how we started and what we overcame
Miriam’s powerful life story is what has fuelled the drive, intention, and impact in her business from a very young age. She likes to say “I didn’t choose lashes, they chose me” "and they are now my vessel for impact and changing the world." Growing up with a single Mom of 4 kids she felt surrounded by dream limitations & little hope. She was forced to grow up fast, work hard, and seek opportunity. Providing for herself, caring for her siblings, and seeing her Mom struggle was her strongest motivation and the backbone of all she’s worked hard for and built from the ground up. From a young age Miriam has always wanted to be able to give back and impact other’s ability to chase their dream and change their legacy no matter where they come from.
Miriam initially studied social work and did her pre-requisites for nursing but had to take a break as resources for funds were limited. During her time off school Miriam juggled working 3 jobs while living on her own. Eventually she decided to take a step back after feeling stuck in survival mode so she left Canada to follow her dream to travel the world. While backpacking throughout Southeast Asia at 19 years old Miriam took her first eyelash course and experienced the raw, meticulous beauty of eyelash extensions where it originated, in Asia. She was hooked by the meticulous art-form and began her journey as a lash artist in the heart of Vietnam. When returning to Canada Miriam had no money and couldn’t even afford a bed or light – she used a bedroom lamp and pull out couch, put her head down and dedicated immense work into starting her own lash business and to pursue the opportunities in the lash industry to change her own life and the lives’ of others.
Miriam continued to pursue the best education she could find around the world to advance her craft and business knowledge. Miriam is now a renowned nationally certified trainer, artist and business owner and has helped develop hundreds of other artists and trainers around the world to change their life legacy and start their own business too. Miriam is best known for the tycoon of a business woman she has become and for all those she has brought up with her journey. Lashthetic Pro is now an internationally recognized award winning company known for renowned training and business programs. To this day Miriam believes the timing of her discovery into the lash world to be a miracle meant to be. Miriam was able to buy her first house at age 24 and hopes to continue to change the generational legacy by teaching others to defy their odds and where they came from. Sharing our uphill journey but most of all empowering others to change their lives and freedom is the most rewarding part of what we do. Today it brings tears to our eyes to say our program has been recognized & funded by the Government for those in marginalized situations, through continued education programs, foster care, Work BC re- entering work force, and by the Fraser Valley Aboriginal Family Services. It has truly come full circle to impact those Miriam’s heart was so near to and wanted to reach so badly from a young age, but never had the resources to do so. It is truly a dream come true.
"When who you are with what you have and what you do leaves a positive lasting impact, changes a life, or gives someone new eyes or hope - you are doing business right. There is no failure when your mission of goodness for others comes from within, a business is just a vessel for your impact. Lashes are our vessel." Miriam Chicanot Educator + Founder