We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miwa Mayemura. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miwa below.

Miwa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

What began as a faint idea has blossomed into both the foundation and the future of my business. Taking a chance on this single idea became one of the biggest risks and first genuine leaps of faith I’ve ever taken. Every day that I show up for myself and my business, I continue to take that chance.

My vision for Serenaire started as a desire to create something from nothing—a parallel to my own life as an Asian American woman and first-generation entrepreneur. In 2021, I was a 20-year-old college student feeling lost and struggling to find my way in the middle of the pandemic. Amidst this, I took my first step into the beauty industry. Although my budget was tight as a semi-broke college student, I discovered the transformative, yet effortless, power of lash extensions. I even spent most of my paychecks on regular upkeep because it helped me feel more confident in my daily routine. However, it wasn’t just the lashes that made me feel my best; getting lashes done was an entire experience, and I have my first lash tech to thank for that. Her artistry, paired with the bond we built over time, kept me returning.

Burned out from virtual classes and just trying to make it through my third year of undergrad, I realized I needed to pursue something meaningful for myself. After a lot of internal debate, I decided to take my first lash extension certification training. Why? I wanted to create those same meaningful connections with clients that each of my lash techs, starting with my first, had made with me. Honestly, I also knew this career would push me to improve my communication and relationship-building skills—qualities essential for my future goal of working as a clinical therapist alongside my beauty career.

Following my certification, I was amazed by the support and interest in my new “business,” which I felt both daunted and grateful to manage. Over time, as I honed my craft, my business grew primarily through word-of-mouth referrals. Despite significant bouts of self-doubt (which I still experience from time to time), I felt reassured I was on the right path when many clients shared that they left feeling emotionally lighter and more confident. Hearing my clients’ stories and being in their corner—helping them lay down their burdens, picking it up, carrying it beside them, and simply being more than a service provider—turned each session into something much more than a beauty service. Together, we experienced the transformative magic of being present through genuinely connecting with one another.

After graduating early from UC Irvine in 2022 with B.A. degrees in Public Health Policy and Psychological Science, I felt inspired to take my next steps: attend esthetician school, pass my state board licensure exam, establish a licensed business, and turn my passion into a career on my own terms. A year later, I turned that dream into reality.

Each client’s encouragement and feedback has driven me to keep growing, revealing how my passions for beauty and mental health could merge. Although my vision for Serenaire is ever-evolving, its heart remains grounded in transformative self-growth and in fostering genuine community and meaningful connections. This is the essence of Serenaire: every session is an opportunity to uplift, connect, and inspire. I took the risk to try something entirely new and unknown, and it all began with taking a chance on myself—moving past self-doubt and daring to chase my dreams. Today, three and a half years later, I’m working in a spacious studio in Old Torrance, worlds away from lashing in the living room of my tiny college apartment.

Miwa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi there! My name is Miwa Mayemura, and I am the owner and sole licensed esthetician of Serenaire, based in the South Bay and Orange County areas. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember, and during my undergraduate years at UC Irvine, I discovered my passions for beauty and mental health. My education, along with my experience as a peer life coach at UCI’s Counseling Center, has shaped my ability to create a safe and comfortable space for every client who walks through the door.

At Serenaire, I believe beauty is a holistic and therapeutic experience. As a woman- and Asian-owned esthetics business, I strive to attract a clientele that values the experience as much as the service. My clients often seek more than just a beauty treatment; they look for a moment of genuine connection. The magic truly happens during our sessions when we converse and share, allowing me to help them embrace their most authentic selves.

I offer an eclectic array of services, including lash enhancements—extensions, lifts, and tints—and waxing hair removal. I take pride in the trust I’ve built with my clients over the years; it’s incredibly special to see someone walk in feeling nervous and leave as if we’ve known each other for ages. Rooted in the belief of “meeting yourself where you are,” I extend this philosophy to my clients’ journeys, creating a compassionate space for growth and transformation. Your path to feeling beautiful in your mind, soul, and skin begins at Serenaire, and I can’t wait to meet you!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A major lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the idea that a ‘perfect first draft’ exists. This shift in mindset has been crucial to the growth of my business, especially as a creative and entrepreneur who wants to be proud of what I share with the world—whether it’s a social media post, my booking site, or even a consent form. I often find myself caught up in the tiniest of details. While I know my dream clientele appreciates the care in these small touches, I’m also learning that focusing too much on this notion of ‘perfection’ can hold me back and slow progress.

I used to believe my work needed to be flawless before sharing it, but this approach often stalled my goals, leaving me with a sense of major dissatisfaction from prioritizing minor details over strides toward the bigger picture. Over time, I’ve come to see that ‘perfect’ is actually relative. Real progress comes from experimenting, adjusting, and refining gradually. In business, you grow by trying, learning, and adapting—not by staying locked in ‘perfect first draft’ paralysis.

Balancing quality with forward momentum is still a work in progress, but each day, I challenge myself to give my work the attention it deserves without letting perfectionism slow me down. Running Serenaire means wearing many hats: service provider, graphic designer, content creator, marketer, social media manager, financial planner, and more. With these responsibilities, I can’t afford to let minor details distract from my larger business goals. I’ve come to embrace that ‘perfect’ isn’t a destination but a journey of continuous growth. And to my fellow creatives: please know that your work deserves to be seen, even in its ‘not-so-perfect’ first draft state! The beauty of your craft lies in its evolution and in the intention behind it, and every step forward brings you closer to the impact you’re aiming to make.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As a solo business owner, I’ve found that sharing a studio with another talented entrepreneur has been incredibly beneficial. My studio partner, who specializes in permanent makeup, has become a close friend, and our different services complement each other beautifully. We frequently refer clients to one another, which has helped both of our businesses grow. Additionally, I believe in the power of personal presence. In the beauty industry, being put-together and presentable can serve as a walking “business card.” I’ve learned that simply engaging in casual conversations—whether at a coffee shop, random grocery store aisle, or even a networking event—can open so many doors. Sharing what I do and feeling comfortable with using my voice to promote my business has been one of the best ways to connect with potential clients or others who might know someone in need of my services.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @serenaire.co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serenaire.co?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/3pw6ds6TvE