Today we’d like to introduce you to Karyna Omura Torres.
Karyna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story began back in Tokyo, Japan where for a short period of time I did some small television productions as an actress or model. I remember the confidence I felt sitting in that chair while the makeup artist did her work on my face and hair. That exact feeling is what motivated me to enroll in a makeup school. I knew I wanted to have other people feel good about themselves just as I did when I sat in that chair.
Fast forward a couple of years and I found myself and my family living in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. The passion for doing makeup truly molded me and guided me in becoming a licensed esthetician, so I could officially offer makeup services. What I was not expecting was my mind getting blown learning how much more help I could offer others through esthetics in general, so my passion grew even more.
I am and will always be my hardest critic and, for this reason, I only allowed myself to only learn from the best schools, professionals, and mentors in the industry. Through these experiences, others noticed my eyelash extension skills and skincare comprehension growing at an exponential rate. I however did not notice this change as my focus was mainly on providing the best customer service possible. To have each person feel important not just to me but to themselves was my main goal.
Then in 2017, my family decided to move down south to the beautiful city of Charleston. Visiting and working in different studios and spas down here is when I realized that the work ethic and customer service levels I could bring would truly stand out. After a year KO Beautiqué was created.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ten years is a long time to keep track of the ups and downs, some days I feel there are more ups than downs, and others more downs than ups. I’ve restarted so many times but, each time I had a better start because I try to learn from the mistakes and use them in a positive way.
One of the most difficult hurdles I have felt is establishing a positive footprint in what I do. There is no shortcut or easy way to gain people’s trust when you are an outsider moving in. I’ve offered my makeup services for free many many times just so people knew what was now available to them.
As you know, we’re big fans of KO Beautiqué. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a beauty boutique as I like to call it. I love the idea of more customized service, in a space where people feel safe, welcomed, and relaxed. We specialize in enhancing beauty! Eyelash extensions, skincare, micro pigmentation, makeup application, body treatments, waxing, and more to come.
Our idea of beauty is the unique natural beauty that lies within us, and our job is to revive it and bring it out. It amazes me every day to see how much more confident people walk out our doors with. It’s like a recharge station of some sort.
I always knew that my most valued asset was not going to be our skincare line or our multitude of machines and services. Our most valued asset is the KO Treatment mentality – where no matter what service you choose, it will be individualized and administered with your happiness and satisfaction as the goal.
Our KO Treatment is all about your needs; if you need lash care while also venting about your tough day at work – our space is where you need to be. I find myself not being able to rest until I’m positive every client had a unique experience when coming through our doors.
The professional philosophy and care for our clients is our standard, and that’s what I want KO Beautiqué to be known for.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Be open to learning, and then learn all over again. A saying that a friend of mine mentioned to me once has stuck with me, “If you find yourself being the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room.” You can learn from every single person and thing that crosses your path, you just need to be open to it.
The most sincere advice I would give on networking is to not lie about who you are. As rich and successful as an entrepreneur is, the one common factor is they all have humble beginnings. If you pretend to be something, keeping up with that reality will make networking difficult.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@makeupko.com
- Website: www.makeupko.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobeautiquechs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kobeautiquechs
Image Credits
Jessica Palma and Larry Sanders
