Beauty therapist and certified brow artist Hanifah Smith worked at hotel spas across the Island when she decided it was time to branch out on her own.

She saw what were the most requested services at the spas she worked at and decided that she wanted to specialise in eyebrows, lashes, make-up and waxing services.

Ms Smith also wanted to bring Billion Dollar Brows to Bermuda the popular Los Angeles-based line of products and services to fix over-tweezed, thin or unshapely brows.

Ms Smith took her savings and went to the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation earlier this year for advice and came up with a sound business plan.

She also went the extra mile by surveying 20,000 local men, with the help of just a few friends, so she could understand how men view women and make-up.

What she learned was they like natural, earth-toned make-up, which is what Lush carries.

When the right space finally became available upstairs in the Washington Mall phase 1 this past spring, she opened Lush Makeup, Lash and Brow Bar.

Located near Blades salon, Lush, designed by Bendell Design, offers cosmetics, make-up consulting for special occasions as well as full brow shaping, lash/brow tinting and lash extensions, and full body Brazilian waxing for men and women.

Brow services start at $33 for shaping and waxing services at $60.

She works alongside fellow beauty therapist and “extremely talented make-up artist” Kristos Clarke.

Ms Smith is certified in the Billion Dollar Brows shaping technique after attending the training in Los Angeles, California.

“I am actually the first certified brow artist in Bermuda,” Ms Smith said, adding she is also a certified eyelash extensionist.

“Eyelash extensions and brow shaping are definitely a big trend in the states now and maintenance services like these are somewhat recession proof,” she said.

Cosmetics lines she carries right now include Smashbox, Billion Dollar Brow, and NYX.

Ms Smith, a Berkeley Institute graduate, worked at Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Southampton for three years before going on to the Wyndham Hotel spa, Pompano Beach Club’s spa, La Serena at the Reefs and the spa at Tucker’s Point Hotel.

She also worked in a managerial roll at some of those spas, overseeing administration and marketing.

Her advice to others wanting to start a small business: “Go for it. Follow your dream but make and execute an effective business plan.”

Ms Smith added the BSBDC had been very helpful in guiding her and helping her with her business plan.