Starting a business is something many people want to do; with the freedom to make one’s own decision to turn a profit often fueling this desire. Many don’t go further than a sketch of their business plan on lined paper from a random notebook that will probably be recycled the next day. This, however, is not the case for Trinity Yee, certified eyelash technician.
Photo by Zoya Davis.
Trinity Yee is a second-year psychology student with a concentration in health psychology at Carleton University. As the only city she has ever lived in, Yee chose Carleton so she could stay close to home. She is extremely close with her family, who has continued to encourage her every step of the way. With a brother four years younger than her, she attributes her ability to be a responsible, hard worker, and teacher to helping take care for him.
She has never been a stranger to taking charge, Yee said. During group projects in elementary school, she would always lead. She designated roles to people, organized the groups’ work, and made the final presentation plans. She described herself being “bossy at times”, but the skills used in class projects are the same skills that gave her the ability to start her lashing business, Lashed by Trinity.
“It’s not like I jumped into this knowing I wanted to be a lash tech,” said Yee.
Yee had been getting her lashes done since tenth grade. When her lash technician suggested lash training, she agreed. She knew post-secondary education would be expensive, so when the potential for extra income presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity.
The cost of the class was an investment, but worth it, because Yee now runs a successful business with over 1,800 followers on Instagram – more clients she can handle while also being a full-time student and part-time grocery store employee. She said she is grateful for the job because it allowed her to complete her first year of university and purchase a car.
Photo by Zoya Davis.
She added throughout the procces she trained 10 other girls under the guidance of Rania Dakik, owner of Viva Esthetics. She is now with the brand, and has worked with Dakik over the last few months.
“Trinity is a very talented, outgoing person; both professionally and personally,” said Dakik.
Yee’s family has also always been incredibly supportive of her dreams and goals – so much so that her mom, Hazel Yee, allowed her to take over their dining room and convert it into her own lash lab.
“Trinity has always been the most confident, badass, person I’ve met,” said Alyssa Lee, Yee’s cousin. She has seen Yee’s growth and has been so inspired that she was trained under Yee’s instructions.
When Yee started her business, she didn’t think about whether she would be good or if she enjoyed it. She simply committed to it and now sees about 24 clients weekly.
“You don’t hear about a lot of 18-year-olds starting their own business and going to school full time,” said Hazel Yee.
Hazel Yee said she believes coming home to a salon helps her daughter stand out. The clients can feel more comfortable in an environment that is friendlier than a regular salon.
Photo by Zoya Davis.
One of her clients, 19-year-old Kyla Delacruz, prefers to see Yee over any other lash artsist because of her professionalism.
“Trinity was very professional and fast,” said Delacruz. “My lashes looked great and (she) told me all about aftercare to help retain my lashes. I recommend her to everyone in Ottawa.”
In the future, Yee hopes to open a full salon and with her cousin: one lash application at a time.