Growing up, I never imagined I would one day be running my own lash business. In fact, for a long time, I didn’t believe I had what it took to run any business at all. As an immigrant to Canada, I faced many of the challenges people like me often experience—working minimum wage jobs, trying to fit in, and struggling to find my way in a new country.
When I first arrived in Canada, I was working as a server, barista, and retail worker, earning minimum wage, and trying to figure out what I wanted from life. Coming from Japan, my English was poor, and I found myself feeling lost. It was hard to envision a future where I had control over my own life and career. With no specialized skills or educational background, I wondered how I could ever break free from the cycle of working for someone else.
Then one day, everything changed. I met a woman with the most beautiful lashes back in 2010, and I couldn’t help but compliment her. When she told me they were lash extensions, something clicked. I had never heard of lash extensions before, but I immediately became curious. The more I learned, the more I realized this could be a life-changing opportunity.
It was eye-opening to discover that lash extensions could be done from home with minimal equipment, giving me a sense of independence. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for someone like me—an immigrant with little capital, looking to escape the grind of working for others. And just like that, my journey into the lash industry began.
At first, I had no idea what I was doing. I started small—on a couch in my home. I learned everything I could from a lash artist I admired, slowly but surely building my skills. What started as a side hustle soon became something more. As I grew more confident in my abilities, I began attracting clients who loved my work. With each client I helped feel beautiful, I felt my own confidence grow.
Eventually, my home-based business grew enough for me to open a storefront salon in downtown Vancouver. This was a major milestone, and it felt like a dream come true. I even wrote a lash manual that is still sold on Amazon today and created my own online lash training program. The Goldlashbar brand was born, and before long, I was also establishing myself as a lash influencer online.
But success wasn’t always straightforward. After owning my Vancouver salon for a short year, several setbacks occurred—my main Instagram account was shut down, our viral product was infringed upon, and all of this happened during the infamous pandemic. We decided to move to Langley, where I restarted my business from the ground up. Moving from a bustling downtown location to a more local, home-based studio was a big shift, but it allowed me to return to the intimate, personal service I loved the most. Now, my home studio in Langley is where I help others look and feel their best, all while continuing to share my lash expertise.
Throughout this journey, what stands out most is how much I’ve grown—both personally and professionally. When I started, I was shy, unsure, and lacking confidence. But through helping others, I’ve built not just a business but a version of myself that I never thought was possible.
If you’re someone who feels stuck or uncertain—whether you’re an immigrant like me or someone who’s been told to settle for less—know that it’s possible to break out of that cycle. Lashes became my outlet to express creativity, build confidence, and, ultimately, take control of my own life. If my story resonates with you, I encourage you to take that first step—whether it’s through my lash services or my training programs. You don’t have to stay where you are—there’s a whole world of opportunity out there waiting for you.