We were lucky to catch up with Iasia Lamar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Iasia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

The dream of becoming an entrepreneur sparked long before I ever knew what direction it would take. As a child, I always knew I’d be a boss one day—I just didn’t know what kind of empire I’d be building. The beauty industry always intrigued me, but never in a million years did I imagine I’d actually launch a business in it.

Fast forward to grad school, in the middle of pursuing my Master’s program, when the idea of creating a brow business hit me. I’d always loved doing brows, but up until then, it was more of a hobby than a profession. Still, something in me knew I had to give it a shot. My very first step? Signing up for a Microblading/Brow Certification course. From there, I took the leap to make it official by becoming licensed by the state of New York as a tattoo artist. That was the moment it all became real—I wasn’t just dreaming anymore, I was building.

It was exciting, but also terrifying. I became the first in my family to own a business, so there was no roadmap, no playbook passed down to me. I had to learn everything from scratch—reading, researching, and soaking up any information I could find. Filing for my LLC felt like a major milestone, a stamp that said: “This is no longer just an idea. This is happening.”

But here’s the part no one tells you about entrepreneurship: the sleepless nights, the self-doubt, the long days when it feels like nothing is working. My biggest hurdle at the start was getting clients in the door. In an industry like mine, trust is everything—after all, people don’t hand over their faces to just anyone. So, I had to get creative. I launched my business Instagram page and asked family and friends to let me do their brows for free, just so I could build a portfolio and show the world what I could do. Even that was tough, because gaining someone’s trust—especially in beauty—takes time.

Then came my first official client. That moment lit a fire in me. From there, word started to spread, and things began to move. On the outside, it looked like everything was taking off seamlessly, but behind the scenes, I was realizing a crucial truth: skill alone isn’t enough. You can be the most talented artist in the room, but if you don’t understand the business side—marketing, pricing, systems, client retention—your business won’t last.

That realization pushed me to seek out a business mentor. And let me tell you, finding the right mentor was a journey in itself. I worked with a few before finally connecting with the one who truly understood my vision and could help guide me toward building not just a business, but a sustainable brand. That decision became a turning point. With the right mentorship, I was able to take everything I had built and scale it into something bigger and stronger.

Looking back, the journey from idea to execution wasn’t glamorous—it was messy, scary, and at times overwhelming. But it was also thrilling, rewarding, and transformative. Every sleepless night, every risk, every step outside my comfort zone shaped me into not just a brow artist, but a businesswoman. And that’s what makes the story worth telling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Asia, and I am the owner and founder of Attraction by Asia, a luxury brow studio dedicated to helping people feel beautiful, confident, and empowered in their own skin. My journey into this industry is deeply personal—I’ve always had a passion for beauty, but what drew me into brows specifically was the way something so small could make such a big difference. Brows have the power to frame the face, highlight natural features, and transform how someone sees themselves.

I got into this craft by first becoming certified in Microblading and Ombre Brow artistry, and later licensed as a tattoo artist in the state of New York. Since then, I’ve expanded my services to include Ombre Brows, Brow Lamination, Brow Tinting, and Brow Waxing, allowing me to cater to different client needs—from those looking for convenience, to those who’ve experienced hair loss from conditions like alopecia or cancer, to busy professionals who simply want to wake up confident and ready to take on their day.

What I provide is more than just a beauty service—I provide solutions to real problems my clients face. For some, that problem is thinning brows or loss of hair. For others, it’s the frustration of spending time every morning trying to draw on brows that don’t last through the day. And for many, it’s the desire to feel like the best version of themselves without the stress of makeup routines. My goal is always the same: to restore confidence, save time, and give my clients the freedom to show up as themselves, fully and unapologetically.

What sets me apart is the personal experience and genuine care I bring to every client. I know how vulnerable it can feel to trust someone with your face, and I don’t take that lightly. Every brow I do is tailored to the individual, taking into account their unique features, lifestyle, and preferences. My clients often tell me that beyond loving their results, they love the experience—the comfort, the trust, and the connection they feel in my chair. That’s what makes Attraction by Asia more than just a beauty studio—it’s a safe space where people can be celebrated.

I’m most proud of being able to build something from the ground up, with no blueprint or family guidance, and grow it into a business that not only serves clients but also inspires others. Becoming the first business owner in my family has been a huge accomplishment, but what I’m most proud of is the impact—watching clients walk out of my studio with their heads held higher, their smiles brighter, and their confidence restored.

For anyone who comes across my brand, I want them to know this: Attraction by Asia isn’t just about brows—it’s about transformation. It’s about creating beauty, yes, but also about building confidence, saving time, and helping people feel seen and cared for. Whether you’re a client sitting in my chair or someone following my journey online, my mission is to show you that you are worthy of feeling attractive, confident, and empowered every single day.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what has helped me build my reputation within my market is a combination of consistency, visibility, and connection. From the very beginning, I made it a priority to show up consistently on social media, not just to showcase my work, but also to educate, inspire, and let people get to know the person behind the brand. That consistency built trust and familiarity, which I think is key in the beauty industry.

Beyond social media, I’ve invested in being present within my community—whether through events, collaborations, or simply showing up in spaces where I could connect with people face-to-face. Even something as simple as passing out my business cards or introducing my business to someone new has opened doors and started conversations that grew into lasting relationships.

At the end of the day, I believe my reputation has grown because people see my passion, my commitment to my craft, and my genuine care for my clients. It’s not just about creating beautiful brows—it’s about creating an experience that makes people feel valued, confident, and excited to come back.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I first started my business, I relied solely on my personal savings to get things off the ground. It wasn’t a huge amount, but it was enough to cover the basics and allow me to start offering services. From there, every dollar I earned went right back into my business—I reinvested in supplies, training, and building the foundation I needed to grow.

During that time, I also applied for grants and funding opportunities, but I was denied more often than not. At the time, I didn’t fully understand how critical funding and financial strategy were to the success of a business. I thought everything had to come out of my own pocket. It wasn’t until I began working with my mentor that I learned how to approach funding in a smarter, more strategic way.

Although I didn’t secure funding in the beginning, the support I’ve received later on has been a tremendous help in elevating my business. It’s taught me the importance of persistence, resourcefulness, and being open to learning. My journey with funding hasn’t been straightforward, but it’s been a valuable part of my growth as both an entrepreneur and a businesswoman.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.attractionbyasia.com
• Instagram: @attraction.by.asia
• Facebook: Attraction By Asia