Conversations with the Inspiring Audrey Zumsteg

Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Zumsteg.

Audrey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I could never settle on that main dream or goal of what I wanted to do when I get older. I changed my mind maybe 47 times a day for real- I’ve come all the way from wanting to be a musician, fashion designer, interior designer, architect, physical therapist, trauma surgeon, etc..??? I don’t know if anyone else feels the same way, but I could never settle on just one thing-it’s like I want to do it ALL. I was always smart and it was a big deal to my family that I went to college, but school got harder for me to imagine myself continuing with as I got older. My senior year was the hardest year for me by far, I mean it definitely had it out for me. I struggled with a lot of things going on in my life that I didn’t really talk about with anyone and kept just trying to remain positive even though it felt like so many things were working against me.

One thing especially was that I couldn’t make a decision about what I wanted to pursue after I graduated, therefore, I became so unmotivated in school, I NEVER wanted to go. There was a lot of pressure on me and a lot of people assumed different things, but to be honest, all I really wanted to do was work and save money because I felt like school just wasn’t for me. It’s as if I wouldn’t be successful if I didn’t go to college and get a degree. I settled on at least going to GGC (Georgia Gwinnett College) to take some core classes while I tried to get myself together and maybe major in biology to become a trauma nurse or something- really because I knew it was important to my family.

Once I graduated, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, I felt like I was free to really hustle and do what I wanted. I started working and saving, I felt so motivated and really started understanding that all these goals and ambitions aren’t going to just fall in my lap- if I wanted the money, I had to put myself in a position to make it and if I wanted the blessings, I had to prepare myself to receive them! When classes started back after the summer, I went really hoping that college would be different than high school and maybe I’ll actually stay interested and not become bored. I was very wrong, lol. It wasn’t AS bad, I feel like I could maybe suffer through it one day, should I ever choose to go back for some reason. But that day is definitely not today! I began to feel the same way I was in high school, but this time, I realized I’m in control of my own success and happiness- if it’s not making me happy or motivating me to be great, then there’s something else better out there for me. Around this time, I also started to realize that I never wanted to work for someone else my entire life and why couldn’t I try to do several different things? Why do I have to decide on just one thing? I don’t need a degree on how to make my own money, schedule, or success- it’s a lie.

I’ve always loved the beauty industry and could see myself becoming an esthetician one day and opening my own salon. While I was in school, I decided to invest some of the money I had saved and taken a class on becoming a lash technician. I left school and began to pursue starting my own business providing different beauty services- ZXObeauty! I was so unhappy in school and knew that I should trust God’s plan for me and what He’s telling me to do. So, I made sure I wasted no more time. I was also so tired of staying in the small town I grew up in and felt like there was no room for me to grow and evolve into the person I want to be, so I picked up everything and moved myself to Midtown- simply because I could and it would make me happier *shoulder shrug emoji* (also, I knew it was a great opportunity to grow my clientele).

I genuinely enjoy helping other women feel beautiful and I see it as an opportunity to encourage other girls. So much of the beauty industry nowadays is trying to look “as good as” or like the next girl and not accepting that everything about yourself is unique to how God created us each individually and beautifully. I want to use my position and this business to spread a positive attitude and energy and change the way some girls feel about themselves for the better. I see my business expanding into so much more than just beauty services- I want it to be a brand and represent new energy of love and supporting other women! I plan to eventually sell my own skincare products, maybe clothing, etc.

I don’t plan on stopping with ZXObeauty. My ultimate goal is to be an entrepreneur and investor- I want to start and own many different businesses/companies, like my salon. I want to be an example to young women that everyone’s road to “success” and happiness is different and you’re never tied down to a certain path or way to reach your destination. If you’re unhappy or unmotivated where you’re at, then move! Do something else! At the end of the day, nobody is responsible for your happiness but YOU, so make sure you take care of yourself and don’t think too much about what other people will think or say! You will be so much happier once you start really listening to what YOUR heart wants- not what your parents tell you that you should do, or what society has made us believe is the “right” way to establish yourself.

Has it been a smooth road?
I have had so many setbacks and heartbreaks throughout all of this, but God has seen me through every high and low. When things weren’t going my way or circumstances felt unfair, instead of complaining, I would just learn, put my head down, and work harder. One main thing that I’ve struggled with is understanding who is truly for me and who isn’t, then letting them go. Not everyone wants to see you do well and not everyone is capable of reciprocating your energy. When you start putting yourself first, forming your own ideas, getting your life poppin’ and really maturing and becoming comfortable with who you are, people will not like you for it! There’s a difference between people who genuinely want to see you do well and will see you through and people who want to see you do well as long as it’s convenient to them- recognize who those people are and leave them alone!!! By “see you through”, I mean having your back against people who hate on you, ready with practical advice and encouragement when you fail or are unmotivated, ready to help you pick yourself up and keep building after you’ve made mistakes- rather than passing judgment or only thinking about themselves. We all deserve to be surrounded by others that care about us and our goals!

My advice would be to not be afraid of moving on from a person, friendship, relationship, job, etc. If you don’t feel like they truly have your best interest at heart or don’t appreciate who you are to them. I ask God every day to put people on my path who are real to me and will benefit my life and vice versa!

Another thing that helps and motivates me is cutting out negativity and hate. I want to be a blessing to the people around me in some way or another so I always try to encourage others and support their ambitions and ideas. Probably about 156% of the time when somebody constantly shows negativity towards others, it’s because of their own insecurities. So, if you struggle with not comparing where you are and the things you have with that of other women- remember that nothing is going to keep her blessings from reaching her, no matter what you do or how you feel about it, so why not be happy for her and encourage her! Tell her she’s beautiful under her selfie! Shoutout her business! Also, remember the same is true for you- your blessings are coming, but you have to prepare yourself to receive them and that will never happen while you’re too busy focused on that girl! There is enough room/clientele/market for us ALL to be bad, beautiful, successful, etc. The plans and blessings coming for you already have your name on them and they don’t compare to anyone else’s!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into ZXObeauty story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is super young! I am definitely just getting started lol. Right now, I am a lash technician and offer other services like eyebrow tinting, face waxing, and sns/acrylic gel nails. Of course, my goal is to one day have a salon and offer everything! Like I said before, I see ZXObeauty growing into something big! I want it to be a brand, an attitude, energy if that makes sense? I want it to send a message of love and empowerment to all women!

I am so proud of and love my clientele! They’re a bomb. I love receiving messages from them telling me how much they love their lashes, but I especially love seeing them feel so confident! My favorite messages are from clients saying how much better they feel all the time and now they can never go back!

Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Stay focused and don’t let anything distract you! There will be a lot of things and people that will try to discourage you or pull you away from your focus. Like I said before, allowing your own insecurities to compare yourself to other women will hurt you! Sometimes, we look at what the next girl has and we wonder “why not me?” or get discouraged/angry because you feel like it’s something you deserve too! Know that there is nothing to gain from tearing down another woman or feeling some type of way towards her- giving off bad energy does not and cannot reciprocate good energy back to you. When you don’t like another girl for whatever reason, use that energy to uplift someone else! Instead of sending her picture to your group chat, go comment on another girl’s photo and compliment her! Only one of those options adds value to yourself and ultimately benefits everyone. I promise that keeping positive energy and staying focused on YOURself will allow you to invest the most amount of needed attention to your business or career!

Also, treat even the smallest opportunities as if they are going to be your big break! Do not doubt God’s power- you never know who is peeping you grind and noticing your work. I have passion about what you’re doing, BE your brand/business and wear it proudly! People are only going to take it as seriously as YOU do!

Pricing:

• Natural full set/fill: $55/$35
• Mixed full set/fill: $65/$45
• Volume full set/fill: $75/$55

Contact Info:

• Website: zxobeauty.as.me/
• Instagram: @zumstegxo

Image Credit:
My personal photo was taken & edited by Xavier Perry

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.