From Zero to Fully Booked: How NZ Brows & Lashes Specialists Get Their First 10 Clients

Starting out as a brows and lashes specialist in New Zealand can seem daunting when you’re trying to book those first 10 clients. But with the right local strategies and a friendly, authentic approach, you can steadily build your reputation and client list. This guide offers 10 useful tips tailored specifically for brows and lashes professionals looking to flourish in Kiwi communities.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Leverage Your Personal Network

Many specialists find their first clients among friends, family, and acquaintances. Offering discounted or free trial treatments helps you gather testimonials and word-of-mouth recommendations.

A Christchurch lashes expert got her first regular clients through close friends who referred her widely.

Weirdly enough, these personal introductions often lead to loyal, long-term customers.

2. Join Local Facebook Groups

Facebook groups like “Auckland Beauty Network” or “Wellington Lash Lovers” are places where locals look for trusted brow and lash artists.

Contribute by sharing before/after photos, care tips, and success stories without pushing hard for bookings.

Neighbourly is also popular among communities seeking personal recommendations and local services.

3. Build a Mobile-Friendly Portfolio Website

Create a simple website showcasing your styling work, service menu, client testimonials, and booking options.

Easy-to-use platforms like Wix and Squarespace cater well to beauty professionals on a budget.

Using local imagery and testimonials increases your appeal to New Zealand clients.

4. List on Yada and Local Beauty Directories

Yada is a growing New Zealand platform that connects specialists with clients, free of lead and commission fees.

Its rating system rewards quality service and helps you appear higher in local searches.

Make sure to also list on TradeMe Services and popular local beauty directories.

5. Offer Introductory Discounts

Attract your first clients by providing discounted treatments or package deals.

A Tauranga brow artist increased bookings through generous trial offers during school holiday periods.

These offers provide a low-risk way for clients to experience your skill.

6. Network Locally in Salons and Events

Partner with hair salons, makeup artists, and wellness centres for referral exchanges and joint promotions.

Participate in bridal shows, beauty expos, or community health events to get your name out.

In smaller towns like Nelson, these relationships often lead to steady bookings.

7. Collect and Display Testimonials

Client reviews and photos are vital for building trust and social proof.”

Encourage happy clients to leave testimonials on your website and social profiles.

An Auckland specialist credits glowing feedback for fueling her growing client base.

8. Share Care and Styling Tips

Post simple care advice, styling ideas, and behind-the-scenes videos to engage followers.

This builds your professional image and keeps you front of mind without being pushy.

Social media posts by Christchurch experts helped attract a loyal local client following.

9. Advertise Offline and Online

Distribute flyers in local cafes, boutiques, and community noticeboards to reach diverse audiences.

Combine this with targeted Facebook and Google ads focused on beauty seekers in New Zealand.

A hybrid approach works well across urban centres and regional areas.

10. Stay Professional and Organised

Use digital booking and payment tools to streamline appointments and client communication.

Consistent professionalism encourages repeat bookings and referrals.

A Tauranga artist attributes her success to organisation and timely client follow-up.