Inspiring stories of midlife reinvention From Auckland to Melbourne: Reinventing Myself as a Lash & PMU Artist in My 50s.

Natalia smiles brightly while enjoying a sunny day outdoors, filled with optimism about the future.

In 2017, I opened the doors to my beauty studio in Auckland, New Zealand—a humble space that quickly blossomed into one of the most trusted destinations for lash and PMU (permanent makeup) services in the city. It wasn’t just about enhancing beauty. For me, it was always about creating confidence, offering care, and building meaningful relationships with the women who sat in my chair.

Through years of dedication, training, and mastering my craft, I became known for my precision in lash artistry and my ability to create natural, transformative results in brows and lips through permanent makeup. My days were long, but they were fulfilling. I was proud—not only of the work I was doing, but of the community I built around it.

Then, everything changed.

Post-Covid, the world shifted. The beauty industry was hit hard—client routines changed, financial priorities shifted, and like so many others, I had to re-evaluate everything. By the end of 2023, my family and I made the life-altering decision to relocate to Melbourne, Australia.

Starting over is never easy—but starting over in your 50s, when most people are winding down their careers, adds another layer entirely. I was leaving behind a successful business, loyal clients, and a name I had spent years building. I landed in a new country with rising living costs, no client base, no network—and had to begin again, from zero.

There were nights filled with anxiety and days where doubt tried to creep in.

The beauty industry here was different. The competition was fierce. But so was I.

With over a decade of hands-on experience as a lash and PMU artist, I knew I had something valuable to offer. So I started small. I reinvested in my setup, retrained to align with Australian regulations, and slowly began to rebuild. One client at a time, one set of lashes at a time, one brow transformation at a time. I focused on what I’ve always done best: delivering quality, care, and results that speak for themselves.

Now, a year into this new chapter, I can say this: we made it through. It hasn’t been easy—but it’s been worth it. My studio is growing. Word of mouth is spreading. And I’m finding my place again, slowly but surely, in this new city.

To any woman reading this—especially those in their 40s, 50s, or beyond—who feel like it’s too late to start over: it’s not. Age doesn’t limit our dreams, our drive, or our ability to reinvent ourselves. Whether you’re thinking about launching your own business, pivoting your career, or starting fresh after a life change—know that you’re not alone.

Starting over in midlife isn’t a setback—it’s a powerful choice. It’s proof that you’re still brave enough to bet on yourself, even when the odds feel stacked.

I hope my story reminds you that it's never too late to rise again. Whether it’s lashes, brows, or your whole life—transformation is always possible.

With gratitude and strength,

Natalia Koswara

Founder, Lash and Brow Central

Melbourne, Australia