Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaya Park.
Hi Kaya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello! First of all, I want to thank Voyage Dallas for the opportunity to share my story. It truly means a lot to be featured among so many inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs in the DFW community. I was originally an education major, just a student who loved anything related to beauty and aesthetics. After graduating from university in Korea, I immigrated to the U.S., and being in a completely new environment made me reflect on what I truly wanted to do. I knew I wanted to build a career that felt genuine to me, something I truly loved and enjoyed every day.
So instead of continuing in education, I started exploring the beauty industry. While thinking about what kind of service I could offer that would be both meaningful and unique in the U.S., Korean-style semi-permanent makeup came to mind.
When I first started researching, it was difficult to find authentic Korean-style PMU in the DFW area. Most people associated permanent makeup with dark, bold brows, but the Korean approach is much softer and more natural. I thought it would be perfect for people who are interested in semi-permanent makeup for its convenience but feel hesitant about results that look too strong or bold.
I decided to pursue professional training in Korea, completing a total master program and taking private advanced classes in brows and lips from experts in each field. I practiced on as many models as I could, gaining real hands-on experience and developing precision and artistry.
Eventually, I opened Cocoa Square Beauty Studio in Grapevine, TX, where I now offer authentic Korean-style techniques that bring out each client’s natural beauty. My goal has always been simple — to help people wake up feeling confident and beautiful in their own skin.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Doing what I love has always been fulfilling, but building clientele and running an actual business was a completely different challenge.
When I first started, I barely knew anyone here in the States. I really started everything from scratch. In the beginning, I had no clients. Before word of mouth started to spread, I had to introduce both myself and my work to the community.
Since semi-permanent makeup is such a skill-based craft, even taking a short break can make you lose your touch. So I kept practicing by taking in model clients, either for free or just a small material fee. I used that time to keep my skills sharp and build a portfolio, and those small fees helped cover my studio rent. Of course, it meant doing a lot of model sessions.
Thankfully, many of those early models loved their results and came back, and even better, they started referring their friends and family. That’s really how my clientele began to grow. As things became more stable, I officially registered Cocoa Square as an LLC and brought in an accountant so I could run it more professionally. Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far it has come. Now I have clients traveling not only from across Texas and nearby states like Oklahoma and Louisiana, but even from places as far as California, Illinois, Iowa, and more. It truly humbles me every time someone chooses to visit Cocoa Square.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My clients often tell me, ‘I’ve been looking forever for someone to do my brows, and once I saw your work, I was obsessed. It looks so amazing and natural.’ Hearing that kind of feedback always reminds me why I love what I do.
One of the unique aspects of my work is how customizable the level of naturalness is. Every client says they want “natural” brows, but that word means something different to each person just like how people can look at the same artwork yet interpret it differently. What feels slightly defined, like a soft makeup look, might still appear natural to someone else. That’s why, during each consultation, I take time to carefully assess my client’s daily makeup style, as well as their expectations and preferences. I then consider their skin and brow type to design brows that reflect their own definition of natural beauty using the most suitable technique and shape.
Another signature of my work is my ability to create feminine, delicately curved brow shapes that complement each client’s facial structure. I use a free-hand design technique, creating each brow shape entirely by hand without using mapping strings or stencils. While string mapping can be faster and convenient, it often limits the ability to create soft, flowing curves that enhance a feminine appearance. Through my free-hand design process, I analyze the client’s natural brow base, forehead muscle movement, and overall facial contour to create brows that are harmonious, elegant, and natural. Since curved shapes tend to give a more feminine impression while straight shapes feel more masculine, following the design I recommend often softens and refines the client’s overall look. And that has become one of my trademarks.
While semi-permanent makeup is convenient and delicate, many people hesitate because of concerns about unnatural results or pigment discoloration over time like brows turning bluish or reddish. The Korean-style PMU I provide is soft, lightweight, and natural, making it ideal for first-timers who want a subtle enhancement without a harsh or overly done look. Because the pigment is placed delicately in the precise layer of the skin, it fades gradually over 1-3 years depending on the client’s skin type and the technique used, with minimal risk of discoloration.
Lastly, I’m always striving to grow as an artist. I travel to Korea once or twice a year to attend advanced skill-up classes and learn the latest PMU techniques and trends. I believe that evolving and continuing to learn is what allows me to deliver the best possible results for my clients.
Pricing:
- Microblading $483
- Combo brow $503
- Soft shadow $503
- Lip blush $483
- Korean lash lift $121
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cocoasquare.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cocoa_square_/
Image Credits
COCOA SQUARE LLC
