Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophea Ruchala.
Hi Sophea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started when my mom signed me up for Cosmetology in high school. As an immigrant from Cambodia, my mom was a single mother who raised four girls while running a small grocery store. I didn’t even know what cosmetology was, but I trusted her. She’s always been my example of strength and hard work.
When I got my license in 2008, I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I was shy and anxious, so I worked at Starbucks for a while before finally applying at a hair salon, but they turned me down for not having experience.
So I applied at a nail salon, got hired, and instantly fell in love with it. That’s where everything started to click. I went on to do facials, brows, waxing, and makeup. I realized I loved connecting with people and making them feel good about themselves.
I’d always been curious about lash extensions, but when I finally decided to take a class, I found out I was pregnant with my son. I had to wait, but that dream stayed with me. A few months after having him, I finally took the leap, booked a class and soon after, I got hired as a lash artist.
About a year later, I knew it was time to branch out on my own. So I opened Zen Lash & Brow Bar in January 2020 – in a little 600 sq ft space. Not long after opening Zen, I started teaching lash and brow classes, because I wanted to pour everything I learned into my students. I wanted them to feel confident stepping into this industry and not as lost or scared as I once was.
Then COVID hit us and that was such a scary, uncertain time. I remember feeling completely helpless, wondering if we’d even make it through. When we reopened, business boomed! I started building a team, and we quickly outgrew our space and moved into the space we are at now.
Now, my husband and I are working on opening our second business – Unfiltered Creative Co. in Boiling Springs. It’s a content studio and small events space for photographers, small business owners, and creatives who just need an aesthetic space to bring their ideas to life or celebrate their moments. It feels like everything I’ve done up to this point has led me right here!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Right before opening Zen Lash & Brow Bar, I went through a miscarriage and lost my job. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to experience, and at the same time, I was trying to build my business and stay focused on this dream I had. Not long after that, COVID hit – so everything kind of came crashing down all at once.
It forced me to slow down and really process everything – the loss, the fear, the uncertainty. But looking back now, I see how much it shaped me. It taught me resilience, patience, and that even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, sometimes it’s really just redirecting you toward something bigger.
And I truly believe that, because before expanding Zen, we found out we were pregnant again. Our rainbow baby is four now and as fierce as ever. She’s been the biggest reminder that there’s always light after the storm.
We’ve been impressed with Zen Lash & Brow Bar, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We’re a collective of artists who offer individual lash extensions, brow services like threading, waxing, tinting, and laminations, as well as lash lifts, customized facials, and full body waxing.
What I’m most proud of is my team – they show up every day giving their best and you can truly see how passionate they are about their craft. My goal in opening Zen was to create a safe, supportive space for both clients and artists.
When I started in this industry, I didn’t always have the best experiences in salons and I promised myself that when I had my own space, I’d do things differently. I wanted my team to always feel valued and appreciated.
Now, to see how far we’ve come – to be known as one of the most trusted lash and brow salons in Spartanburg, it just makes me so proud of what we’ve built together.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I definitely wouldn’t be here without the people who’ve supported me along the way. First, my mom – she’s the one who signed me up for the Cosmetology program in high school. If I had argued with her, I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today.
My husband has been my biggest supporter. He believed in me even when I doubted myself and he literally helped me build Zen with his own hands. I’m so grateful for the way he’s always had my back.
Then there’s our families, both mine and my husband’s, along with our friends and my clients. They cheered me on since day one. Every kind word, every referral, every bit of encouragement kept me going through the hard parts of building this business.
And of course, my team – the girls at Zen. They’ve stuck with me, believed in me, and share the same goal of creating a trusted, welcoming experience for our clients. I’m so proud of them and what we’ve built together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Zenlashbrowbar.com
- Instagram: @zenlashbrowbar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A4pwnGrXG/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/ikkksg4jucvtn1/location/M53V11DJAANDT
