Meet Shreya Pahwa | Cosmetologist, Eyebrow threading & PMU Artist

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

Hi Shreya, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I look back, my family’s decision to start VK Eyebrow Image really grew out of two simple beliefs: that real expertise comes from doing, and that the right environment can turn passion into impact.

When I first arrived in the U.S., I had no safety net—no college degree, no savings—just the hands-on threading skills I’d honed back in India. Landing my first job in just two weeks taught me that talent and persistence can open doors that paper credentials sometimes don’t. But it also showed me how easily skilled practitioners get overlooked in environments that don’t nurture them.

Over the years, I worked at several threading salons, each with its own way of doing things. I often noticed that there wasn’t much room for creative input or personal growth. Those experiences made me reflect quietly and ask myself, “Is there a better way to do this? Could I one day create a space where both clients and team members feel truly valued and supported?” That simple hope slowly grew into the vision for my own salon.

When the opportunity at Eyebrow Image (now VK Eyebrow Image) arose, it wasn’t just about taking over an existing business—it was about preserving and expanding a culture of support, innovation, and genuine care. I treated every shift as if it were my own business, listening closely to clients and mentoring junior artists. When the owner finally offered to pass the salon to my family, I saw it as a mandate: to prove that perseverance and real-world mastery can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any degree.

So, the thought process behind starting my own business wasn’t about filling a market gap or chasing profit alone. It was born of a personal journey—proof that if you create a space that values hands-on artistry and lifts people up, you’ll end up building something stronger than any one person; a community driven by passion, trust, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
VK Eyebrow Image is a beauty studio that specializes in threading, waxing, facials, permanent makeup, and henna tattoos. But to me, it’s much more than just a service-based business—it’s the result of years of dedication, resilience, and belief in the power of hands-on skill.

What sets us apart is the care and personal attention we give to every client. We don’t rush—we listen, we understand, and we treat each person like family. Our goal is to make every client walk out feeling more confident and beautiful than when they came in.

What I’m most proud of is not just the business itself, but the journey that brought me here. I started from nothing—no financial support, no formal degree, just a deep passion and threading experience. The road was far from easy. I faced more challenges than I expected, especially financially. But I stayed focused on the bigger picture: creating something of my own, something lasting.

What kept me going was the complete support of my family and joy I saw in my clients—the way they smiled after a service, the confidence in their eyes. That gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. I’ve always believed that challenges are part of the learning process. Every tough moment taught me something new, and one lesson I hold close is this: no season lasts forever. Even the hardest times pass if you stay patient and keep moving.

Today, I’m excited about continuing to grow—learning new skills, improving my services, and sharing my story. If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and VK Eyebrow Image, it’s that your background doesn’t define your success. With hard work, heart, and a clear vision, you can build something truly meaningful—starting exactly where you are.

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?
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d plan a mix of relaxation, beauty, culture, and of course—great food! I love showing people the heart of a place, not just the touristy spots, so the week would be a balance of hidden gems and memorable experiences.

Day 1: We’d start with a warm welcome at my salon, VK Eyebrow Image—because of course, the first thing I’d want is to treat them to glowing skin and perfect brows! After a little pampering, we’d grab a cozy chai at a local Indian café and catch up.

Day 2: A full day of exploring! I’d take them to downtown LA or another nearby city, hitting a mix of street markets, art murals, and local boutiques. We’d grab lunch at a trendy spot with outdoor seating—somewhere with fusion food, like Indian tacos or butter chicken pizza (because why not?). In the evening, we’d check out a rooftop lounge for mocktails and city views.

Day 3: A cultural day! We’d visit a temple for some quiet reflection, followed by a visit to an Indian grocery store —sharing stories about our childhood favorites. Then we’d cook dinner together at home, something traditional and comforting.

Day 4: Beach day! Nothing beats driving to the coast, walking barefoot in the sand, and enjoying a peaceful ocean breeze. We’d pack a picnic with snacks like samosas, fruit, and lemonade. Maybe even do henna designs while watching the sunset.

Day 5: A little self-care again—maybe a spa day or DIY beauty rituals at home, like a turmeric face mask and coconut oil hair treatment. Then dress up and go out to explore different cultural cuisines—trying something new each time. But I’d definitely make sure they try Bengali food, which is close to my heart. The flavors, the spices, the comfort—it’s something I’d love to share because it brings back beautiful memories of home. We’d end the night with desserts like kulfi or gulab jamun.

Day 6: A creative day—visiting a local art studio, pottery class or vision boards at home. We’d reflect on our dreams, laugh a lot, and maybe even share some affirmations.

Day 7: Slow morning with breakfast at a local café, then a nature walk or botanical garden visit. We’d end the trip with one last special meal and a quiet evening to look back on all the memories we made.

To me, the best memories are never about luxury—they’re about connection, shared traditions, and the little moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my family deserves the biggest shoutout. Moving to the U.S. with nothing but hope and each other, we’ve leaned on one another through every challenge. Their support, sacrifices, and belief in me gave me the strength to keep going, even when things felt uncertain.

I also want to recognize the original owner of Eyebrow Image, who saw something in me when I was just another hardworking employee. Her trust and willingness to mentor and eventually hand over the business to my family changed the course of my life. It was more than just a business decision—it was a gesture of deep encouragement and belief.

And lastly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to every client who walked in and gave me a chance—especially in the early days. Their trust, their loyalty, and even their feedback helped me grow into the professional I am today. My journey has never been a solo effort—it’s been built on the kindness, support, and wisdom of so many others, and I’m truly thankful.

Instagram: VK Eyebrow Image | Browz14

Other: https://www.vagaro.com/vkeyebrowimage/book-now