Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeena Gurung Vomhof.
Hi Jeena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of human connection. I was born and raised in Nepal, where I earned a degree in Mass Communications and Journalism from Tribhuwan University. In 2007, I entered an arranged marriage that would bring me to the United States, hoping for a fresh start. However, the reality was far from what I had imagined. For five years, I lived with my in-laws in Nepal, waiting for my visa to reunite with my husband in Minnesota. When I finally arrived in 2011, I quickly realized that my marriage was not what I had hoped for—it was filled with challenges that left me feeling isolated and uncertain about my future.
On July 9, 2012, I made one of the hardest yet most defining decisions of my life—I ran away from that marriage with nothing but faith in a better future. That was when I met Grandma Lenore, a woman who became my guiding light. She took me in, loved me as her own, and showed me that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who choose to stand by you. Her unwavering support gave me the courage to rebuild my life from scratch.
Rebuilding and Finding Purpose:
With limited resources but a deep hunger to succeed, I started working in healthcare while pursuing education and professional development. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Leadership and Organizational Leadership from Bethel University and completed entrepreneurship and leadership programs at St. Thomas University and the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce.
Over the years, I worked in various healthcare settings, but deep down, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to create something of my own—something that would empower others while honoring my roots.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship:
In 2019, I took my first major step into entrepreneurship by joining Monat as an Independent Sales Consultant. Through this, I discovered my passion for mentoring, business development, and leadership. But I wanted to create something even more personal—a business that reflected my heritage, my values, and my commitment to empowering women.
In October 2021, I founded Namaste Brows and Boutique in Roseville, Minnesota. What started as an eyebrow threading and beauty service quickly evolved into a unique space that celebrates Nepali culture and craftsmanship. I began curating and selling handcrafted products from Nepal, supporting women artisans and giving them a platform in the U.S. market. The boutique became more than just a business—it became a community hub, a place where people from different backgrounds could connect and share stories.
Giving Back and Creating Impact:
Beyond my business, I’ve always been passionate about giving back. I have served as the Commissioner for the Human Rights, Inclusion, and Engagement Commission (HRIEC) for the City of Roseville and sit on the boards of Do Good Roseville and the Rice and Larpenteur Alliance. I actively mentor through Tony Robbins programs and volunteer with organizations like Junior Achievement North, where I speak to students about entrepreneurship and leadership. I also serve as a life skills coach at Hennepin County Jail, helping individuals navigate their journeys toward a better future.
Honoring My Mentor Through Storytelling:
One of the most meaningful projects of my life has been my documentary, Grace’s Gift. Inspired by my relationship with Grandma Lenore, this documentary tells the story of how a stranger’s kindness and love gave me the courage to rebuild my life. It’s a celebration of human connection, resilience, and the power of second chances. I began this project with the hope of capturing the stories that shaped my growth, and now, I am working on bringing it to a wider audience through the Twin Cities Film Festival.
A New Beginning with SURU, the Beginning:
As I continue to grow as an entrepreneur, I’m stepping into a new chapter with SURU, The Beginning. This e-commerce venture is an extension of my passion for global craftsmanship and empowerment. The name SURU means ‘beginning’ in Nepali and ‘to do’ in Japanese—perfectly aligning with my mission of creating opportunities, celebrating culture, and inspiring others to embrace new starts. Unlike Namaste Brows and Boutique, SURU will be solely focused on handcrafted collections with a global reach.
My Purpose and Legacy:
At the heart of everything I do is my commitment to being a servant leader. I want to be remembered as someone who led with kindness, worked hard, and created spaces for others to thrive. My journey has not been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the woman I am today.
I believe that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about lifting others along the way. Whether through my businesses, mentorship, advocacy, or storytelling, my goal is to leave a legacy of abundance, love, and empowerment.
For anyone facing hardships, I want my story to be a reminder that no matter where you start, you have the power to rewrite your narrative. Sometimes, all it takes is one person who believes in you—and if you don’t have that person yet, let me be the first to tell you: You are capable, you are worthy, and your new beginning is just around the corner.
Today, I wear many hats—entrepreneur, mentor, speaker, and advocate—but at my core, I am someone who believes in the power of showing up, working hard, and leading with kindness. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply fulfilling. I hope my story inspires others to embrace new beginnings, no matter where they come from.
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?
The road to entrepreneurship has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the businesswoman I am today. When I started Namaste Brows and Boutique, I had a vision, but I also had to navigate countless obstacles—financial limitations, self-doubt, and the steep learning curve of running a business.
One of my biggest challenges was building my business from the ground up with limited resources. As an immigrant entrepreneur, I didn’t have generational wealth or an existing network to rely on. I had to learn everything on my own—from securing funding to managing operations and marketing my business. There were moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision, but I reminded myself why I started: to create something meaningful, not just for myself but for my community.
Another struggle was balancing multiple roles. As a mother, business owner, and community leader, I often felt stretched thin. Entrepreneurship demands everything from you—time, energy, and emotional resilience. There were sleepless nights, long days at the boutique, and moments of burnout. But I learned to prioritize my mental and physical well-being, knowing that I couldn’t pour from an empty cup.
Navigating the pandemic was also a major hurdle. As I opened my boutique, the retail landscape was changing drastically. Foot traffic was slow, and I had to pivot quickly, expanding my business model to include more online sales and community partnerships. The experience taught me adaptability and the importance of a diversified revenue model.
Despite these struggles, I never let setbacks define my journey. I sought mentorship, leaned on my community, and remained committed to my vision. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn and grow. Today, as I expand into my new venture SURU, The Beginning, I carry these lessons with me, embracing each new challenge as a stepping stone toward greater impact.
Entrepreneurship is not easy, but it is deeply rewarding. The struggles make the victories even more meaningful, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Namaste Brows and Boutique: More Than a Business, A Cultural Experience:
Namaste Brows and Boutique is more than just a beauty studio and retail space—it’s a place of empowerment, cultural celebration, and community connection. Founded in 2021 in Roseville, Minnesota, we offer expert eyebrow threading and full-face threading services, Eyebrow Henna Tint along with a carefully curated selection of handcrafted products from Nepal.
What We Do & What Sets Us Apart:
We specialize in the art of eyebrow threading, a natural and precise hair removal technique that has been practiced for centuries in Asian countries. What sets us apart is not just our skill but the warmth and care we provide to every customer. We create an experience where beauty and self-care meet culture and tradition. Many of our clients tell us that stepping into Namaste Brows and Boutique feels like stepping into a place where they are truly seen, valued, and cared for.
Beyond beauty services, we are passionate about sharing Nepali craftsmanship with the world. Our boutique features a unique collection of handmade jewelry, textiles, scarves, and home décor—all sourced directly from artisans in Nepal. By bringing these products to Minnesota, we are not only celebrating Nepali heritage but also supporting women artisans and small businesses abroad.
What I’m Most Proud of Brand-Wise:
What makes me most proud is that Namaste Brows and Boutique has become more than just a business—it’s a bridge between cultures, a space for connection, and a testament to resilience and entrepreneurship. Every product in our store tells a story, and every service we provide is rooted in a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
As a woman-owned and immigrant-owned business, I take pride in creating opportunities—not just for myself but for others. Whether it’s giving my customers a confidence boost through beauty services or providing a platform for artisans to showcase their work, my goal is to make a meaningful impact. Today we serve seniors, teen age moms, local schools, homeless people because we see the need.
What Readers Should Know:
If you’re looking for a threading expert who truly cares about your beauty and wellness, or if you love supporting handcrafted, ethical products with a story, Namaste Brows and Boutique is the place for you. We welcome everyone with open arms and a warm Namaste!
Our mission is to empower, uplift, and bring a touch of Nepal to Minnesota—one brow, one product, and one conversation at a time.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that resilience, persistence, relationships, and purpose are the keys to success—not just in business, but in life.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced countless challenges, from financial struggles to self-doubt to learning how to navigate the business world as an immigrant woman. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but I learned that setbacks are not the end of the road; they are simply redirections. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something valuable and made me stronger.
Through it all, I’ve realized the power of persistence. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and the road is rarely easy. But pushing forward—especially when things feel uncertain—is what separates those who achieve their dreams from those who stop short. I’ve learned that if you stay committed, keep learning, and continue showing up even when things are tough, breakthroughs will come. Every ‘no’ can eventually turn into a ‘yes’ if you don’t give up.
I’ve also learned that relationships are everything. From the mentors who guided me to the community that supports my business, I’ve seen firsthand how success is never a solo journey. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, support you, and challenge you to grow makes all the difference.
Most importantly, I’ve realized that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about making an impact. When I align my work with my values and focus on serving others, everything falls into place. Whether it’s through Namaste Brows and Boutique, my mentorship, or my advocacy work, my goal is always to uplift, empower, and leave a legacy of love and abundance.
No matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you have the power to create the life you dream of. The key is to be persistent, keep showing up, keep learning, and never lose sight of your why.
Pricing:
- eyebrow threading $18
- Full face threading is $45
- Eyebrow Henna tint and Threading $50
- gift items $10 – $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.namastebrowsandboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/namastebandb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Namastebrowsandboutique
- LinkedIn: Jeena Gurung Vomhof
