Meet Kaleen | Lash and Brow Artist/Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaleen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaleen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue a creative career because nothing else felt fulfilling. I am a very passionate person; I feel very deeply, and with that, I have to let emotion flow through me through creation. I did the 9 to 5 corporate job for many years and very quickly felt my light fading away. But when I have the opportunity to create, I feel invigorated, energized, and unstoppable.

When it came to lash extensions, I was starting to feel like I had hit a ceiling with the styles and techniques I could learn until I discovered Color Lashes. Color lash extensions opened up a whole new, amazing world of styles, techniques, and color blends unique to each individual client. I now have the flexibility to showcase and enhance my clients’ unique features in new ways.

The excitement and joy I feel when I’m blessed with the chance to take full creative freedom and map out a color lash set—not only to push the bounds of my talents but also to be part of a deep self-confidence boost that my client feels after seeing their lashes for the first time—is unmatched.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Lash and Brow Artist. My art is working with a new, unique canvas—my client’s face—every day, and utilizing their features to enhance and embolden their one-of-a-kind beauty. It brings new challenges with each person I meet, each seeking their own goal but with the same vision in mind: the blissful feeling of hearing the words “I’m so pretty!” at the end.

What sets me apart as an artist, as opposed to your standard lash or brow technician, is the intention and thought I put into each service. Whether it’s lash extensions or brow shaping, I use meticulous and measured mapping to ensure beauty through symmetry. And with color lashing and color analysis, I have the skills and knowledge to create a lash set that harmoniously enhances features, skin tone, and eye color.

In a world where the standards of beauty can confine us, I have a passion to empower women and men (cis, trans, or nonbinary) to redefine their standards, push their limits, and be different. Loud, proud, and confidently.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ooo, it depends on where they’re staying!

If we’re in Downtown San Diego, I’d recommend starting at Barrio Star for some amazing Mexican food and margaritas with the best ambiance. After that, we’d take a stroll through Balboa Park to admire the stunning architecture and gardens. It’s one of my favorite spots to wander and feel inspired.

But if we’re up in North County, my go-to itinerary starts with a visit to me for a lash or brow appointment in Solana Beach. *wink* Once you’re glowing with self-confidence after your beauty service, we’d pop over to Solana Sumptuous Cookies (just a few doors down) for the most decadent cookies and ice cream ever. If we’re still hungry, we’d swing by Bongiorno’s Pizzeria around the corner for a tasty slice to-go.

Then, we’d head just a mile up the road to Fletcher Cove to enjoy our treats with a view of the ocean. Cookies, lashes, and a beach sunset? That’s a perfect day in my opinion!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly would not be where I am without the support of my parents, Ron and Evelyn. My father, Ron, is a business owner himself. He immigrated to the United States from Guatemala at 19 years old with nothing but the hope of pursuing the American Dream. He worked his way up from entry-level construction jobs to owning his own contracting business, building luxury homes in the Bay Area from foundation to finish. More than anyone, he understood my desire to take the path less traveled and build a career of my own.

I believe I inherited his drive and determination, along with my mother Evelyn’s cautiousness, quick wit, and charm. The combination of the two created someone who is resilient, hardworking, charismatic, and thoughtful. Through every high and low, I know my parents will always be there for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I also want to shout out my dearest, darling Henry. He’s been by my side as a loving partner for four years, and in that time, I’ve seen myself grow and flourish in ways I never thought possible. It’s incredible what the power of loving someone—and being loved so fully—can do. Experiencing that from him has made me want to share love with everyone I meet, because I believe we all deserve to feel it.

And last but definitely not least, my best friend Fatima. She’s been with me through countless personal and professional ups and downs. She’s not only a loyal friend, but also a loyal client who’s supported my business from the beginning. I’m so lucky to have such an uplifting, solid friend in my corner.

Website: https://lashesandbrowsbykaleen.com

Instagram: @lashesandbrowsbykaleen

Facebook: https://facebook.com/lashesandbrowsbykaleen

Other: BBB Accreditation:
https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/solana-beach/profile/eyelash-extension/lashes-brows-by-kaleen-1126-1000145650

Image Credits
Keeley Miller Boudoir