Meet Cecile Moua-Do | Expert Permanent Makeup Artist and Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cecile Moua-Do and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cecile, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I didn’t have an ideal upbringing whatsoever. Like many Hmong families, my parents had to flee Laos during the Secret War. They eventually ended up in the US and had to start from zero. I had a great childhood but I definitely remember the struggles we had to go through. My parents took jobs as tomato farmers in Fresno, CA because that was the only type of job they could get at the time. We were a family of 6 and had to share an apartment with our Uncle and his family of 6 because that was the only way we could afford living there.

We moved around a lot as my father took any opportunity he could get to have better pay to provide for us. We were so poor, my family had to fish in the Sacramento River for dinner! No fish, no dinner baby! It was a tough upbringing but it sure as hell taught me how to adapt and to fight for I want.

Eventually, my parents were able to get their citizenships and better jobs. My parents worked HARD and both had entrepreneurial mindsets. My mom went against the grain of being a stay at home mom and ended up going to cosmetology school to become a hairstylist! She even got featured in a newspaper when we lived in Nevada! My dad was a social worker for the county and tried various business ventures, restaurants, cleaning services, real estate, network marketing. He failed at a lot but always learned something and became better at the next. Now, he’s a multi millionaire living the life he deserves!

Their work ethic and tenacity has definitely stuck with me. I may not be the best at something but I never give up an I work hard. I truly believe hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard and can confidently say, I can outwork anyone. I’ve kept these traits with me all through my life. Being the youngest of four, I was the only one to graduate college. It was quite an achievement but I quickly learned, having a traditional corporate job wasn’t for me. I always knew I wanted to own my own business.

I began working with my father in his financial services company and was able to build a very successful branch of my own. I had no plans on entering the beauty industry but life likes to take you on a trip. It was in 2016 when I decided to get my own brows microbladed and I fell in love. I began looking at different artists and academies, and even though I had zero experience in the beauty industry, I decided to take a course to see if I would be any good. I was horrible. I got scolded so much in my class because I just couldn’t get it right. I didn’t let that stop me. I continued to practice daily after class and applied what I learned. I would practice on latex skin, bananas, oranges, apples, and even went as far as practicing on pig skin. I then began to do model work for free. I did well over 30 free procedures so I could build my portfolio. I wasn’t afraid to do free work, because I knew this was part of the investment in needed to put in to get a high return, and it has. I now have 3 locations, Orange County CA; Fresno CA, & Oakdale MN, with a growing team, training academy, with plans of expanding.

You don’t have to have a certain background or degree, look a certain way, or talk a certain way. It is possible to achieve your dreams just as you are, but you have to take action. Don’t wait around for outside encouragement or “permission” from anyone! If you want it, go get it!

Growing up underprivileged has definitely taught me to never take things for granted. Anyone who puts their trust in me, I take it personally. I understand that some clients and students have saved for so long to get the service done, or to train with me. I hold that very dear to my heart. Those humble beginnings will keep me humble and hustling, because I remember where I came from, and want to help others achieve reach their dreams as well.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Tattooing brows is definitely its own art form. My style is unique because my style is not just one style! I understand, not everyone wants super dark, defined, “on fleek” brows and that’s ok. It’s important for me to be able to custom create brows for my clients various individual needs! When I shape the brows, I never use a stencil or approach it with a “one shape fits all” mentality. I will draw the shape accordingly to that clients specific bone structure while taking into account their preferences, and natural contours of the face. From there, we have a variety of different styles of brow techniques and styles to choose from in order to fit their lifestyle and fondness.

I come from a business background so the marketing side was easy for me to grasp. It was the actual art of brows that took me longer to understand. I diligently practiced every single day and did not hesitate to do free work when I first started. I was able to propel my brow career because I was not afraid to put in hard work for “free”. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get high paying clients if my work was not exceptional. My work could not become exceptional if I did not gain that proper experience. I understood, I had to continue investing my time and energy to become the best I could.

I did a little over 30 models brows, their initial sessions plus their touchup sessions, for free. Overcoming those first few months after training was the most difficult, but I had to remember, I was starting a business. With any type of business, the startup is always the toughest and will need the most effort. I kept working on my craft and didn’t think about charging clients until I was confident enough in my results. I see a lot of new artists who are unwilling to do free work or promotional work because they want to start making money right away. That’s absolutely fair, however their success is dependent on their initial time investment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I LOVE OC for all the delicious food and ocean views! I don’t go out much so I’m not much help there, but I can definitely take you on a food tour! First things first, Pho. You have to have pho in OC. My current favorite is PhoHolic at Rodeo39. After having the best bowl of pho in your life, you can explore the super cute shops and dessert spots inside.
Disneyland because, who doesn’t like Disneyland?
After a long day of the best place on earth, we’d end the day with some delicious Korean BBQ and soju shots at Baekjeong in Buena Park.
There most definitely needs to be a full beach day. We’d stop to get some In-and-Out burgers so we can chow down & bum out at Huntington beach.
After a few hours in the sun, we’d walk over to the Huntington Beach House for some cool and refreshing drinks.
For my seafood lovers, I’d take them to this delicious Vietnamese street seafood and hotpot spot. They have a huge variety of grilled seafood like razor clams, oysters, squid, and even escargot for the adventurous.
For shopping, we’d go to South Coast Plaza and take a lunch break at Din Tai Fung for their famous soup dumplings.

My restaurant recommendations can go on forever!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have to shout out Jacquiline of Brow_Baddie. She’s a constant source of energy and inspiration. She had a tough upbringing as well, and I find her content super relatable. She’s not afraid to show up as herself and shares her experiences so openly.

I also have to give a big shoutout to all the supportive artists at my studio. They have helped me create such an amazing team atmosphere where we can opening share and encourage each other. I am so happy I have the privilage to work alongside them as colleagues and friends. Thank you Mai Lee of MLTs_BrowBar, Kathy of Kbeautyinks, Becky of Beastie.Beautiebar, Nancy of Fangtasticbrows, & Annie of Annietime.beauty.

I most definitely got to shout out all my dear clients who show me constant love, as well as my talented students who have trusted me as their trainer. I’m so absolutely thankful to each of them and want them to know, I am only here because of them.

This list wouldn’t be complete without the mention of my hubby and family. They have supported me from the start and are my number one cheerleaders. Having a solid support system is so helpful when owning your own business and I’m lucky to have a strong team behind me.

Website: https://browbarstudios.com/

Instagram: Ceciles_BrowBar

Facebook: Ceciles BrowBar