The Story Behind Lashiskin: A Reflection in Honor of AAPI Heritage Month

When most people think about the beauty industry, they think about trends, self-care, and transformation. And honestly, I love all of that. Helping someone walk out of the salon feeling confident and beautiful is something I never take for granted.
But behind every small business is a personal story. And mine is about a lot more than lashes and brows.

My name is Jenna, and I am the owner of Lashiskin Beauty Salon and Spa. I am also a Mongolian American woman, an immigrant entrepreneur, and someone who has had to figure out a lot of things the hard way. Building Lashiskin from the ground up has been one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of my life. It has taught me how to lead, how to fail and keep going, and how to build something that genuinely means something to the people around me.

From the beginning, my goal was never just to open a salon. It was to create a space where every single person who walks through the door feels truly welcomed and cared for. Whether you are coming in for a lash lift, a brow shaping, or your first time trying lash extensions, I want you to feel like you matter here, because you do.

What I did not fully anticipate when I started this journey was how much the community would become part of my story too. Running a small business means you are not just managing appointments and products. You are building relationships, learning constantly, showing up on the hard days, and trying to be a small but meaningful part of people's lives. My clients have taught me as much as I have given them. Their trust and loyalty are genuinely the reason Lashiskin has grown into what it is today.

As a minority woman business owner, I have learned that resilience is not something you talk about, it is something you practice quietly, every day. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes of running a small business that most people never see. Navigating those challenges, while still showing up fully for every client, takes a kind of determination that I think many immigrant and minority entrepreneurs can relate to. It has shaped me, and I am proud of it.

On May 14th, I had an experience that will stay with me. During AAPI Heritage Month, I had the opportunity to participate in an advocacy meeting with Congresswoman Grace Meng and members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. It was not something I ever expected to find myself doing as a salon owner, and honestly, it felt significant. Being in a room where people were genuinely discussing the realities of immigrant entrepreneurship, economic opportunity, and community representation reminded me that small business owners have important perspectives to contribute beyond our storefronts. Our experiences matter. Our voices matter.

It also reminded me that success is not only personal. The most meaningful version of it is connected to other people, to community, to showing up for one another.
I think about that every day at Lashiskin. When you support a small, minority-owned business, you are not just getting a service. You are part of something bigger. You are helping someone build a dream, sustain a livelihood, and stay rooted in a community they care about.

To every client who has sat in my chair, referred a friend, left a kind word, or simply chosen Lashiskin when you had other options: Thank You! You have made this more meaningful than I ever imagined it could be.
I am so proud of what this little salon has become, and I am excited for everything still ahead. If you have not visited us yet, I would love to welcome you. And if you are a regular, I cannot wait to see you again soon.

With gratitude, Jenna Owner, Lashiskin Beauty Salon and Spa