Meet Lena Ve

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lena Ve. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lena below.

Hi Lena , really appreciate you joining us to talk about a really relevant, albeit unfortunate topic – layoffs and getting fired. Can you talk to us about your experience and how you overcame being let go?

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management in 2021, I was eager to begin my career from the ground up. I accepted a role at Robinhood as a Customer Service Representative while studying for my SIE, Series 63, and Series 7 licenses. My goal was to build a foundational understanding of the company and work my way into the HR department.

But just a few months in, everything changed. On my day off, a company-wide meeting was held, announcing that 9% of employees would be laid off due to performance. I was part of that 9%. What made it especially difficult was knowing that my lower metrics stemmed from technical issues—I had been unable to work properly due to ongoing computer problems. Later, I found out the selection was more random than performance-based, as another 24% of the company was let go just two months later. Despite the disappointment, I’ve maintained a positive relationship with Robinhood and understand now that the company had to make tough decisions during a rapid expansion.

Still, the day after being laid off, the weight of it hit me—I cried. I thought I had landed my dream job, and I was determined to climb the ladder into HR. But life had other plans. My mother encouraged me to consider turning my hobby—lashing—into something more. While I was at Robinhood, I had been lashing on the side, and I already had a steady stream of supportive clients. With the backing of my community and a little push from fate, I decided to go back to school and pursue my esthetician license.

It truly was a blessing in disguise.

My severance package gave me the time and space to invest in myself. After completing esthetics school, I expanded my services to include facials and waxing. A year later, I added permanent makeup to my offerings. I became a certified life coach, a trained grant writer, and now proudly run my own business, Lena Ve Lovely Luxuries. I’ve been self-employed since 2021 and continue to grow and evolve.

What I came to realize is that I never really left HR. Every day, I apply the core of what I learned—whether it’s understanding client needs, setting boundaries, mentoring others, or navigating systems and strategy. I still have a passion for human connection, support, and development—just in a different, more personal form.

As much as I once longed for a corporate role, I now see that I was meant to build something of my own. Getting laid off felt like a closed door at the time, but it was truly the beginning of my purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the founder of Lena Ve Lovely Luxuries, a space where self-care meets self-worth. My business blends beauty, empowerment, and education to help individuals look and feel like the best version of themselves—from the outside in and the inside out.

As a licensed esthetician and PMU artist, I specialize in enhancing natural beauty through services like nano brows, combo/ombré brows, eyeliner and lip blush enhancements. I also provide customized skincare treatments including facials, back facials, waxing, and lash extensions. Each client experience is personalized—starting with an in-depth consultation and ending with comprehensive aftercare—because your glow should be long-lasting and deeply rooted in care.

What sets my brand apart is that it’s not just about beauty—it’s about reconnection. My motto, “Be kind to yourself. Be you – not them,” guides every interaction I have. I believe beauty is a vehicle for self-healing, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how my clients leave not just looking better, but feeling more powerful and grounded. Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a form of self-respect—and sometimes, a lifeline.

In addition to my work in the beauty industry, I’m also a certified life coach and grant writer. Through coaching, I support clients in building confidence, setting goals, and navigating life transitions with clarity. As a grant writer, I help small businesses and nonprofits articulate their mission and access funding—especially organizations led by and serving marginalized communities. These roles complement my esthetics work by allowing me to advocate for others in both personal and professional growth.

Currently, I’m focused on expanding Lena Ve Lovely Luxuries beyond solo entrepreneurship. I’m working closely with beauty and business mentors to build a team of like-minded professionals who share my passion for care, integrity, and transformation. My goal is to step fully into business ownership—leading a collective that not only offers high-quality services but uplifts everyone involved.

Whether through beauty, coaching, or mentorship, my mission is the same: to help people radiate from within and remind them that slowing down to pour into yourself is not only okay—it’s necessary.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Resilience was born from the moments I had to keep showing up—despite financial hardship, emotional burnout, or imposter syndrome. Entrepreneurship, especially in the beauty and wellness space, can feel isolating. But I learned that it’s okay to pause, breathe, and start again the next day. My advice? Know that growth doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes the quiet, consistent work behind the scenes is where your breakthrough is building.

Self-awareness was pivotal as both a life coach and service provider. I had to get honest about my boundaries, my triggers, and my “why.” Understanding my own needs helped me better serve others without draining myself. To those just starting out: protect your energy, not just your time. The more in tune you are with yourself, the more aligned your business decisions will be.

Resourcefulness helped me expand—without waiting for “perfect” conditions. I didn’t always have capital, connections, or clarity, but I learned how to ask the right questions, apply for grants, pursue certifications, and pivot when necessary. Whether it was writing my own grant proposals or finding low-cost ways to upgrade my business, I made things work with what I had. My advice: use what’s in your hands right now, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek mentorship.

At the end of the day, it’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about staying rooted in your purpose and open to evolving.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is managing the feeling of being all over the place—constantly moving from one task to the next, adding more to my plate because I feel like I’m not doing enough… even though I know I am. As a multi-passionate business owner, life coach, and grant writer, everything I pursue feels aligned, but balancing them in a way that’s sustainable is the hard part.

I have a growing desire to offer more services through my business, but I want to make sure I feel fully confident in one before jumping into the next. I’m learning to pause, celebrate progress, and give myself permission to grow at my own pace. Part of overcoming this challenge is setting more intentional boundaries, simplifying where I can, and letting go of the pressure to constantly “do more” in order to feel accomplished.

I’m reminding myself that being aligned is more important than being busy—and that I am doing enough, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lenavelovelyluxuriesllc.glossgenius.com/about
• Instagram: lenavelovelyluxuries_llc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557583066793

Image Credits

personal photo: @lexrayco