Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronika Drobena.
Hi Veronika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally come from Slovakia and have an international medical background. I moved to the United States about 20 years ago, and after being fortunate to spend many years raising my children, I later returned to healthcare and worked as a phlebotomist. That experience strengthened my attention to detail and patient care.
My journey into permanent makeup became personal after struggling with my own eyebrows for years, after overplucking them. I experienced firsthand how much time and frustration came with penciling them in every day and I saw how much confidence natural-looking results could give women, particularly mature clients who often felt overlooked by trends focused on dramatic or overly bold brows. I decided to pursue specialized training and licensing in permanent makeup and eventually founded Brow Vero Cosmetics in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Currently, I’m also pursuing my Master of Health Administration at Lipscomb University because I’m passionate about the connection between healthcare, client experience, and aesthetics. In addition to working with clients, I’ve also started developing training programs for future permanent makeup artists who want to learn a more conservative, natural approach to brows.
Building this business has not been a straight path, but every stage of my journey ( healthcare, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and graduate school ) has shaped the way I serve my clients today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, and honestly, I still feel like I am still building my business. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know I still have a long way to go. Balancing family, graduate school, and entrepreneurship at the same time has been challenging, especially while trying to grow a business from the ground up.
One of the biggest struggles has been building a business in a highly competitive industry where social media often rewards dramatic and trendy results. My focus has always been on natural, timeless work, especially for mature clients, so I’ve had to learn how to stay true to my style instead of chasing trends for visibility.
Moving to a new country also came with communication insecurities and the challenge of rebuilding my professional confidence in a completely different environment. There were definitely moments of self-doubt along the way. But overall, those experiences taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of building something authentic. I am still progressing, both personally and professionally, and that mindset keeps me motivated to continue growing.
As you know, we’re big fans of Brow Vero Cosmetics. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am the owner of Brow Vero Cosmetics, a permanent makeup studio in Knoxville specializing in soft, natural-looking powder brows. My main focus is helping clients enhance their features in a subtle and timeless way, especially women with mature skin who often feel overlooked by trends focused on overly bold or dramatic brows.
What sets my work apart is my conservative approach and attention to detail. I spend a lot of time educating clients, customizing each set of brows to their facial features, skin type, and lifestyle, and creating results that heal soft and natural.
My healthcare background has also shaped the way I run my business. Safety, hygiene, client comfort, and professionalism are extremely important to me. I approach permanent makeup with both an artistic and patient-centered mindset, which helps many clients feel more comfortable and trusting throughout the process.
One thing I’m especially proud of is building a brand that feels personal, honest, and welcoming. I never wanted my business to feel intimidating or overly sales-focused. I want clients to feel educated, cared for, and confident in their decision.
In addition to working with clients, I’m also developing training opportunities for future permanent makeup artists who want to learn a more natural and timeless approach to brows. My goal is not only to create beautiful work, but also to help elevate standards within the industry through education and professionalism.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would not describe myself as someone who takes reckless risks, but I do believe growth usually requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. Looking back, some of the biggest changes in my life came from taking risks even when I did not feel fully ready.
Moving to the United States from Slovakia was probably the first major risk. Later, after spending many years focused on raising my children, starting over professionally and building a business from scratch felt like another big leap.
Pursuing my Master’s while running a business has also been a risk in its own way, because it requires a significant investment of time, energy, and commitment without knowing exactly where it would lead.
My perspective on risk has changed over time. I used to see it as something scary or uncertain, but now I see it more as being willing to grow, learn, and trust the process even when you do not have everything figured out yet. I believe in taking thoughtful risks rather than impulsive ones, decisions that align with my long-term values and vision, rather than chasing quick success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://browverocosmetics.com
- Instagram: @brow_vero_cosmetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9zLTMMRC/
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rLTifReNyQ1KvyZ87
