Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Vandercruyssen.
Hi Alisa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started out as a freelance makeup artist after studying at Multimedia Makeup Academy. Funny enough, I just came into ownership of it now, but back in 2016 I was just a student trying to find my lane. I really fell in love with brows after trying to grow mine back out. At one point, I looked like I was sponsored by Nike.. they were literal skinny swooshes. That’s when my obsession began with figuring out how to shape, style, and restore brows in a way that looked natural and full.
After earning my esthetics license, I opened my first studio, a space in a run-down strip mall in Shelby Township with super cheap rent. It wasn’t much, but I made it feel glamorous. Around that time, a friend sent me a video about eyebrow lamination, and my mind was blown. I dove in immediately, took masterclasses online from the UK, and became one of the first artists in the U.S. and the very first in Michigan to offer the service.
Just as my clientele started to grow, COVID hit. I kept posting before-and-after transformations online during lockdown, and by the time we were allowed to reopen, 60 people booked with me right away. From there, it snowballed. Clients were driving from all over Michigan to get laminated, so I decided to move to Royal Oak, a more central location, and finally built my Barbie dream spa, complete with free parking in downtown Royal Oak. It still feels surreal to see how far it’s come and even my growth as a brow artist from 2019 to now. It’s truly my passion and comfort zone to be doing brows.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. COVID was a huge obstacle on its own, but in 2022 I was diagnosed with a severe case of a disease called lipedema. Between May 2023 and February of this year, I underwent eight surgeries to treat it. Because it’s such a specialized procedure, I had to travel out of state each time, take a week off work to recover, and then head right back into the salon the following week. It was exhausting, both mentally and physically, but I refused to let it stop me from doing what I love.
It was an insane struggle, both mentally and physically, but I love what I do, and I was determined to keep going. I’m so grateful for how understanding and supportive my clients have been through it all, and honestly, I’m really proud of myself for pushing through. I’m feeling so much better now, and I’m forever thankful that this journey brought me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in eyebrow lamination, waxing, and tinting, and I’m best known for my eyebrow laminations and my colorful, girly space. I also offer luxury skincare services like hydrafacials and microchanneling through another esthetician who works in the salon, so clients can get a full range of treatments all in one place.
I work hard to make every service feel comfortable and personalized. Clients often tell me my wax is very gentle, and every service is done in a private rooms with a comfy spa bed so every appointment feels relaxing and pampering.
I’m really proud of my artistry and the way I can transform brows while keeping people in their comfort zone. I want clients to feel confident without feeling completely changed. I’m also incredibly proud of the spa itself. I designed it all myself and take pride in the way it feels the moment you walk in. I want people to leave feeling happy, confident, and cared for.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The biggest risk I’ve taken was leaving my first space with cheap rent to move into a salon with much higher rent, utilities, and loans for the design, which I’m still paying off monthly. Every part of it felt like a risk, but I knew it was necessary to create the space and experience I wanted for my clients.
It’s very personal work. I’m working on people’s faces, which is part of their identity, so putting yourself out there as an artist is inherently vulnerable. I’m confident in my ability to customize each brow to their liking and personal taste. I always keep brow tint remover on hand and never want anyone to leave feeling unsure about their brows. I would never want someone to tell me they look good and go home and cry. We can always add more or take away, so every client leaves feeling confident. Taking these risks is part of growing both as an artist and a business owner.
Pricing:
- $85 for eyebrow lamination including a wax and tint
- $45 for an eyebrow wax and tint
- $175 Hydrafacial
- $150 for a signature facial
- $249 for microchanneling
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/alisamariebrows/services
- Instagram: @AlisaMarieBrows
