfortunately, both businesses struggled post-COVID, and I was let go within three months.

Eventually, I found a position at one of Auckland’s busiest salons, where I had incredible opportunities to grow my clientele, expand my skills beyond lashes to include brows, and even train staff and paying students. This allowed me to leave my part-time bar job and dive fully into the world of lashes and brows—all while juggling my studies at university.

What started as a side hustle quickly turned into a full-blown career. Today, I’m proud to have served hundreds of clients and feel so grateful to have discovered my true passion so early in life.