Seven years ago, Leanne Kuhn took a leap of faith into the beauty industry and started the first eyebrow and cosmetic tattooing studio in the Okanagan.

The impetus came when a good friend with cancer lost her eyebrows 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ Leanne just knew there had to be a way to help give her back her confidence.

Enter microblading. Fast forward seven years, and Ink & Arch is one of North America91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s best recognized brow brands and soon will be one of its fastest growing franchises. Ink & Arch helps women throughout the Okanagan get back confidence once lost 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ through the art of cosmetic tattooing. Her business also has an academy which teaches women their technique and how to start their own business in the art of microblading/cosmetic tattooing. So far, the academy has taught more than 350 women to build careers of their own, igniting a new-found independence and allowing them to better support their families.

Leanne also has set up an e-commerce store with her line of professional products shipped to artists in eight different countries.

Being a leader in this industry is something she was given early in her career. Leanne traces this back to her experience in university as captain of the volleyball team. Leadership is a role, she says, that you take on knowing you are responsible for wearing multiple hats - by encouraging others to not only do their best but to feel their best. While educating her students Leanne is aware that they look for a leader: not only to educate but also to encourage. Being able to influence and guide followers and other members of the organization is something she holds in high regard.