ABOUT

Welcome Beauty Pros!
"My name is Nneka and I'm excited to have you here! Color Lab Academy was created to offer a community that is inclusive of all people and beauty industry disciplines with an emphasis on quality educational resources and trainings.
I encourage you to follow your passion, monetize what you're amazing at, and live life on your terms because you deserve nothing short of the best, friends. Believe that with every fiber of your being!"
— Nneka
About
Nneka began her beauty training journey in 2013 when she attended Atelier Esthetique School of Aesthetics in New York City to become an esthetician. In 2015, she launched SKinfatuated Mobile Spa where she partnered with celebrity chef, Elle Simone Scott and licensed massage therapist and esthetician, Shardel Johnson to provide luxury in-home spa parties for residents in the five boroughs of New York City. During that same year, Nneka also accepted the position of Beauty Counter Manager for Fresh at world famous Barney's New York in New York City.
After almost two years working the luxury retail hustle, Nneka launched SKinfatued Spa studio in Chelsea where she offered both spa and microblading services for the next two years as a "solo-preneur." From 2017 to 2019, Nneka went on to acquire additional education in Ombre Brows, Lip Blushing, Eyeliner Tattoo, Scalp Micropigmentation, and tattoo removal with the intention of expanding her knowledge and skill set to better serve her growing client base.
In June 2019, Nneka purchased a successful 7-figure earning Microblading studio and academy, Brow Zing NYC, which she rebranded and renamed Color Lab NYC.
In the last quarter of 2019, Nneka partnered with the former owner of Brow Zing NYC and launched a Microblading and Ombre Brow in-person and online training that strived to fill the gaps of existing education, especially as it pertained to mature skin and skin of color. With those trainings, she has helped to launch successful careers in brows for many of her students who own successful studios in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, New Jersey, and Georgia.
In 2022, Nneka had the honor of creating and launching two courses for Beauty Angels Academy International where she earned the title of Head Master Trainer in Brow Lamination and Lash Lift. Both courses are offered online and in-person around the world, and will soon be available in Spanish.
2023 promises to bring on new and exciting adventures as Nneka is slated to speak at the first ever PMU United Conference in Little rock, Arkansas in January 2023 about the art of Brow Lamination, and at the second annual PMUCon conference in Houston, Texas in March 2023 about needle knowledge as it pertains to PMU artistry and melanin rich skin.
Education & Certifications
- MBA
- Esthetics
- Ombre Brows
- Microblading
- Lip Blush & Neutralization
- Scalp Micropigmentation
- Paramedical Tattoo (scar, stretch mark)
- Tattoo Removal


Harper's Bazaar
Nneka Garel-Portes was interviewed by Lindy Segal for Harper's Bazaar about Microshading aka Ombre Brows. Check it out!

Fun Facts
Family
As if owning a business weren't enough, Nneka is a wife and Mom of 4 amazing children- Jalen, JaDay, Jadyn, and Jayce.
Work
Before figuring out the world of beauty was her passion, Nneka was a Correction Officer for the City of New York for almost two years (yup, she's a badass but in the best way possible).
Movies
Action movies are her favorite, especially those that involve martial arts. If you asked, she'd tell you she's a ninja in her private life.
Education
She completed her college degree in her late 20's with two small children, grad school in her 30's with three children, and her esthetics certification and licensing pregnant with her fourth child.