Today we’d like to introduce you to Muffy Rainbowpuffz.
Muffy, Let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Originally from New Orleans, my family relocated to Atlanta looking forward to greener pastures shortly after the ’96 Olympics. I knew I’d eventually be working within the community, but didn’t know how it would all come together. I’ve always been a creative person (fashion and music specifically), but I was mostly a bookworm and extremely socially awkward when I was younger.
Around age 14, I became a tutor to 3rd graders with dyslexia teaching Math and Language Arts which further fueled my passion for making a difference in the neighborhood. I began volunteering with many organizations with community outreach programs shortly after. I’m currently a mentor at Cool Girls Inc., a non-profit based in East Atlanta providing academic support to at-risk girls/teens through tutoring, broadened the girls’ world-view through field trips, and essentially a girls-only club where they can engage in positive, self-empowering activities.
I enrolled at the Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics here in Dunwoody and began my journey as a glam professional in 2008. I’ve been a licensed esthetician since 2009 and a licensed esthetics instructor since 2012. After many years in the treatment room, I launched Black Ganesha Image Consulting officially in 2016. BGIC was created as a way for me to give back to the community by showing that there’s beauty in all that you are through empowering group discussions and beauty services. I connect people with black-owned beauty/fashion businesses run by black women specifically.
We all are unique, interesting, and beautiful. That’s what my platform is all about. When we know what our gifts are, we’re more likely to use them. I’ve done everything in my career from being a technician, a sales rep for several beauty brands, to running a full-service spa. As an educator, my field of expertise is cosmetic chemistry, aromatherapy, and homeopathic remedies. I’ve also taught at both The Elaine Sterling Institute and Paul Mitchell: The School here in Atlanta. I love being creative and having fun, but I’m most passionate about the community. Working in cosmetology provides the best of both worlds.
Has it been a smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road, DEFINITELY NOT but it’s been worth it in the end and then some. When you’re a young woman with a big vision, people can find that very intimidating. Creating a solid team was probably the most challenging part at first. Due to being so young when I initially started out, it was hard for people to take me seriously at first. I had to do a lot of footwork during the early years until I found mentors and colleagues I was in sync with.
My advice to young women starting out to keep on track:
1. Debunk the myth that you can do it all alone because you can’t! Expand your network! Find someone you admire in your industry and introduce yourself. Social media has made connecting with individuals with like interests easier than ever. Collaborate and learn from them. Don’t be a wallflower. You’ll go nowhere fast that way.
2. Don’t waste valuable energy on trying to prove people who don’t support you wrong. Focus on the people who are relatable with similar core values to keep you going when you’re feeling discouraged.
3. Start today and spend less time on social media! Nothing kills creativity/vision faster than constantly comparing yourself to other people’s lives.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Ganesha Image Consulting – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I volunteer to teach body positivity/self-image to young girls on my personal time and work as an image consultant professionally. I am known specifically for teaching beauty history using trap music quotes and mix & match prints with streamlined silhouettes. Most of my clientele are business professionals in the corporate creative setting looking for one of a kind items from black-owned businesses specifically.
What sets me apart? I focus on black-owned, handmade, wearable art. I connect consumers with avant-garde/couture fashions from black artisans and beauty service providers (ex. black nail techs, estheticians, designers, photographers, event planners, etc.) intercontinental exclusively. There have been so many proud moments for me over the years. I love being able to connect with other black creatives & small businesses who are talented and local. My most recent was a collaboration with a local black designer with a boutique here in Midtown on a couture two-piece look featured on the Afropunk website. I also have a look styled by me that was published in Afropolitan Magazine, an international black-owned fashion publication.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
My mother used to be a hairstylist when I was younger. Growing up, there were always successful, vivacious women around. Seeing my mother working with her clients calling her own shots was probably the most inspirational thing because it showed me that I could use my creativity to make my own way in life as well. My family has always encouraged my creative endeavors which without realizing it taught me the power of delayed gratification: fine-tuning a natural skill. That lesson has carried me further than anything else over the years. It’s given me confidence about sharing what’s in my heart with the world with clear intention. I’m most grateful for that.
Pricing:
- Initial Consultation-Image Consulting (1 hour) $100
- Initial Consultation- Skincare (30 minutes) Complimentary
- Hourly rate (Model)- $50 per/h
- Hourly rate Styling Wardrobe w/equipment )- $150 per/h
- Hourly rate Styling (wardrobe only)- $100 per/h
Contact Info:
- Address: 75 14th Street NE
Suite 2840
Atlanta, GA 30309 - Email: bgcmglam@gmail.com
- Instagram: @yogabbagabbamuffz
Image Credit:
Yanci Nicole
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