Exploring Life & Business with Holly Messina of Crystal Coast Brows

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Messina.

Hi Holly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story. 
My story started shortly after having my two children. There are things that people just don’t talk about when it comes to pregnancy. Hair loss being one of them. In 2016 after I had my son, my hairline began receding, and shortly after I had my daughter in 2019, I started losing brow hair. My husband was deployed in 2020 and after that, life for me was hectic! Two small children both in daycare, and I was working a full-time job. I had no time for myself. The only thing that helped me feel put together (and sane) was putting on makeup and most importantly, filling in my eyebrows! After time though, spending 5-10 minutes on brows and other makeup just wasn’t doable. Something that used to make me feel so good was now a hassle. For my birthday, I decided I wanted permanent makeup. I needed to simplify my routine. I had been researching and scouting out artist for months. After having my brows done… WOW! I felt so good. For me, and this may sound corny… but it truly was life-changing. I felt beautiful, and I decided I wanted others to feel the same. Men and women. There are so many opportunities in this industry. From brows, scar camouflage, areola reconstruction, scalp micropigmentation. I started with lips, then microblading, and eventually lash line enhancement eyeliner. Right now, I specialize in Microblading and Eyelash enhancement liner. In 2024, I am pushing forward to continuing my permanent makeup education to learn other skills to help more people feel their best! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bumpy ride. I’m learning that in owning a business, you have to thrive on delusion. You’re not just the “owner” you’re the talent, marketing manager, content creator, inventory manager, scheduler, cleaning crew…. you are all the things. With the service I’m providing, it’s semi-permanent lasting 2-5 years. A lot of my clients have never had a tattoo before, let alone a FACE TATTOO! That’s a lot of pressure, and there is no room for error. After trainings, certifications, and gaining work experience the only thing left to do was to put myself out there. Licensing was my next move to be permitted into the business world. Come to find out, Swansboro did not allow Tattoo Permits! My studio is located inside of Lavender Cove Salon. With some convincing and the help of the salon owner the city gave us th ego-ahead and I am now THE FIRST tattoo artist permitted to work in the history of Swansboro, NC “The Friendly City by the Sea”. I’m pretty sure most people don’t know that. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Permanent makeup is NEXT LEVEL! Alongside confidence boosting, enhancing your natural beauty is my focus. We have the same goal: beautiful results that will last! All of my services are specially curated to each client’s unique facial features. Mapping and pigment selection is how we achieve natural results. I work closely with my clients to make sure the service being provided is exactly what they are looking for. Currently, I offer Microblading, Combo Brows, Eyelash Enhancement Eyeliner, and Lip Blush. 

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Obviously, quality of work! Mostly, though, client relationships. I’m tattooing faces, which requires a lot of trust. I like to take time to get to know them. Ask how their day has been how they are feeling about the appointment. Telling my permanent makeup story to let them know, hey, I get it! 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/crystalcoastbrows/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystalcoastbrows/

Image Credits
Destiny Lee Photography