Business Echo - Aneet Brar

In partnership with WeBC, Okanagan Echo is proud to spotlight women entrepreneurs who are building, rebuilding, and redefining business in British Columbia.

Through this collaboration, we are highlighting founders whose journeys reflect resilience, strategic growth, and community impact - women who are not only scaling companies, but creating spaces of belonging and economic opportunity. Welcome to Business Echo.

With more than two decades in the beauty industry, Aneet transformed her creative passion into a specialized, multi-location business spanning Prince George, Kelowna, and Vancouver. What began as a small home-based studio while rebuilding her life as a young mother has grown into a trusted brand known for precision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to empowering women.

Girlfriends Brow Bar was designed to be more than a beauty service — it is a space of belonging. Aneet’s journey reflects disciplined growth, steady leadership, and the belief that financial independence and confidence go hand in hand.

OE: Please tell us a little about yourself. What is your story?

AB: Ever since I was a child, I loved dressing up, makeup, weddings, and watching how women carried themselves. I have always been an artist at heart. I wanted to make people happy. At one point, I even wanted to be a comedian or an actor. Anything connected to creativity and artistry felt like home to me.

Academics were not my strongest area because of dyslexia. I struggled in school and was often made to feel that I would not become successful. But I was a strong athlete, a painter, and I loved stage performances. That creative confidence never left me.

When I came to Canada, I found work in a spa. I had experience in brow threading and aesthetics from back home, so that helped me land a job. At the time, it wasn’t about building a big career — it was about earning a living. But those early jobs shaped my path. I enhanced my skills in makeup artistry, aesthetics, and even worked in television and radio projects. I became a freelance makeup artist for Indian brides and other clients.

That was the beginning of my journey.

OE: What inspired you to start Girlfriends Brow Bar, and what gap did you see in the beauty industry?

AB: When I started Girlfriends Brow Bar, I was rebuilding my life. I had previously lost a business in Surrey and was starting again, this time from a small den in my home, with two young children to support.

I named it Girlfriends Brow Bar very intentionally. I wanted to create a space where women could gather, learn from one another, and draw strength from each other’s stories. I had previously run a full-service spa, but I truly understood the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none.” I decided I wanted to master one thing — brows.

Brows gave instant results. In just a few minutes, I could lift someone’s entire face and mood. It was affordable, quick, and powerful. I loved that transformation.

In Prince George at that time, I did not see businesses focused on one specialized beauty service. So, I opened a small studio — about 300 to 600 square feet — working alone, five days a week. I signed just a one-year lease to test the market.

The response was strong. I moved my home clients to the storefront and created a welcoming space where women could relax with tea. Many mothers would bring their children from swimming or ski lessons and apologize for the chaos. I always told them not to apologize. I even asked them not to remove their children’s shoes — I didn’t want to create more work for them.

That’s how Girlfriends began — first as Girlfriends Beauty Lounge from my home, and then as Girlfriends Brow Bar on Victoria Street in Prince George. Soon after, I hired my first employee.

OE: You’ve grown to multiple locations. What were the pivotal moments in that journey?

AB: In the beginning, expansion was not the goal. My focus was to build one solid store with strong foundations — operationally, culturally, and ethically.

Before opening additional locations, I wanted a team that deeply understood our mission. We were not just shaping brows; we were creating a space of belonging. We did not preach vanity. We emphasized relationships, sisterhood, and comfort. Sometimes clients didn’t even need a service — they just needed a cup of tea and someone to listen.

The pivotal moment was realizing that we had built a strong foundation — high standards, integrity, consistent customer service, and a team-first mentality. Once that structure was stable, expansion to Kelowna and Vancouver felt like a natural next step.

OE: Can you share a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

AB: When I was around 22 years, I took a government-funded self-employment program called SEEDS. It was a six-month program that taught business fundamentals — structure, departments, mission statements, marketing, and operations.

My children were very young at the time. My mother would care for them while I attended classes for four to five hours a day. That program gave me confidence. It showed me that I didn’t need to have all the answers — I just needed to be willing to learn.

Because I struggled academically growing up, I carried self-doubt for many years. That program helped me to shake off that belief. I realized I had talent, drive, and the ability to implement what I learned. That was a turning point.

OE: How do you balance business and family life?

AB: I have two daughters, and the mission of empowering women extends naturally into my home. I believe I was gifted with this opportunity to practice the same values in both spaces.

I involve my daughters in conversations and ask for their opinions, no matter their age. I believe young girls should know that their voice matters. That builds confidence early.

There are stressful days, of course. But the core values — respect, ethics, empowerment — remain the same at home and in business. That alignment makes balance feel more natural.

OE: How has WeBC supported you?

AB: WEBC supported me at a time when I was actively looking for mentorship and hoping to connect with more local women entrepreneurs. Through their mentorship program, I had the opportunity to participate in an eight-week program led locally by Jennifer, which provided valuable guidance and perspective.

The program gave me a sense of grounding as a business owner and introduced me to new, out-of-the-box ideas that helped me think about my business differently. It also created a supportive environment where I was able to build genuine friendships and connect with other women entrepreneurs.

What I appreciated most was that the advice and support from WEBC felt authentic and aligned with their core mission of empowering women in business. Their mentorship and community support have been both encouraging and impactful.

OE: What advice would you give to women starting their own business?

AB: Financial independence is incredibly important. Whether you build a large company or become self-employed, having ownership over your income strengthens your confidence and protects your future.

Start small. Start humble. Build something that works before expanding. That is the biggest lesson that helped me grow to multiple locations.

Have faith in yourself before anyone else believes in you. Learn from people ahead of you. Create a clear roadmap. And trust that steady growth is stronger than fast growth.

OE: If you had unlimited funds for one day, what would you do?

AB: I would create an organization that supports women who feel stuck — whether in difficult marriages, financial hardship, or limited education.

I would build a system that offers skill training, employment opportunities, and safe childcare under one roof. A place where women can rebuild confidently and support their children at the same time.

That is my dream project.

OE: What’s your favorite Okanagan spot to relax?

AB: Okanagan is beautiful in so many ways. If I want energy and atmosphere, I enjoy going to Cactus Club with my daughters.

If I want something comforting and nostalgic, I love Tiffin on Water Street — it reminds me of my grandmother’s cooking.

I also love walking through City Park or Mission Creek with my friends, family, and my little corgi. Hearing the water and birds is very grounding.

OE: What’s one thing people may not know about you?

AB: I am a comedian at heart. I love making people laugh, and I often make fun of myself. That playful side is still very much alive.

To learn more about Girlfriends Brow Bar, visit their website HERE

Follow on Instagram here - Girlfriends Brow Bar & Aneet Dandiwal

WeBC is a not‑for‑profit that exists to make entrepreneurship more accessible for women across BC. Through business loans, free and low-cost programs, one‑to‑one support, and community, we help women turn ideas into resilient businesses. Learn more about WeBC and the support available at www..we-bc.ca