Today, we’d like to introduce you to Asiyaa E’merii.
Hi Asiyaa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life; maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Fast forward I moved from Detroit to Atlanta at 19; I couldn’t really handle the fast-paced lifestyle so young; it was just too much too soon, and it was a different lifestyle I wasn’t prepared for yet. It forced me to move with my dad to Minneapolis, MN. I had moved with no real plan, just looking for some new adventures; going back home wasn’t an option because I had already outgrown everything there. I was kind of like a shark in a fish tank; I’d outgrown my environment back home. For a while all I did was work; I found a great paying job, but still I wasn’t satisfied. My job adored me, but they ended up closing down, and in the process, they put me through school for 3 years. At first, I was devastated. I’d just moved for a fresh start, and things were looking downhill until I met with a mentor, and she gave me quizzes on things that interested me and things that didn’t. We narrowed that down to my niche. We then found programs I could see myself in, and I realized all things beautiful were my lane. Always had been since I was a kid; I remember I used to sneak my mom’s Avon makeup and skincare products, and she’d be ready to kill me for overusing them. So next, I tried makeup school. I realized I wasn’t good at or passionate about makeup. I only liked the final results; I didn’t really enjoy the process. I didn’t like when people expected a flawless makeup application but didn’t do any skincare beforehand to minimize texture or prevent aging. I dreaded trying to achieve a celebrity look with no at home maintenance. I almost gave up all together! I knew cosmetology wasn’t for me. For one, I wasn’t interested in natural hair; I only liked wigs and weaves because they were less damaging to real hair. I was then exposed to spa life, the medspa world of aesthetics, and customized facials that actually corrected the skin rather than just masking it. That’s when I realized medical skincare was made for me; it was kind of like a switch went off in my head, like, This is it. I prefer the result-driven side of beauty. I’d like to think of myself as a problem solver. I love puzzles and mysteries; it’s how my brain operates. You bring me a problem; I’ll bring you a solution. You come to me with acne; I’ll recommend the best treatment plan for you and your budget. I prefer working from the inside out. My goal with every client is to give them a solution and proper education, whether it be for acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, or hair removal, but especially for my clients who are African-American, because in this industry, skin of color is not a popular target audience for most large corporations because scientifically proven skin of color needs more education to treat. For example, most lasers are not made to treat skin of color, so you must be extremely careful when treating our skin tones to avoid permanent damage. The same applies to chemical peels on darker skin tones. There are only 5% of African-American women estheticians in the US. And that number is entirely too low. Im part of that small number, trying to make a difference and educate the community. At Asiyaa E’merii Skin, my motto is that everyone is royal and luxurious, and results aren’t an option; they’re your birthright! And that’s how I became the CEO of Asiyaa E’merii Skin; I can honestly say I didn’t find my dream job; it found me. I have now been an advanced practice esthetician for 3 years and recently became a laser practitioner to exceed my clients expectations. I recently just relocated to a beautiful upscale suite in Atlanta, GA. I offer full body waxing and customized facial treatments, such as dermaplaning, microneedling, chemical peeling, and teeth whitening and more. I also specialize in wig installations and weaving. With the pandemic hitting everyone hard, I had time to focus on my talents, what I liked and didn’t like, and what my clients needs were versus their wants. The pandemic taught me that even with people in the house all day, they still want to look their best, and they want to look just as good as soon as the outside opens up. Money was never an issue in the pandemic for me because, as an entrepreneur, I know how to adjust to the needs of my target audience. That’s why I built my brand as an umbrella company, Asiyaa E’merii LLC, because I also specialize in skin, hair, and all thing’s beauty. Since moving back to Atlanta, I’ve had the pleasure of working with my sister as her salon manager at Impeccable Beauty Bar in Stone Mount, GA. Connecting with the community, growing with the company over the years, and being able to get real-life experience have helped elevate my skills beyond my imagination. I’m truly grateful for all the people I’ve met in a short amount of time. I’m now 25 and have no kids, but I want a few some day. I believe in divine timing, so right now I’ll enjoy perfecting my patients skin and being the best dog mom to my baby girl Bella. Xoxo
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story—has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Things were far from smooth; by the time I was 20 or 21, I had become homeless from hanging out with the wrong friends and trying to live a fast-paced life. I wasn’t used to or meant for it, but it forced me to move back home with my dad in Minnesota at a time when he was already struggling with substance abuse. For the most part, we always had a healthy relationship until we didn’t. I lost everything, including my crib, clothes, Shitzu puppy, and important documents. I literally had two bags of clothes and enough money for a Greyhound bus ticket. I’m sure you’re wondering how I got there. I was too nice, and I trusted the wrong people. I listened to people’s words instead of paying attention to their actions, and that was my downfall. I used what I had left for just that. My last paycheck from the 9- 5 I had at the time understood my situation, we parted ways with no bad blood, the people I thought I could trust in a time of need actually took advantage of the situation, pressed me for sexual interactions I wasn’t comfortable with, because I was homeless , I felt out of options but I still didn’t sell myself short, I knew I was worth more and wouldn’t settle for the bottom of the barrel just because my situation wasn’t favorable in the moment, I stayed with a so called friend the night before I brought the ticket, we’d been friends 3 years and I always had his back, I knew he was attracted to me but it was never on that level ever, when I became homeless that changed in his eyes I owed him for letting me stay and when I didn’t give in to his demands he left me stranded at a bus stop in ATL, I never questioned it at the time that was his plan, I ended up getting my cycle the next morning and was having stomach pain , I asked him to pull over at the nearest McDonald’s for a bathroom break, when I came out he was nowhere to be found, my puppy, my I’d , social, last bags of clothes, money and phone all gone! I cried and I cried and I cried so bad that a woman saw me in so much pain that she let me use her phone to call for help, and within minutes of me posting on social media, people reached out to help. I was just so emotionally humiliated that I didn’t want anyone in my business. I remembered my accounts and logged in; I had about 98 dollars left; I looked up a ticket for my dad, and it was $75. I grabbed it immediately; it was the only way for me to travel without identification at that point. My mom just wanted me to come back to Detroit; she was too worried about her daughter on the other side of the world. I didn’t care about any of that; I just knew that Atlanta had not seen the last of me and that when I returned, I’d make a lot of noise and take up a lot of space. So I did that and came up with a plan to disappear and elevate. I just couldn’t go back to Detroit. I didn’t want to deal with the backlash of family and friends seeing me fail, so I went with my dad to recoup from all the trauma. I spent 8 months with him. I got a good job at 20 dollars an hour, but they closed down within the same year, and because they just went through so much to hire me, then just let me go 45 days later, they ended up putting me through esthetician school and laser school. I and my dad fell out down the line; I moved out almost immediately because he couldn’t handle my success and wanted me to stay stagnant, and I honestly had other plans for my life, so I moved within 8 months of my transition. I was in the process of saving for veneers at the time, and he got angry and put me out over something petty. He also was fighting his own drug addictions that he didn’t want me to see. As a kid, I saw him as perfect because it was always easier to hide the Flaws , but I think as an adult, seeing him in his true light put a strain on the bond I once held on to. My dad always went from state to state looking for the best jobs while always being at war with himself, and that put me in defensive mode a bit because I needed him the most, and I felt like I was put in a spot where I had to fend for myself in I felt like I was the blind leading the blind, and the only family I had was at odds with me, but I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for those same obstacles. No matter what I know, I can stand on my own two feet. I feel like one of my toughest battles has also been starting my business from scratch. I think if I had loans and grants, things would be a lot easier, but there’s also so much beauty in funding it all on my own; that’s being a real boss. In my opinion, I won’t wait for someone to bring me a table; I’ll build my own, and the food will taste better anyway! Everything I lost, I got back 10 times over, so Allah has taught me that sometimes he will set you up for a better future because he did it for me. I am a living testimony that your gift is not denied but delayed; understanding the difference will set you free.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next time you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Entrepreneur and creative influencer. I specialize in advanced skincare; acne, hyperpigmentation, and scarring are what I normally see the most of. I only use medical-grade products in my practice for professional results backed by science. It’s a huge misconception that medical-grade products are super expensive, but I promise there is something in my salon for everyone’s budget that is effective in helping you achieve your skin care goals. I also specialize in full-body waxing. My royal Brazilian and vajacial duo is by far my most popular with the girlies who struggle with dry, irritated skin or need help correcting dark spots and ingrown hairs in the intimate area. Im a 5-star certified speed waxer, but quality over quantity is always my top priority. We’re rated 5 stars on Google, from results to the best vibes in Atlanta.
What matters most to you? Why
My clients results are what mean the most to me. I love building bonds, creating a safe environment, and making people feel relaxed. But nothing beats being given a skincare goal and helping my clients obtain it. I want my clients to feel comfortable and confident in their natural skin, without filters or makeup. I go above and beyond to create a treatment plan designed specifically for your skin goals.
It’s a luxurious experience with me from the moment you walk through our door to the second you leave. Offering the best selection of powerful formulas for all skin types is major for me in my spa room. We have something for everyone, young or old, result-driven or just looking to relax, or looking for results without trying to bank the bank. I have solutions for you. I want to stress the importance of result driven products compared to over-the-counter products that are just a waste of money and time.
On both ends, but real science-backed products that are going to give them corrective and impressive results. I want to teach people of color about skincare. Growing up, I was told sunscreen wasn’t needed in my community because we didn’t burn; that is one of the biggest myths. We all tan at slower rates because we are more melanated, and this has been scientifically proven. We may not burn now, but five years from now the damage will present itself. When you know better, you do better. That’s why it’s my job to constantly educate and address skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, and ingrown hairs in our skin. Sometimes these simple things may be diagnosed as other things, which is why it’s important to always seek a professional opinion. Whether an esthetician or dermatologist, there has to be a voice for us, so I’ll be that voice.
Pricing:
- 100$ Royal Vajacial & Brazzillian Wax
- 85$ Royal woman’s/Gentlemans Facial (customized)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://asiyaaemeriiskin.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/asiyaaemeriiskin?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/home.php?paipv=0&eav=AfYSuW-L4anZiZsMJXINmMj4c9e_eWOuTVSTe-gTVWtFD2w8yXndZ0RVnuPo88nfiCM&_rdr
- Twitter: Daretobediff
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy_mK2OAzBU
Image Credits
@pablofilmz_ on instagram
