Community Highlights: Meet Cierra Couch of Styled by Cierra Michelle & Queen Expressions Glam LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Couch.

Hi Cierra, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I wasn’t originally allowed to wear makeup when I was younger. Around the time I got to high school, girls my age were getting their eyebrows waxed or threaded, lashes done, and were beginning to wear makeup. My parents didn’t allow that other than for show choir performances. I played 3 sports most of my life as well, so nails weren’t really an option u less it was for school dances or prom.

When I got to college I had the freedom of exploring makeup without being told no, and decided shortly after practicing in my dorms night and day, that it would become my side hustle. I did people’s makeup for homecoming and graduation and became the lead makeup artist for our campus fashion organization. My first love has always been fashion, but makeup snuck up on me and has presented so many opportunities that I didn’t realize existed.

I moved to Georgia to get my masters in Luxury and Fashion Management in Savannah at SCAD. This was the era of my life where people saw my talent and put me in rooms to monetize it and be seen by valuable and esteemed people and brands. I had the opportunity to work in film, professional fashion shows, (where my work was featured in Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, and more) theatre, and on set for local brands and creatives. I was on set for a marketing campaign for EBIN New York and Tropic Isle Living where I later saw my work in the local beauty supply at the corner from my house all the way back in Indianapolis! I knew the possibilities were endless and I’ve been running with it ever since.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
After graduating with my Masters from SCAD, I stayed in Savannah for another year before life started to get rough. I was trying to find a better paying job outside of part time retail positions I held and ended up landing a temp position with Elevance Health (formerly known as Anthem). It was the ideal set up for me because I could work from home just answering emails while still creating content for my wardrobe styling and makeup brands on my social media platforms. Our boss that planned to hire me full time at the term of my contract, was unexpectedly relieved of his position, and all the temps were let go.

My car was hit shortly after and considered a total loss, so I had to Uber everywhere including back forth from both jobs every day. It was burning a whole in my pocket faster than I could keep up with and to top it all off, I was falling behind on rent and unfortunately ended a relationship. Life was coming at me fast and my parents wee gracious enough to invite me back home until I could get back on my feet.

The first year I moved back, I was in a depression. I had such good momentum and although the road was getting rocky, all I could think about were the opportunities I no longer had access to. Here I was right back in the city I knew to not have space for someone who wanted a real career in beauty and fashion. I left after high school with the intention to never move back home and make something of my life to prove to my family that I could live a good life with a creative career.

I’m not making the money I want to make even though the hometown has more space for creatives since the last I lived here. I’ve gotten my name out there and people have seen my work and love it! The only issue that I’ve run into now, is being compensated for my services at the same rate I was when I was living in a city where it was the standard to expect an invoice from the talent you bring onto a project. I was open to volunteering my services for fashion shows and pageants and the like, because no one knew my name yet or my work or my talent, or even the fact that I was back home. But now, I’ve left an impact and have been recognized for my work on different occasions.

I quit my part time job so I can have more space for transitioning to a full time entrepreneur. I’m moving on nothing but faith and a dream right now. I’m praying that God gets me through it and I can reach new heights in my business from this point forward.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My businesses stem from my two passions and gifts.
Styled by Cierra Michelle is my wardrobe styling business. I specialize in curating custom packages for women between the ages of 25-55 who want to elevate their wardrobe, need something for special occasions, vacations, or photoshoots, or need 1 on 1 closet clean outs and refreshing.

Queen Expressions Glam LLC is my makeup business that began in my dorm room at Kentucky State University in 2016. I would consider myself to be a versatile MUA because I do weddings, photoshoots, proms, one off appointments, and editorial. The thing I am most proud of with this business is my Special Edition Ultimate Beauty Guide. This ebook was created from scratch by myself illustrating everything the average woman would need to know about how to do their own makeup or elevate their makeup skills from start to finish. I touch on skin prep, facial structure, product recommendations, and video tutorials. I want the every day woman feel beautiful and confident at any point in time without needing a reason to.

How do you think about happiness?
I love when I get to spend time with the girls! Being around my tribe completely recharges me in the best ways. I get inspired by the women in my circle because we each come from different backgrounds and are pursuing our own desires, but neither of us refuses to give up no matter how difficult or long the process becomes. We pour into one another and when I’m feeling defeated. they remind me just how much I’ve accomplished and have to be grateful for.

Pricing:

• Soft Glam $95
• Bridal Glam $150
• Closet Refresh (5-7 new looks) $325
• Signature Closet Edit (10-15 curated outfits) $425
• Special Edition Ultimate Beauty Guide $50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.queenexpressionsglam.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cierramichellec
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1S6ou2akAc/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cierramichellec
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cierramichellec