Today we’d like to introduce you to Kira Nation Igbowu.
Kira, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While enjoying an exciting career in retail management with top Fortune 100 and 500 Beauty companies, Proctor and Gamble and Shiseido respectively, I thoroughly enjoyed and was drawn to the science and education behind the beauty and skincare products I helped launch. Although I knew what an esthetician was, I knew of none personally, especially not a black one and so the idea of becoming one was a “nice idea”. I continued to grow in my career as did the stress of Retail and Sales.
After being laid off from the last Retail Management position I took, I knew I couldn’t go back but had no idea what forward looked like. I tried my hand at a few jobs that gave me the satisfaction of clienteling, i.e., Real Estate, but I still wasn’t fulfilled.
Finally, when I was preparing to seek out yet another well-paying “safety net” my husband encouraged me to go back to school full time and do what I love.
I went to school in 2019 and Full Frontal was born soon after.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Right after graduating, I began working from my home and began to develop a loyal clientele. And then, Covid came knocking. Everything shut down. Both me and the business. Here I was with a business that required I touch skin, all while were being told to stay 6 ft away from each other! I didn’t know what to do. Finally, I began working on my businesses’ infrastructure, i.e., the website and social presence with the ultimate belief that the shutdown was temporary. I then continued my education by taking various online courses with leading skincare brands and becoming certified in various modalities. Soon after, a friend suggested I join a zoom party she was hosting and give helpful skin tips and tricks to the participants. It was a huge success! I then birthed the Virtual Spa Nite and that helped get my name out there at a time when it felt like the world was in a black hole.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Beauty comes in all ages, colors, shapes, and sizes. Often though, “melanated” skin isn’t addressed the way it should be. My experience in the beauty industry affirmed the beneficial results of using healthy, plant-based products on your skin. I’m now implementing this knowledge into my own business. With hyperpigmentation and many other skin conditions affecting Black and Brown men and women everyday, I often remind my clients that since your skin is your biggest organ, you must treat it with loving care.
The services provided at Full Frontal Beauty & Esthetics doesn’t stop with skin. Making sure my clients’ lashes and brows look flawless is another way I makes sure everyone leaves looking and feeling brand new.
I’ve also recently launched my online store lovingly dubbed “The Shoppe”. I offer skincare and other wellness products because self care goes beyond skincare. I’m also very proud to have launched my signature candle. This allows my clients to take a bit of their Full Frontal experience home after they have to wash their face. 🙂
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes, “Copy the greats, and become greater”- Michael Jackson.
I have quite a few mentors in my head. Persons whose businesses I admire, not all necessarily in esthetics. I think that’s important to remain well-rounded. Also, thanks to Social Media, this people are somewhat accessible. It’s important to establish a respectful relationship first before the ask, but it could be beneficial.
I’ve personally reached back and keep in contact with my professor. I also have a group of fellow boss babes who have big hearts and very impressive rolodexes.
Lastly, I suggest taking advantage of whatever local programs that may be available, sign up for everything that’s relevant to your field. Show your seriousness and professionalism, you’d be surprised with who you may connect with.
Contact Info:
- Email: kira@fullfrontalbeauty.com
- Website: www.fullfrontalnyc.com
- Instagram: @full.frontal.beauty
