Kiely Trainor

The first time Kiely Trainor applied lash extensions as a beauty student at UCOL Manawatū, it took her three and a half hours, and that was just to complete one eye.

But she didn’t give up. She went home and practised on her mum and, within six years of graduating with a Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy in 2020, Kiely has built two thriving lash businesses within the region

Kiely was born and raised in Palmerston North and graduated from UCOL at just 17 years old. After leaving school in Year 11, she studied Level 3 Hairdressing before moving to Level 4 Beauty Therapy.

Her first job after she graduated was with a local lash salon, where she quickly honed her skills, both in her craft as a lash artist and in the practical day-to-day management of a business.

“My first job was very high volume, so I had plenty of practice,” she says.

“I also got a really good feel for the clients, what they liked, and what works for different face shapes and stages of life.

“After a while, I was managing staff, so I learnt that side of the business as well.”

Kiely soon took the next step, establishing as a sole trader, lash and brow artist trading as Kiely Trainor Lash & Brow Artist. She now has an established clientele and often has a wait list of several weeks for appointments.

“There are only so many clients I can see in a day, and I was looking for ways to add an extra stream of income that could work alongside my salon work.

“Many beauty therapists add online educational services to their business portfolio, but I decided to go in a different direction with my newest venture.”

Kiely has joined forces with fellow lash artist Emma Tucker on a new venture to produce their own lash extensions to use in their respective practices and wholesale to other lash artists.

“After spending a couple of years searching for lash trays we truly loved, we decided to create our own," says Kiely.

Branded Lash Envy NZ, Kiely says the lashes are made from faux mink and are designed for easy pick-up and a consistent curl.

"It's still early days, but we are looking at expanding our product line to include lash liquids and adhesives."

Kiely says she always wanted to work in the beauty industry.

“I love working with women and making women feel confident, just seeing their reactions and leaving happy and feeling beautiful truly is why I love my job and what makes it not feel like work.”

Kiely says UCOL provided her with a solid foundation of technical skills to build on.

“UCOL had a good reputation and offered a variety of beauty treatments, so I could experience a bit of everything and find what I was most passionate about, which turned out to be lashes and brows!

“They were difficult at first, but I was determined to do it. I get great satisfaction from finishing a set of lashes.

“My advice for aspiring beauty students is to go for it and follow your passion.”

Interested customers can check out their social media with the handle @lashenvy_nz and Kiely’s @KielyTrainor_lashenvynz. You can also find them at lashenvynz.com.