What started as a personal search for a self-confidence boost has become a thriving business venture for 22-year-old Donna-Lee Willis, founder of Brandy Beauty Bar. Situated in Jamaica’s vibrant Half-Way-Tree area, this young entrepreneur’s studio has carved out a unique space in the beauty industry, offering ombre brows and a range of other self-care services.
Willis’s journey began in 2022 when she sought out ombre brows to enhance her thin eyebrows, a feature she had always felt self-conscious about. The results left her not only feeling better about herself but also with an influx of compliments and inquiries. “When I saw how many people admired the look, it clicked that I could actually turn this into something impactful,” Willis shared.
Ombre brows, known for their soft gradient shading that brings definition and fullness to eyebrows, have quickly risen in popularity. However, what sets Willis’s approach apart is her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive experience. “It’s not just about changing how someone looks—it’s about giving them a lasting sense of confidence,” she explained. Many clients come to her seeking a polished, time-saving beauty solution, and ombre brows fit perfectly.
By early 2023, Willis was ready to take her experience a step further. She enrolled in training with the very same artist who had first done her brows, diving into the technical skills needed to perfect the art of ombre shading. Launching Brandy Beauty Bar took an investment of about $300,000 JMD, and Willis used her own transformed brows as proof of her skill, attracting a steady stream of clients.
The appeal of semi-permanent make-up has proven lasting, particularly among working women seeking streamlined routines. With ombre brows lasting up to three years and requiring minimal upkeep, clients quickly realize the value of this investment. “It’s like a shortcut to feeling put-together,” Willis said. “People are busy, and not everyone wants to spend hours each day on make-up.”
While the semi-permanent make-up industry is booming globally, Willis acknowledges that not all techniques work for everyone. In particular, microblading, which involves creating tiny hair-like strokes, is often less comfortable and carries a higher risk of scarring if improperly done. Ombre brows, she believes, provide a safer and softer option. “This technique is less invasive, and it gives people that clean look without a lot of discomfort.”
Today, Brandy Beauty Bar is expanding its service menu. Inspired by the positive reactions she received from clients, Willis has already trained in full-body waxing and lash extensions and has plans to add body contouring by January 2025. Her journey, driven by both passion and purpose, showcases how beauty treatments can empower people from the inside out.
For Willis, Brandy Beauty Bar is more than just a business—it’s a way to help others gain a bit more confidence, every day. As she continues to expand, she aims to build a space that reflects her values of empowerment, care, and authentic beauty.
