Meet Shreya Pahwa

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shreya Pahwa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shreya, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Hello, I’m Shreya Pahwa, with VK Eyebrow Image.

For me, business is not just work , it is a legacy passed on to me through generations, built on sacrifice, resilience, and quiet strength. It is something I didn’t just choose; it is something I grew into.

When my family moved to America, we had to start everything from zero. No comfort, no security just hope. I worked in different salon environments, learning, struggling, and slowly trying to build trust with every client who walked in. There were many days I went home tired, questioning myself in silence, wondering if I was doing enough or if I should continue at all.

Then PANDEMIC hit, and everything became heavier. The salon became quiet, the uncertainty became loud, and for the first time, I truly felt what it means to lose stability overnight. I had moments where I honestly thought about giving up.

But what kept me from stopping were the small, real moments , a client smiling after seeing their brows, a simple “thank you,” or someone leaving with a little more confidence than when they came in. Those moments reminded me that my work was never just beauty , it was impact, even if small.

And slowly, I realized something important: sometimes you don’t feel strong while going through it , you only realize your strength when you are still standing after it.

Today, after 11 years, I don’t see VK Eyebrow Image as just a salon. I see every struggle, every restart, every tear nobody saw. I see a journey that survived because I refused to give up on something my heart believed in.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What Sets Us Apart What sets our salon apart isn’t just our precision with threading, brow transformations, and skincare, it’s how we make people feel. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all beauty. We believe in enhancing your unique, natural features and giving you a space to recharge. I am incredibly proud of the unwavering loyalty of our clients; they aren’t just appointments, they are our community.

The Journey: It Wasn’t Easy
Getting to where we are today was anything but easy. It took years of long hours, steep learning curves, and the grit required to build a business from the ground up. In the beginning, you have to wear every single hat, artist, receptionist, marketer, and manager.

We overcame the exhaustion and challenges through pure resilience, a refusal to compromise on quality, and by learning to lean on a trusted team to keep operations seamless.

Lessons Learned & Our Message to the World
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency builds trust, and trust is everything. The beauty industry moves fast, so we never stop learning, evolving, and listening to what our clients need.

If there is one thing I want the world to know about our brand, it’s that this salon was built on a genuine love for the craft and deep respect for the people who walk through our doors. Our story is proof that with passion, dedication, and a supportive community, you can turn a dream into a thriving reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to town, here is how we’d live our absolute best life for a week: We’ll enjoy the perfect mix of beautiful rolling green hills, a calm and easygoing atmosphere, and some of the best food and culture Southern California has to offer. There’s no need to deal with LA traffic to have an amazing day. Here’s our ultimate local itinerary.

Day 1: Welcome to the Hills & A Toast under the Stars
We are starting the trip with a relaxed, vibe at The Shoppes at Chino Hills. It’s such a beautiful, open-air space to walk around, talk, and unwind from travel. We’d grab a refreshing boba or an iced drink and sit by the fountains to catch up as the evening cools down.

Day 2: The Ultimate Salon Glow-Up & Henna Night
You can’t visit a beauty professional and not get the royal treatment! Day two would be all about self-care and relaxation at the salon followed by these services, freshly laminated brows, a lash lift, and a deeply relaxing facial. In the evening, we’d head home, put on some music, and I’d freehand some beautiful, intricate Mehndi designs on our hands while we chat late into the night.

Day 3:A Night Out in Tijuana
One night, we will head down to Tijuana for a fun night out. We’d enjoy some great Mexican food, sip on margaritas, and spend the evening exploring the lively atmosphere.

Day 4: Handmade Pizza from Scratch & Movie Night
Mid-week, we’d stay in and keep things cozy at home. We’d make pizza from scratch together, keep it simple, and enjoy the process of cooking side by side. After that, we’d settle in for a movie night, relax, and just enjoy the evening. It’s an easy, comforting kind of night that’s really just about good food, a good movie, and spending time together.

Day 5: A Day of Clay, Conversion and Indian Flavors
I’d spend the day sharing something very close to my heart, Indian culture and the sense of community that comes with it. We’d begin with a pottery class, enjoying the process, creating something with our hands, and sharing a few laughs along the way. Later, we’d sit down for a comforting Indian meal and some easy, meaningful conversation. For me, it’s really about slowing down, connecting, and making simple memories that stay with you.

Day 6: Breathtaking Architecture & Dumpling Feasts
We’d spend the morning visiting the stunning BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir right here in Chino Hills. Every time I visit, I’m amazed by how peaceful and beautiful it is. Afterward, we’d change gears and head right over the hill for an incredible Asian culinary experience.

Day 7: The Grand Finale Hike & Picnic
For our last day, I’d keep things simple, a nice morning hike, some fresh air, and a picnic with a beautiful view. We’d sit there, enjoy the scenery, and look back on all the fun we had throughout the week. Good food, great conversations, plenty of laughs, and memories that will stay with us long after the week is over.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I truly believe no success is ever built alone. Behind every step of my journey, there have been people who supported me, believed in me, and stood by me in ways that really shaped who I am today.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. They have been my biggest strength through every phase the good times and especially the difficult ones. In moments where I felt exhausted or unsure, they reminded me to keep going and not give up on what I was building.

I also want to give Shoutout to my clients. Many of them have been with me for years, and their trust means everything to me. The simple smile after a service, or their loyalty over time, has honestly been one of the biggest reasons I stayed motivated even during challenging seasons.

And I truly value the people I’ve worked with over the years in the beauty industry, mentors, colleagues, and even everyday experiences in different salons. Every environment taught me something, shaped my skills, and helped me grow stronger both professionally and personally.

I don’t think success belongs to one person alone. It is built through support, trust, lessons, and love from many people along the way. I’m genuinely grateful to everyone who has been a part of my journey, even in small ways because all of it brought me here.

Instagram: Browz14