Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Vangel.
Valentina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Miami over four and a half years ago. I came with excitement, full of hope and eager to start something new—to gain life experience, to find a new path, a new destination.
Back when I was living in Argentina, I used to follow a page that posted about eyelash extensions. I was always drawn to it, even though I had never tried them myself. I was really intrigued by the lash world, but I never imagined that one day I would actually be part of it the way I am now.
When I arrived in Miami, like many who start over in a new country and city, I took on different jobs. I worked as a dancer, a brand model, music videos, and even did things like Instacart, deliverys—whatever I could to support myself and build a life here.
Then one day, I went to get a facial, and the girl doing it asked me what I was doing for work and what I’d like to do. She mentioned she was offering a lash extension course. At that moment, I had a lot of fear and uncertainty. I didn’t know if I was going to be good at it, if I would enjoy it, or if I would even be able to learn. I had so many doubts.
But thanks to the support of my partner and some friends here in Miami, I decided to go for it. First, the goal was to save up enough money to take the course. I worked hard, and my husband helped me a lot throughout the process. Eventually, I was able to pay for my first course in classic eyelash extensions.
Starting out wasn’t easy. This is an art that requires dedication, hours of practice, trial and error. But little by little, I began to improve. After finishing the course, the girl who had trained me offered me a job. I started working as her assistant and stayed for several months, learning everything about beauty, business, client service, and of course, lashes.
With time, I gained more experience and began doing extensions on my own. I eventually left that job for personal reasons and started working independently. At the same time, I still had to keep some of my other jobs because I couldn’t yet rely fully on lashes alone.
But with a lot of hard work, time, and dedication, I began to grow. My clientele increased, people started recommending me, and I slowly became more known in my area. I’ve always been a positive person, someone who wants to improve, step out of her comfort zone, and reach the goals I set for myself.
I put my heart into everything I do. I like to do things well and make sure that every person who visits me has a great experience—not just because of my work, but also because of my professionalism, care, and attitude.
So, in short, that’s how I started. And today, I live off of this. Every day I grow a little more, and I’m truly grateful for everything this journey has brought into my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This hasn’t been an easy journey—far from it. Anyone who starts over alone in a country that isn’t their own knows how hard it is. You have to adapt to new cultures, new rules, a different way of living, different food… and most of all, to being alone. No family, no support system—it’s tough. It’s really tough.
But at the same time, it’s also rewarding. You grow so much as a person. You gain emotional strength and maturity you didn’t know you had.
There have been moments that were especially hard for me. I’ve lost several loved ones during this time and I wasn’t able to say goodbye. I’ve missed important family moments—like the quinceañera of my sister, her graduation—and I couldn’t be there for any of it. I also couldn’t say goodbye to my dogs when they passed. That kind of distance hurts.
I’ve also faced health issues. There were periods where I was very sick, and it made it hard for me to continue working. I went through moments when I seriously thought about going back home. I wanted to give up.
But once again, my husband was there to support me. And even from far away, my family was always cheering me on, encouraging me to keep going. We’ve maintained a strong connection despite the distance, and that has helped me a lot.
And as I said before, I’m someone who falls—but always gets back up. I don’t let hard moments define me. I keep going, focused on my vision, on what I want to achieve. I know everything takes sacrifice and effort, but I also believe that everything you give with heart, comes back multiplied.
We’ve been impressed with Chic Lashes Miami, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a beauty studio based in Miami, where I specialize in eyelash extensions, lash lifts, brow lamination, and facial treatments. I focus on delivering personalized, high-quality services that make every client feel confident, relaxed, and truly seen. I work with great care and attention to detail, creating results that enhance natural beauty in a subtle but powerful way.
What sets my business apart is the heart behind it. Every service I offer is infused with passion, precision, and genuine care. I build real connections with my clients, and many of them become loyal not only because of the results, but because of the trust, warmth, and professionalism they experience from the moment they arrive.
I’m most proud of how far my brand has come. I started with very little, in a new country, with no family or support network. I built everything from the ground up through hard work, consistency, and a deep commitment to growth. Today, my brand reflects not just beauty, but resilience, self-love, and empowerment.
I want readers to know that when they visit my studio, they’re not just getting a beauty service—they’re receiving an experience that is personal, calming, and built on trust. I believe beauty is not about transformation, but about highlighting the unique features that make each person special.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my journey is that growth often comes from discomfort. Starting over in a new country, facing challenges alone, and building something from nothing taught me that resilience is a muscle you build through action, not just intention.
I’ve learned that consistency is more powerful than motivation. There were days when I felt tired, lost, or unsure—but showing up for myself and for my vision, even when things were difficult, made all the difference. I also learned the value of patience. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and every small step forward counts.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust myself. Fear and self-doubt are part of the process, but when you believe in your purpose, you find the strength to keep going—even when it’s hard. That belief is what has helped me transform obstacles into opportunities and create a brand that I’m truly proud of.
Pricing:
- Full set Classic Lahses $90
- Lash Lift + Brow Lamination combo $130
- Full set volumen starting $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://book.heygoldie.com/chiclashesmiami
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiclashesmiami?igsh=MThybWl1MTJ2Nm51dg==
