We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Kahn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I’ve worked in both the sales and beauty industry in some capacity throughout my life. Having experience in both fields really groomed me for the business and brand I created. Along with confidence in myself thanks to my prior endeavors and support from my loved ones, I can honestly say timing is the most important factor behind my success. When I started my business, everything aligned. I was exactly where I was meant to be in that moment, and I felt it. I had trained for my permanent makeup certification with no real plan as to what steps I would take after. About a week or two later, a new friend of mine had offered me space to work, at a discounted rate. Mind you, this was December 2020. Lock downs and mask restrictions were still very much a deterrent. Nevertheless, my partner and I poured some serious sweat equity into my new studio which I named Bad Brow Co. and opened up shop January 1, 2021. With the trust of my friends and family, I started tattooing faces. From there it was a snowball effect. COVID restrictions lifted in my area, I was building a portfolio and my only overhead was rent and supplies. I could have started my business right before the pandemic or even well after but I couldn’t have opened at a better time. I’m a big believer of trusting in the universe. I believe opportunities open up for you when when ready to accept them; when the timing is right!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a permanent makeup artist from Orange County, CA and currently living in South Florida. In all honestly, we are a dime a dozen, just like any other oversaturated field. That said, many of us do not make it past one year in this industry. The PMU world can be very discouraging, and the craft in & of itself can be difficult. The trainings for certification are typically between 2-5 days. Yes, I said DAYS. One training is never enough and we constantly continue to learn and pour money back into our business. I speak for all my fellow artists because I am not alone. Besides multiple trainings which can be priced anywhere between $2-5K, there is insurance, rent, health department fees, licensing fees, supplies, etc. Oh and I can’t forget trips to the Chiropractor!

In my opinion, the only way to stick in this business, is having pure passion for the art. There is no better feeling than seeing my client happy; even a selfie on Instagram showcasing my work makes me giddy. Being proud of your work is such a rush! I’ve also earned that I can never stop learning. I am constantly evolving with this industry and trying to create my own style and way of operating. I like to make genuine relationships with each individual I have in my studio because they are the true supporters of my work and quite honestly, the ones that will keep my brand alive! It’s all about creating an experience and I think that’s what sets apart each artist/studio.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I recently moved from Southern California to Southern Florida. Same same, but different. I have barely scratched the surface here in my new home but I’ve certainly built up a list of favorite places! Right now I reside in Delray Beach, which I call the Corona del Mar of Palm Beach County (a reference only SoCal people may understand). Atlantic Ave is one long strip of bars and restaurants leading you down to the beach. A very nice beach. That’s one major difference. The beaches here are so much nicer. A day in Delray is never a let down, not to mention, it’s the happy hour mecca. A trip down to Las Olas Blvd in Fort Lauderdale is always a great alternative. It’s like Atlantic Ave on a larger scale. An absolute must-eat is Heritage, just a couple streets over from Las Olas in Flagger Village. After that, Glitch Bar for a cocktail next door! I will say however, my favorite place is Coconut Grove, Miami. Greenstreet Cafe is a favorite stop for lunch. If The Grove is too far South to travel, my other must-sees are The Design District in Midtown (gotta stop for a 21+ ice cream at Aubi & Ramsa) and the Bal Harbour Shops in Bal Harbor which houses Le Zoo, another lunch favorite. If you haven’t noticed, I’m a big day-time goer. Shopping, eating and happy hour are my go-to’s for a fun-filled itinerary!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
With no hesitation, I recognize my fiancé Matt for his constant support and encouragement, not to mention, he helped me set up my entire studio! I also couldn’t have started this business without the financial help of my parents. Acquiring a permanent makeup certification is not cheap! Aside from loved ones, Instagram and YouTube have been a HUGE help to my career. I have learned an extensive amount of information via the internet and social platforms.

Website: badbrow.com

Instagram: @badbrowco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/badbrowco

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bad-brow-dana-point-4

Image Credits
I honestly have zero horizontal photos so I tried making these as horizontal as possible. If they do not work, please let me know. No credits due.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.