Meet PLA Lash Artists: Chandrena Brockway
Hello everyone! My name is Chandrena Brockway, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself, my journey into the lash industry, and how I ended up at the most amazing company ever: Paris Lash Academy (PLA)!
My journey into the lash industry began after I spent over 15 fulfilling years working with individuals with developmental disabilities. That work was incredibly rewarding, but I always had another dream tucked away: becoming a licensed cosmetologist. So, at 39 I took the plunge, went back to school, and pursued my passion.
That’s where I discovered lash extensions. I’ll never forget the first time I got a set of lashes — how they made me feel more confident instantly. From that moment on, I was completely hooked! It wasn’t long before I knew I wanted to bring that same feeling to others. Now, 10 years later, I’m still doing lashes and loving every moment of it.
After several years of lashing I found myself feeling undervalued as a customer by larger companies. I decided I wanted to shift my support to a small lash business that truly cared about its customers. That’s when I discovered Michelle and PLA. Michelle stood out to me because of her incredible eagerness to help other lash artists. She inspired me, and I knew I wanted to support someone with that kind of passion for others.
In 2018, I placed my first order with PLA. Back then, she was packing orders out of her garage, but I could see her vision and dedication to the lash community. It wasn’t long before I started giving back in the same way, helping troubleshoot and guide others in the lash groups, and after a year, I had the opportunity to join PLA’s education team. Being able to help others in the industry, especially new and upcoming lash artists, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
Watching Michelle grow PLA from those humble beginnings to the incredible company it is today has been nothing short of inspiring. Being a part of PLA and the education team has been a dream come true. PLA is more than just a lash company — it’s a place where passion and community truly come together, and I’m grateful and proud to be a part of it. I look forward to sharing with you all about lashes and all I have learned in the industry.
Life has taken me on some incredible journeys, and though the seasons change, one thing remains constant: I’m always chasing my passion. Whether it’s raising my boys, working with our PLA students, or transforming someone’s confidence through lashes, I try to follow my heart in everything I do.
Life is all about transitions, and right now, my husband and I are in one of our most significant transitions yet: becoming empty nesters. We have two wonderful boys who are both off to college, chasing their dreams — one in Physical Therapy and the other in Mechanical Engineering. Watching them grow into the incredible young men they are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life. While our house is quieter and much cleaner now, this new chapter has definitely taken some getting used to. Thankfully, we’re not entirely alone. Our sweet YorkiePoo, Chloe, brings so much love into our home, keeping us company as we adjust to this new phase.
Thank you for letting me share a bit about myself and my journey.
I can’t wait to see where the next chapter leads!
