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Went rogue and hopped on an IG Live to play a quick game of "Would you rather" with my girl @jessicaroserobertson ♡

How do you feel about voice notes? 🤣

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When the awards are over, half the room’s gone home, but no one on the dance floor is ready to call it a night…

Obviously, you make a music video. 😂

We were just squeezing every last bit out of a really wicked night. Miss this energy already!

Thank you to the cast:

@euploeastudios @thelashhoodsociety @thelifeof.bubblz @_sublevo_ @nikkirae___ @lash.scape @pbs_products @bubuslashes @hayleymarees_beauty @shereemiller_ @kalinabambery @stellaxemile @laurenlappin_ @prolonglashalicia @prolonglash.kerry @nationbeautynz @thelashbtch @may5lashbrownz @thelash.beautyroom

#lashindustryawards #lia2026 #lashindustrynz #lashcommunity #beautyandabeat

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Loved listening to these amazing wahine toa and their perspectives.

Big shout out to these ladies straight 💥

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REAL VOICES. REAL STORIES. 🇳🇿

Meet the women joining our NZ Voices Panel at the Aotearoa Lash Conference 2026.

Nikki Rae • Zoe Giffin-Haskell • Zandalee Matene • Tapu Elia • Tori & Courtenay Wootton

Six women with different journeys, different experiences and different perspectives, coming together for one real conversation about our industry.

From building businesses and brands to culture, representation, resilience, education and the realities behind entrepreneurship, this panel is about hearing the stories that don’t always make it to social media.

No scripts. No sugar-coating. Just real kōrero from real women within our industry.

22 AUGUST 2026 | ROTORUA

Meet Nikki Rae ✨

From software engineer to award-winning lash artist, Nikki’s journey into the lash industry began in 2019 while she was still working in the corporate world.

What started with training in Classic Lashes soon became a whole new career, leading Nikki to build Nikki Rae Lash & Brow Artistry and establish herself as an educator, speaker, workshop host and competition judge.

In 2023, Nikki was crowned New Zealand Lash Artist of the Year 🏆

Nikki joins our NZ Voices Panel to share the real journey behind changing careers, building a name in the industry and backing yourself to pursue something completely different.

Real Voices. Real Stories. 🇳🇿

Meet Tapu Elia 🌺

A proud Pacific woman, educator and founder of the Polynesian Beauty Academy, Tapu has built her career around more than beauty. Her work is grounded in culture, representation, education and creating opportunities for Pacific people within the industry.

Through her academy, Tapu continues to uplift and empower the next generation of beauty professionals while creating spaces where culture and identity are celebrated.

Tapu joins our NZ Voices Panel to share her journey, her perspective and the importance of representation within our industry.

Real Voices. Real Stories. 🇳🇿

Meet Zoe Giffin-Haskell ✨

Founder of Sublevo, Zoe is an award-winning lash artist, educator and businesswoman who has built a strong name within New Zealand’s lash industry.

With years of experience behind the chair and in business, Zoe knows the

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Beginner's Classic Lash Training — Day 1 🩷✨️

Today was jam-packed with information and new skills, but everything was carefully broken down so that each step naturally built on from the last.

Rather than overwhelming my student with everything at once, we focused on one skill at a time. Each theory concept was followed with practical exercises to help reinforce what they'd just learned and build confidence before moving on.

One of the most common things I hear from students is, "Lashing is so much harder than it looks!" And yup, it is! It's such an underrated skill in the beauty industry. The thing is, I've been a beginner, too. I remember exactly how it feels sitting where my student sat today. That's why I approach my training with patience, encouragement, and understanding.

Tomorrow is all about getting more hands-on with live model practice (because the best way to master this skill is to practise, practise, practise)! We'll also dive into the business side of things, so that by the end of this weekend, my student has all the foundations necessary to start their lash journey confidently, and of course, I'll be there for support every step of the way.

I'm so excited for Day 2! Let's go!!! 💃

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Thank You....if you're watching this and deciding whether to go to LABS.NZ....do it.
Its not just about the goodies it about community and connections.

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LABSNZ 2026 part 1 of probably many 😅😝

Lets start off with how amazing the atmosphere and community truly was

There's nothing scarier than walking into a room alone for a 2 day event ...but to come out of it with connections across not just NZ but the world made LABSNZ such an amazing event to go to.

When you work from a home based salon, for yourself, by yourself it can get pretty lonely (which everyone as a solo business owner experiences) and my cup is absolutely overflowing with how loved and supported this event made me feel from the people in it 💜

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Not just booths. Not just products.
This is the part where conversations start, ideas get shared, and connections actually happen.

Our exhibitors aren’t here to just “sell” to you…
they’re here to meet you, talk with you, and be part of the room.

Take your time. Ask questions. Get curious.
You never know what one conversation could lead to.
See you on the expo floor 👀✨

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Today, I had the pleasure of doing a full set of Russian Volume Lashes (just look at how soft and fluffy they are 😍). These were the epitome of lashes when I entered the industry 7 years ago 🤍✨️

Today's French client planned her trip to New Zealand, and decided that when she traveled through Wellington, I would be the one to do her lashes 🥹 That is not lost on me 🙏

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A moment for this black & brown wispy lash blend 😮‍💨

#wispylashes #brownlashes #lasheswellington

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BEGINNER LASH TRAINING IS BACK! 🙌✨️

Q2 dates have officially been released, and I'm so excited to be stepping back into in-person teaching again!

You'll be learning valuable, high-level skills in a way that's practical, supportive, and enjoyable, with guidance throughout so you never feel lost or overwhelmed.

Lashing can open the door to such a rewarding and flexible career, and being able to share that with you absolutely lights me up.

Each training is intentionally kept 1:1, creating a focused and supportive environment to learn, practise, and refine your technique with confidence. This means spots are extremely limited.

Pick your dates and enrol today:

24-25 April
20-31 May
27-28 June

Full course details and enrolment available at nikkiraebeauty.com/classic-lash-training/

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Our third panelist joining us is the beautiful creator of Coco Lashes, Nikki Rae.

Nikki Rae is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the lash industry. She joined our very first workshop session in 2023 in Auckland, and everyone absolutely loved the way she delivered her workshop.

We are so excited to have Nikki joining our panel to share her experience, talk all things beauty, and dive into what it really takes to stand out in this industry.

AOTEAROA LASH CONFERENCE AND LASH INDUSTRY AWARDS

📅 22 August 2026
📍 Rotorua, NZ

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