How to Turn Your Skill Into a Brows & Lashes Business in NZ (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Starting a brows and lashes business in New Zealand is an exciting venture, but it can feel a bit daunting with all the moving parts. Whether you’re fresh from training or seasoned in the beauty world, these tips will help you manage the journey smoothly while attracting more local clients.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Master Your Craft with Local Training

Getting well-trained in brows and lashes is your foundation. New Zealand offers quality courses like those from The Lash & Brow Academy, which cover everything from brow shaping to eyelash extensions and microblading. This gives you confidence and skills that stand out to clients.

Think of training not just as learning but as a community gateway. Local courses often connect you to suppliers and mentors who understand the NZ market. This local grounding helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed by industry jargon or too-high expectations.

For example, a Christchurch-based technician shared how completing a microblading course locally gave her both certification and an immediate boost in client bookings through word-of-mouth referrals.

2. Keep It Legal and Professional

Before welcoming your first client, ensure you meet New Zealand’s licensing, zoning, and health regulations. Some regions require specific permits for at-home salons or studio operations, so check with your local council.

You’ll also want to register your business with Inland Revenue (IRD) and sort your insurance to protect yourself and your clients. Many specialists start as sole traders to keep things simple initially.

For example, in Auckland, small home-based salons often liaise directly with their local council to confirm compliance, which avoids headaches down the track.

3. Set Up a Friendly Workspace

Your workspace matters for both professionalism and comfort. Whether at home or in a rented studio, ensure your space is clean, well-lit, and welcoming for clients. Privacy and hygiene are must-haves in the brows and lashes industry.

Weirdly enough, a tidy, calm setting helps clients relax, which leads to better appointments and repeat bookings. Adding personal touches, like NZ native plants or local artwork, can make your studio feel uniquely Kiwi.

A Wellington lash artist noted that her clients loved the relaxed vibe created by soft lighting and natural decor, helping her build loyal local clientele.

4. Use Local Industry Suppliers

Sourcing quality supplies from trusted New Zealand suppliers like Vault Lash Supplies (Wellington) or CelebrityLash (Auckland) ensures you get products suited for local needs and climate. Reliable supplies reduce frustration and enhance your service quality.

Local suppliers often provide workshops or advice specific to the NZ market, keeping you updated on trends and complying with safety standards. This support helps keep your business running smoothly and professionally.

For instance, a specialist in Christchurch credits her long relationship with a Wellington-based supplier for helping her navigate the best products for her clientele.

5. Create a Simple Online Presence

Your online presence doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. A tidy one-page website made with simple tools like Wix or Carrd showcasing your services, location, photos, and contact details works wonders.

Since many Kiwis search for beauty services on their phones, make sure your site loads fast and looks great on mobile. Include testimonials from local clients and a booking link to make it easy for visitors to choose you.

Jane, a brows artist from Dunedin, saw a boost in enquiries after launching her tidy mobile-friendly site featuring before-and-after photos and glowing reviews from local customers.

6. Use Yada for Client Matchmaking

Yada is a fresh Kiwi platform designed to connect specialists like you directly with local clients without lead or success fees. You can respond to job posts for free and chat privately with potential customers through the built-in chat system.

This means more competitive pricing and honest pricing with no hidden costs. Plus, Yada’s rating system helps build trust quickly, matching you with ideal clients in regions like Christchurch or Auckland.

Claire, a lash technician in Hamilton, highlighted how Yada helped her land more jobs without spending hours chasing leads or fighting high commission fees.

7. Leverage NZ-Specific Directories & Platforms

Beyond Yada, getting listed on trusted NZ directories such as NoCowboys, TradeMe Services, and Localist captures eyes of potential clients actively looking for brows and lashes professionals.

These platforms offer free listings where you can highlight your services, post photos, and collect reviews. Many clients prefer searching familiar Kiwi sites rather than generic global marketplaces.

Mel from Auckland shared how TradeMe’s service section brought regular leads from clients who appreciated her honest pricing and local presence.

8. Build Trust with Testimonials

Kiwi consumers really value word-of-mouth, so gathering and showcasing testimonials from happy clients is gold. Ask clients post-service for reviews or permission to share photos of their brows and lashes.

Displaying these on your website, social media, and platforms like Yada amplifies your credibility. It’s like having a friendly neighbour vouch for your skills every day.

One Auckland brow artist noted that sharing client stories on Instagram helped her reach more locals, who booked after seeing real, relatable results.

9. Manage Time & Avoid Burnout

Running a one-person brows and lashes biz can get overwhelming quickly. Setting clear work hours, using appointment booking tools, and batching tasks like marketing or supply orders keep stress in check.

Using mobile-friendly platforms like Yada lets you manage chats and job offers on the go, so you stay in control without being tied to your computer all day.

Emma, based in Christchurch, found she regained personal time by scheduling clients in blocks and using platforms with built-in communication and scheduling features.

10. Network with Local Beauty Businesses

Teaming up with complementary local businesses like hair salons, makeup artists, or wellness centres creates referral opportunities without formal networking stress.

Dropping cards at your local salon or chatting with other beauty pros about cross-promotions can build a support system and steady client flow.

For example, a lash artist in Tauranga linked with a popular hairdresser to offer combo packages, bringing in new clients from both sides.

11. Keep Learning and Adapting

The beauty industry in NZ evolves with trends and client expectations. Keep upskilling through workshops, online courses, or industry events to stay fresh and competitive.

Platforms like The Lash & Brow Academy offer updated courses to help you add popular services like brow lamination or lash lifts, expanding your income streams.

Weirdly enough, continuous learning also keeps the passion alive and reduces overwhelm by making you ready for changes rather than reactive.