The owner of Miaco Lash and Brow Bar, Cobi, has always wanted to make people feel good. Miaco Lash and Brow Bar in Umhlanga, Durban gives you the lash and brow fix to enhance your natural beauty and leave you looking and feeling your best.
It’s true what they say: when you look good, you feel good. It goes without saying that appearances matter – especially to women. It’s not a vanity contest but rather a confidence booster. And did you know that there’s a connection between how you look, how you feel, and how you perform that’s actually backed by science? Tons of research suggests that there’s a positive relationship between beauty, confidence and performance.
We’re sure you didn’t bat an eyelid at that fact.
Most ladies (and gents) know that there’s something about having a fresh set of lashes and perfectly shaped eyebrows that’s somewhat indescribable. And that’s a good thing. Fluttery eyelashes and perfectly precise brows are the confidence boost everyone needs to feel pretty and powerful.
Read on for the full scoop!
Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today
My name is Cobi, and I am the owner of Miaco Lash and Brow Bar in Durban.
When I was younger, I was really stubborn with the things I wanted. I said that I was only going to study at Stellenbosch University, which I did.
In 2017, I started studying a BSC in Human Life Sciences at Stellies and discovered that it just wasn’t for me. So, I decided to go into beauty.
What made you decide to start your own business?
After dropping out, I specialised in massage therapy and then worked at a very exclusive spa in Cape Town. While I was there, they decided to train me in-house, and I branched out into everything else. I’ve got several accredited qualifications, and some of them are in-house qualifications.
My mom lives in Durban. Every time I visited Durban, at the end of the visit, my mom and I would say goodbye, and I would cry. Admittedly, slightly more than my mom did.
This is when I decided to relocate to Durban.
But when I got here, I couldn’t find a decent job in the beauty industry. It was quite shocking to find out that people in the beauty industry in Durban get paid on commission alone. You don’t get a basic salary. Only a few businesses offer basic salaries. And I couldn’t find a job that would fund my expenses.
So, I started working at a swimwear boutique, and they offered to pay for my lash course. I did my course through them but later figured that retail is not for me. The only other thing I could do was go back into beauty, but I couldn’t go to a salon or a spa. The only option was to do something for me. So, I started off renting from a gym. I did massages and eyelash extensions.
From there, I moved on to rent a spot at a hair salon. I mostly focused on nails and started doing lashes again.
Then lockdown happened. When the nation was open again, I decided to cut costs. I renovated a room and started working from home, with my main focus being lashes and brows.
Another big thing for me is that I like to be in control of my own time. Being in control of my own time challenges me as a person. I generally don’t like being out of my comfort zone, so this pushes me in that direction.
Starting your own business can be scary and challenging. How did you get past your fear and self-doubt?
I don’t think I have completely gotten past it. I think it’s still there. But I said to myself, it’s either I’m stuck in an 8-5 job working for someone else, building someone else’s company, or I take the leap of faith and do it for myself.
What’s the best thing about being an entrepreneur?
I’m in charge of my own time. Having that independence feels great! And it’s very rewarding too. I can make people feel good about themselves.
What inspires you? What keeps you going?
I want to do good where I can with the skills I have. What inspires me is making people feel good. While eyelashes are not permanent, seeing my clients happy makes me happy.
What challenges have you faced in starting your own business?
Besides lockdown and taking care of every aspect of the business on my own, the beauty industry in Durban is very saturated.
It’s hard to do something different when most people are doing it. What’s also challenging is having to mentally push yourself to do the thing you need to do especially when you’ve had quite a difficult day.
Time management is another challenge because I have a few side hustles.
What services do you offer at Miaco Lash and Brow Bar?
At the moment, I’m mostly doing lashes and eyebrows. When I say eyebrows, I mean brow lamination, waxing and tinting. I am going to launch satin pillowcases just because it’s better for your skin and hair. It’s the only fabric that doesn’t pull your extensions out when you sleep.
Back when I was in Ballito, I also offered facials, but with COVID, I’m very sceptical. For example, with massages, you’re in close contact with a customer for a long time. So that’s why I have stopped massages for now.
As things are starting to get back to normal, I will get back into massages. Starting with facials.
One more thing I’d like to mention! I also retail Kalahari Lifestyle products.
How would you describe your brand in 3 words?
Professional but relaxed.
What machine do you use?
What do you enjoy about iKhokha?
It makes business easier and convenient. I don’t have to worry about any of the admin or need to send anything. I just accept card payments, and it’s done. I’ve never had any drama with the company. I’ve changed my bank account like 5 or 6 times, never had any problems with that.
So, I’ve been very happy.
How can we improve your iKhokha experience and make business easier for you?
I haven’t had any problems so far, and even the people I have spoken to who also have iKhokha machines haven’t said anything bad.
Can I be honest? The reason I went for iKhokha and not Yoco was because iKhokha is more affordable. And the bank fees are less. I get very irritated when people have the Yoco machines. I’m like, why? These ones even look better!
How did you find out about iKhokha?
I saw a lot of your online ads. When I was in Ballito, the girl I was good friends with, who also did lashes, had the machine. So, I did some research on iKhokha card machines, and I decided that this one would work fine for me.
There’s nothing like a perfect set of lashes and well-groomed brows. If feeling pretty is what you have in mind, secure your slot at Miaco Lash and Brow Bar. And stay connected to them on their socials.
Instagram: @Miaco
Facebook: @Miaco Lash & Brow Bar
With that rockstar review from Cobi, and many more others you can find on our products here – you have even more reasons to join the iK Tribe. And we’ve made it even easier with this guide to becoming an iK Merchant here.
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