From growing up in the Far North without a clear vision in life to owning a chic city fringe in the heart of Auckland’s Ponsonby and a thriving coaching business, brow and lash artist Lizzy Kacey has come a long way. We spoke to the inspiring Cult Duo founder about igniting creativity, the challenge of moving cities and her deep seated passion for uplifting others.

How long have you been working as a lash and brow artist for?

LK: I have been specialising in lash and brow artistry for around ten years now. I believe I was the first artist in Northland to specialise solely in this niche and open a dedicated studio — so it’s been a wee while!

Had that career path always been in the planning?

LK:  Not at all. Growing up, I never had goals, passions, or hobbies. Unlike most people, I didn’t have that “big dream” or a clear vision of what I wanted my future to look like — so I never really had anything to strive toward. I also struggled a lot with my mental health, which made it hard to create an environment where I could explore ideas or believe I was capable of something greater. So, no — this path definitely wasn’t part of any plan. I was 19, working in retail, feeling lost and disconnected, when someone offered me the chance to “give lash extensions a go.” I still remember the moment I picked up the tweezers for the first time — it was like something inside me just switched on. I applied only maybe fifteen extensions per eye, but that was enough to completely change my world — both internally and externally.

For the first time in my life, I felt passion. And, most importantly, I felt a sense of belief — in myself, in my future, and in what I was capable of creating. That single moment opened a door I didn’t even know existed. I grabbed it with both hands, ran with it, and I’ve never looked back since.

You also work as a mentor and have a brow academy (Lizzy with some of her graduates, above). What do each of those involve, and what sort of knowledge do you impart in each?

LK: Four years into my specialising journey, I was an extremely fully booked artist — working six to seven days a week, with a three-month-long waitlist and no one to refer clients to when they couldn’t get in. Inevitably, I chucked it into fifth gear, hired staff, and trained them from scratch to accommodate the demand. That experience sparked something in me — I realised how much I loved educating others. 

Watching someone else learn, grow, and develop their own confidence and style was honestly one of the most rewarding feelings. That’s how my academy and mentoring began — from a deep desire to help other artists and women step into their power — not just as business owners, but as creatives, as visionaries, and as humans who are constantly evolving.

When I teach inside The Lash & Brow Academy, yes, we go deep into the craft — the precision, the technique, the detail. But what I really want my students to take away is the freedom to create. To lean into their artistry, to trust their vision for each client, and to bring something unique and deeply authentic to their work. I encourage them to strive for excellence, not perfection — to let their creative expression lead, while remembering that the best artists are the ones who pour a little of themselves into everything they do.

The same goes for my mentoring. It’s not about having everything figured out or doing things “the right way.” It’s about embracing the messy parts — the moments you doubt yourself, the times you try something and it doesn’t work out — because that’s where the real growth happens. So many beautiful things are born from what once felt like a failure. I teach women that it’s safe to evolve, to change direction, to realign. Every misstep is just feedback guiding you closer to who you’re meant to become.

At the core of both, whether it’s a lash/brow student or a business mentee, my mission is the same: to help them see that they already have everything within them to create something extraordinary.

What drew you to that work, as opposed to just working as an independent artist in what is a very successful business?

It started when I noticed a real gap in the lash and brow industry — there wasn’t much training available, and what was available lacked quality, depth, and true artistry – more of a 1. 2. 3. step system where you follow the back of the pack type thing., which I do disagree with. Every individual requires an analysis and tailored approach – AKA art!

I wanted to change that. I wanted to create education that elevated women, that showed them how to build demand and loyalty, not through trends or discounts, but through the kind of quality and experience that leaves a lasting impact.

My vision for the academy was to help women become so deeply empowered — best of the best artists who not only create beautiful results, but who build fulfilling, abundant lives through their craft. Because when a woman steps into her purpose, confidence, and excellence, it ripples out — it changes her life, her clients’ lives, her family’s lives, and the entire energy of her business.

You made the move to Tāmaki Makaurau last year, why was that?
LK: In November 2024, I made a bold decision to pack up both my life and my business and move — something I honestly never thought I’d do. I grew up in the Far North, and if you had asked me six months earlier if I’d ever move to the city, I would’ve said absolutely not. But after a decade away from my family (they slowly trickled down to Auckland for various reasons), I knew it was time to reconnect and rebuild those relationships. That was the first part of the decision — returning to my family.

The second part was about personal growth. I’ve always been someone who thrives off challenge and discomfort – I look back on my journey and just can’t help but laugh at the amount of times I’ve chosen the path with the most resistance. 

I knew moving to a new city, starting from scratch, and entering a completely new market would test me — and that’s exactly what I wanted. I wanted to throw myself into the deep end because I know that’s where evolution happens. And honestly? It’s been one of the most expansive and humbling chapters of my life. I have been tested, there’s been confronting challenges, and I have been absolutely put on my ass at times through this process. However, equally I have learnt so much, gained a deep perspective shifts, and ultimately I have witnessed myself absolutely kick ass through it all.

Cult Duo is at 37 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011.