Today we’d like to introduce you to Qiana Ross, LEI.
Qiana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was exposed and developed a love for the beauty industry at an early age as my mother was a former cosmetologist. I witnessed her freelancing, working in salons and on movie sets. My earliest memory of feeling glamorous and beautiful was at the age of seven. My mom would take my sister and me to her cosmetology classes, and we’d be in awe as she and her classmates practiced hair & nail techniques on us. These moments taught us the importance of self-care and how it can boost your confidence.
My first attempt in entering the beauty industry was when I enrolled in cosmetology school. I wanted to work on a cruise ship as a cosmetologist. I decided it wasn’t for me as I had a strong desire for skincare & makeup artistry. Later, I almost lost my life in a head-on collision caused by a drunk driver. I sustained permanent injuries and was unable to work for a year.
Beauty school was placed on the back-burner so that I could regroup, allow my body to continue to heal and find a professional fit. In the meantime, I completed my Business and Marketing degree while working as a makeup artist. As a makeup artist, I’ve been associated with various cosmetic lines such as Dior, M.A.C, and several other Estee Lauder subsidiaries. My clients would book makeup appointments with me to cover problematic skin. Many of them did not realize that some of the ingredients in these products were pore-clogging; contributing to more break-outs and sensitizing their skin. It was during this time that I realized I could offer more to my clients.
I relocated to Roswell, Georgia, and enrolled in an aesthetics program to pursue my passion. Upon completion and taking the state exam, I became an aesthetician.
After formalizing my training, I took my education further and became a licensed Aesthetics Instructor. I now have over 15 years of experience in the cosmetic/beauty industry, and I am a member of the Association of Skin Care Professionals. Previously I worked in the medical (Dermatology) and spa setting before operating my private practice. I also taught in an educational institution grooming upcoming Aestheticians and Cosmetologists, preparing them for licensure. Periodically, I still teach private continuing education classes for certification to licensed skin professionals
I am the owner of Essence of Qi, a medical-grade skincare line, sold exclusively at www.essenceofqi.com and available in-office
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The start of my journey into entrepreneurship was rocky. It was during the time my mother suffered a stroke. I was working in dermatology and was not comfortable consistently asking for time off to travel from state to state for my mother’s recovery & doctor appointments. It was hasty, but a great decision that wasn’t thoroughly thought through because of my mother’s circumstances. I did not have a clientele base, nor did I think about how I’d succeed. My focus was on my mother and her road to recovery. With encouragement from my inner circle, I nervously leaped and started Essence of Qi. Entrepreneurship is unpredictable but rewarding. It empowers you and offers flexibility. You have to find balance, stay positive, be motivated, and driven with determination but most importantly, indulge in self-care.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Essence of Qi is a Skintique where customization is the heartbeat of all services. Tailored options by appointment only are available starting at $150.
Services may include any of the following combinations:
Physical and chemical exfoliation, LED Light Therapy, Microcurrent, Microneedling, Dermaplaning, Oxygen Infusion, and Ultrasonic deep cleansing.
Essence of Qi’s professional skincare line has clinically proven pharmaceutical-grade ingredients that improve the overall health of skin and addresses concerns of acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, and sensitive skin.
This cruelty-free line is formulated for all skin types without parabens or other harmful toxins.
We also have a full cosmetics line in development that has an extensive color selection, made with the highest quality ingredients that are hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic.
Skin is the body’s largest organ and first defense against outside elements that can cause harm, diseases, and disorders.
I am passionate about achieving results for my clients through the power of education and tailored treatments.
What sets me apart from others is my constant eagerness to learn, passion for the industry, and providing my clients with the utmost customer service and excellent bedside manner.
I am most proud of the opportunities to give back through mentorship. I love encouraging people who have a desire for entrepreneurship to pursue their dreams.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always spontaneous, self-assured, outspoken, and ambitious with energy that attracted people to my personality.
I have always been interested in self-maintenance as far as hair, makeup, and clothing. I never settled for things that I didn’t agree with. I was very talkative and interested in all things beauty.
I remember being in the second grade, my teacher wrote on my progress report that I’d be an excellent student if I didn’t worry about things that would go on around me and stop looking in the mirror and slouching my socks every five minutes.
Even though I have a passion for beauty, I was taught to recognize at an early age that true beauty is within, and everyone’s idea of beauty is up for interpretation.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5755 North Point Parkway, STE. 101, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (Inside of 1 Alliance Counseling Center)
- Website: www.essenceofqi.com
- Phone: 678-744-6134
- Email: info@essenceofqi.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/essence_of_qi
- Facebook: Facebook.com/visiteoq
Image Credit:
Profile Image: Nathan Pearcy-Photographer & Chawana Jones-Makeup Artist
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