Eyebrows are the focal point of a face, according to ME! I’ve always been obsessed with eyebrows, because, if done well, there is truly no need for makeup, they brighten a face all on their own. Everyone who knows me well, knows that my brows get the most maintenance of all; they are trimmed, plucked, and arched once a month! I’ve gone to my dear friend Paulo for years, but so many people uptown ask me for someone who is comparable in their neighborhood, and I found someone great! Sabria Celaj works in a salon on the upper east side, and does a beautiful job shaping the brow, appreciating my same aesthetic. I found that when she worked on my eyebrows, the experience was very relaxing, as she has a great energy and her positivity comes through.
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
I have been in business in NYC for over 5 years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
I am first generation Albanian, and brought up in a home where natural beauty was prevalent and praised. No make up in this household, but the one thing I remember was mother always taking pride in, was her eyebrows. When I was 10 years old, I remember taking little rusty nail scissors and tweezers and looking in the mirror designing how I would do my eyebrows, and everyone else’s for that matter. For whatever reason, it captivated me. As my wedding approached, I looked in the mirror and decided to venture out and shape my own brows, and I realized that it transformed my whole look and face. I looked fresher, brighter, and felt more confident. Then, one day I was walking out of a nail salon with my kids and a woman stopped me, and commented about my eyebrows, and wanted to know who shaped them. When I responded that "I did," she said “Wow, you are your own walking advertisement. A few years later an opportunity arose to work in salon doing eyebrow design and the rest is history.
The two things that really light me up about eyebrow design is the creativity involved, and having each and every client leave my chair feeling good about themselves.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
My approach with each client is to create a level of comfort and trust, first and foremost, then really take the time to understand their preferred look and never promised something that I cannot deliver. I am truly passionate about what I do and take pride in my work and customer satisfaction.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
Listening to my clients, putting their needs first and capturing the look that they desire, and contributing to my artistic design to enhance their desired result. The end-product speaks for itself.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I increase their self-confidence and self-esteem because when you look better you feel better. Clients have commented to me how relaxing it is when I shape their brows.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting the positive feedback from my clients and experiencing how happy they are with the final outcome. I love to see people feel good about themselves.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Walking through Central Park during a sunny spring day, when all the trees are in full bloom. It is my Zen place. Peace in the middle of the hustle and bustle.
How do you benefit mamas?
Busy moms, whether stay at home, or working, time is a valuable commodity, therefore, a having a perfect brow design cuts out the need for so much make-up, and I am a big believer in “less is more.”
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
A client once told me, "As someone who has struggled for years to find the perfect brow lady, let me tell you what a blessing it has been to have found Sabria. Not only is she skilled, but she's patient, clean and friendly. From the way she took the time to study my face, to listening to my brow history she really made me feel comfortable from the moment i sat in her chair."
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field.
My favorite role model has always been Anastsia Soare. Love her eye and style.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
“Be unstoppable, if one door closes, another one opens.”
“Have patience... with your journey... It may take some time to reach your goals, but you will. Keep up the hard work. You will get there... Believe in yourself. Don’t give up. Remember good things take time” By Heather Stillufsen.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Eyebrow maintenance is key. For the days the alarm decides not to go off, make sure you have a neutral lipstick or gloss ready and available, and you will be set. This will enhance your natural beauty without the time and fuss needed.