Arenita Scott shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Arenita , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Right now, I’m being called to show up more as myself. I’ve always been comfortable working behind the scenes and letting my work speak for itself, but lately I’ve felt this quiet push to share more and allow myself to be seen, even when it feels uncomfortable. I’ve realized people connect so much more when you’re real, especially in a world where so much online feels filtered or overly performative. It’s been a learning curve, but I’m leaning into showing my face more, sharing my thoughts, and letting people get to know the person behind the work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Arenita, a lash and brow artist and the owner of AS Eyesthetics, a private salon studio in Prairie Village, Kansas. I focus on bespoke lash sets and custom brow services that enhance what’s already there while still feeling true to you.
AS Eyesthetics is about more than just a salon suite. It’s a space I’ve created to feel calm, intentional, and personal. I want people to feel relaxed when they walk in and even more confident when they walk out. Behind the scenes, I’ve been continuing my education to learn new services and to further refine my skills, researching the best new products that align with the quality I want to offer. I’m really focused on refining every part of the client experience and building something meaningful that will continue to grow over time.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom did. I was 17 years old and working for a real estate agent while also completing a course to get my license. My mother and I were out one day driving and I had been venting to her about how my job and the course stopped feeling exciting and started feeling more like an obligation. She casually said “Why don’t you go to beauty school?” And in that moment something clicked. I remember thinking, Wait… you’re right. Why not?
She had seen me way before I truly saw myself. Her suggestion is what led me to enroll in esthetics school and eventually build AS Eyesthetics.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of not being enough, not talented enough, polished enough, not ready enough.
Even in times where I worked hard and got positive results or feedback I would still ask myself ‘Is this really good enough?’ That fear has kept me small, made me hesitate on decisions and has kept me from working on projects I care about. Lately, I’ve been recognizing my accomplishments for what they are and celebrating my small wins. I’m also learning to just show up for myself and build consistency in doing the things, even when I don’t feel totally ready or like everything’s perfect. What I’ve realized is that there’s strength in showing up, even when you’re unsure or scared of failing.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Lash extension/brow appointments are a luxury service”
Having the extra money to spend on something like lashes or brows *is* a luxury, in the sense that it’s not essential. But that doesn’t automatically make the service itself a “luxury service”. True luxury is in the experience, and quality of the work, not just the price tag. I think in this industry the word “luxury” is used way to casually, and if we are going to use it, we need to back it up. Back it up with professionalism, intention, comfort and care.
“Faster = Better”
There has been a lot of emphasis put on how fast you can finish an appointment, but that doesn’t equal skill or quality. I’ve seen people rush through sets just to squeeze in more clients but corners are being cut somewhere. A fast set might look good (or not), but what about retention? Comfort? How the client actually feels in the space you’re creating? While I do think there’s a reasonable limit to how long a service should take, I also believe it’s important to allow enough time to be intentional with every step. The goal is to create a calm, relaxing environment where the client never feels like they’re being rushed or treated like just another appointment.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Absolutely. I’ve always felt a strong pull toward working for myself, even before I knew what that would look like. I craved freedom, independence, and creative control.
I remember working at a few different places and constantly noticing ways things could be improved. How the experience, the systems, or the care could be better. But I didn’t have the position or voice to make those changes. My success often felt limited by someone else’s opinions or decisions. And I always felt stuck in a way. Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been drawn to beauty and detail. I always pay close attention to the little things, small touches that might go unnoticed. That kind of intentionality sticks with me and inspires me.
My first job in the aesthetics industry was front desk at a popular massage franchise, I worked there full time while I was in esthetics school. I applied for it on Indeed with the hopes I’d get to change my role from ‘receptionist’ to ‘esthetician’ after I got my license. I remember being SO excited, which is funny now because looking back, it was just a front desk job making $11/hour but at that time it felt like I was getting closer to something that made me happy.
Now, I genuinely love what I do. I find myself missing work when I’m away. I’ve created a space that feels like me, and I get to show up every day and help people feel cared for and confident. Even during moments of burnout, I’ve never once thought of giving up and that says a lot.
This field feels like the work I was always meant to find. And it fits and makes sense in a way that nothing else ever has.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aseyesthetics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/as_eyesthetics/
Image Credits
Branding Portraits: @motivatedvisuals
