Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Grady.
Hunter, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
In August of 2014, I originally began as a Spelman College student pursuing a career in education. During my time at Spelman College, I began to seek God about what he wanted to do with my life. At the end of my fall semester of my sophomore year, God instructed me to withdraw from school with no further instruction at the time. Without hesitation, I did just that.
In August of 2016, I started my first job in the industry with very little knowledge of the beauty industry. As my passion grew for the industry, I began to seek God for my next move. Over the course of a month, everyone that I came encounter with suggested Cosmetology school. In August of 2018, I enrolled into beauty school at Paul Mitchell the School Atlanta to obtain my Cosmetology certificate. Immediately after graduation in July of 2019, I began working at Cherry Blow Dry Bar in Buckhead, servicing both hair & makeup clients. I guess the Proverb, “A man’s gift makes room for him” rings true: Suddenly, I began receiving freelance opportunities for hair & makeup consultations for weddings, birthdays, proms, & other milestone events. I have also had some the opportunity to work with some amazing household names such as Pastor Cora Jakes, The illustrious women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority inc., & a host of other ATL celebrities.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Like many, my journey was not always the smoothest. After leaving Spelman, many didn’t understand why I would walk away from a traditional path of “success” without a solid plan. I would often question if I heard God correctly and wonder if I made the right decision by leaving behind many Impactful friendships & relationships that I built in that short time. At times, I felt inadequate in the calling to walk blindly toward my life purpose. As I compared my path to those around me, I felt my self-esteem shrink to dim flickering light.
My life was falling apart and so was I!! My parents were going through a divorce. I lived with my mother and sister and we had succumbed to living in transitional housing with friends and family. We must have moved eight times in three years. We were in a dark hole with no means to get out. I resulted to heavy drinking, smoking weed, and partying just to numb the pain and emptiness that I felt about a situation that I perceived as permanent. Hair & makeup became the reason why I got out of bed every morning. It gave me a sense of purpose in life. God began to bring people into my life that believed in the gifts that he gave me. That love alone was the fuel to put me on my feet again.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a self-taught traveling Hair & Makeup Artist in Atlanta, GA. I am currently an employee at Cherry Blow Dry Bar Buckhead. I also do freelance work, such as private events, bridal engagements, photoshoots, & tons more. As an entrepreneur, I am proud that someone can leave my chair feeling a little more confident than when they first walked in. Not just by servicing them with hair and makeup, but sometimes praying with clients, encouraging them, or just simply listening to what’s on their heart that day.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My biggest cheerleader would absolutely have to be my mother. During the lowest point of our lives, she remained the stronghold that me and my sister needed. As a cheerleader in high school, I learned that cheering is about more than wearing a uniform. Being a cheerleader is about supporting, trusting, and most importantly encouraging people to keep going when they felt like they were not going to win. This is exactly what my mom has done for me and my sister my entire life. We have been through seasons that none of us believed we would survive, but she put her uniform of strength, faith, and love on, and pushed us to the finish line. This is why she is and will always be my biggest cheerleader.
Lastly, I would be doing myself a disservice by not mentioning the impact that my sister has had in my life. She is my confidant, my right-hand gal, & most importantly, my best friend. She pushes me even when I doubt my own abilities. God knew exactly what he was doing when he placed her on this earth as my sister.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678-510-6351
- Instagram: @makeupbyhunteralise @hunteralise
Image Credit:
@designerjov
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