Eye On The Prize
Esthetician Lauren Prats’ new salon for eyebrows opens today.
For Lauren Prats, owner of Hi-Brow Cosmetics in Old Metairie, the idea for a brow-based salon originated from what she saw as a lack of good brow products on the market.
“I started the cosmetic line first to help people fill their brows in, cover greys, scars and for clients who lost hair from chemo,” she says.
Prats’s product line quickly became so popular that her brow waxing business blew up. She then began adding additional services like lash-extensions and lash-lifting.
Prats has been working as an esthetician for 11 years. She began her career at Aveda Salon and then went on to work at Earthsavers in Metairie doing facials, peels and training new estheticians. She says the salon still holds a special place in her heart – she still offers brow services there one day a week.
For the last year, Prats has been working inside of Glow Hair and Beauty Bar in Old Metairie, but this week, she launches her own salon across the street. She says her new 2,000 square-foot space is the perfect location due to its proximity to both Causeway Blvd and I-10.
“I feel like it’s a real central location. I have people who come from Kenner, Metairie, Elmwood, Lakeview and Uptown, which I love,” Prats says. “The biggest challenge has just been wanting everyone to love it and feel like they can come and hang out and not feel rushed. I have been thinking about my clients the whole time while remodeling the space.”
So why forego the at-home tweeze and go to a salon for your brows? Prats says it’s all about finding what works best for each pair of eyes.
“My clients come in looking for direction when it comes to their eyebrows,” she says. “I am usually helping them correct a shape that they have over-tweezed themselves or if they’ve gone somewhere and had an in and out experience. I am educating my clients about their shape and teaching them how to fill them in with my products. You leave Hi-Brow with a ready-to-leave look!”
As for how she gets the word out, Prats says word of mouth and social media have been the name of the game, and she loves adding new services to keep her business fresh and competitive.
“I have used social media for my whole business,” she says. “Word of mouth, clients referring new clients. I feel like I am doing something really special with specific services and we focus on those being the best!”
At her new space, Prats will offer a variety of services: brows (naturally) lash extensions, peels, make-up and spray tanning.
“It really will be a place you can come get ready and go out for a night with your friends,” Prats says. “You can also walk to Glow Hair and Beauty Bar for a blow out and be set!”
As for the future, Prats is excited to see what’s in store.
“I want to connect with other locals in the city as much as I can,” she says. “I think it’s really special to be among businesses owned by women in NOLA and I feel so blessed with the support and encouragement I have received being under one year in business!”
Check out Hi-Brow NOLA online and visit the salon at 126 Sierra Court Old Metairie, LA 70001
