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

Kaleen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

The best boss I ever had? Ironically, she was the one who fired me.

I was 18 when I landed my very first job in the esthetics industry — a receptionist and budding lash artist at a busy lash studio in Walnut Creek, CA. I was young, inexperienced, and if I’m being completely honest… kind of a mess. I was regularly late, didn’t take much seriously, and carried myself with the kind of cocky naivety that only an 18-year-old can really master.

She, on the other hand, was the opposite of everything I was. Talented. Professional. Fast. Booked solid. Clients loved her. She was everything I thought I already was — and everything I’d eventually grow into.

She didn’t find my “playful” attitude cute or quirky. She was strict with me. Stern. Held me accountable in ways I wasn’t used to. And eventually… she let me go.

At the time, I was bitter. I thought she couldn’t see past my immaturity to the talent I had underneath. But with time and growth, I realized that talent means nothing without work ethic. She didn’t become successful because she was just good at lashes — she was disciplined. She showed up, every day, with intention, professionalism, and pride in her work.

Now, over a decade later, as a business owner myself, I see it so clearly. She didn’t just fire me — she redirected me. She forced me to look at my shortcomings and grow from them. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful. Her example — and that wake-up call — helped shape me into the artist and boss I am today.

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 business is Lashes & Brows by Kaleen, a boutique lash and brow studio located in Solana Beach, CA. I specialize in elevated, low-maintenance beauty for the modern woman. With over a decade of experience in esthetics, I love to blend artistry with precision to deliver customized lash extensions, lash lifts, and brow services that enhance your natural features — and your daily routine.

My signature approach is equal parts glam and grounded: a relaxing, one-on-one experience that prioritizes comfort, lash and brow health, and long-term beauty goals.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The best advice I have for building a social media presence, is letting go of the fear of looking goofy. In any situation when learning a new skill, we will all look goofy, but with practice and experience we get better and more comfortable.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Lashes & Brows by Kaleen was born out of a personal reckoning — not just a passion for beauty, but a full-blown life reset.

In my late twenties, I hit a breaking point. Despite launching my business, I felt lost. Burnt out. Disconnected from the version of myself I knew I was meant to be. The pandemic pushed me into survival mode, forcing me back into a full-time job just to stay afloat — and still, I was wildly unhappy.

So I made a radical choice: to change everything.

I ended a long-term relationship, moved cities, switched jobs, and most importantly, started doing the deep inner work. What began as a desire to rebuild my life became the foundation for a beauty business rooted in intentionality, self-love, and transformation.

Now, as a lash and brow artist in Solana Beach, I brings that same energy into every appointment. My studio isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling whole. It’s a soft place to land. A reminder that beauty can be healing. And that reinvention is always possible — even mid-chapter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lashesandbrowsbykaleen.com
• Instagram: @lashesandbrowsbykaleen
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/lashesandbrowsbykaleen

Image Credits

Keeley Miller Boudoir