Today we’d like to introduce you to Anaya Cheeks.
Anaya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, it definitely wasn’t in the plans, I can tell you that with confidence. I am a big advocate of “your purpose will find you” having gone through it myself. At the age I found my career, I was lost… I was a college dropout, I had just become a new mother, and I had no idea what direction I really wanted to go. Anyone that has ever known me will tell you I’ve always been naturally talented. My grandmother used to say I was a master of everything I tried, but I was passionate about none of them. I would not understand what that meant until I turned to the age of 23. I happened upon the lash industry when talking with a friend. I had always dabbled in beauty/esthetics since a child (fake waxing my little sister’s brows with ripped pieces of paper), but I had never heard of the actual intricate application of lash extensions. Once I practiced on my first model, I was hooked. I became obsessed with perfecting this skill & it was perfect because with lashing, there is always something you can work on. So I never get bored. And the rest was history. I know a lot of people in life have to sacrifice for things they want in life, and this was my first life experience with that particular growing pain. To say I had to fight to continue on with my passion would be an understatement. I am forever grateful to God and thankful that I am able to celebrate six years as an entrepreneur.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was never easy, but every day it was rewarding to me. I dealt with a ton of backlash with family and personal struggles after making the decision to dedicate my focus to the lash industry. Around the time I started, lashing was pretty new to the U.S. so it was understandable that trying to convince others that this career path was worth it was hard. That’s where the growing pains came in, I had to make uncomfortable decisions to follow the tunnel vision that this passion brought me. My new passion along with having my first child at the same time, helped me grow tremendously. After I navigated through as the years went by I grew stronger, I learned through mistakes, I learned through experience. There’s been a number of times I’ve had to make major changes in my life and business at the drop of the hat, that’s life, it’s unpredictable, but it taught me how to think quickly, have faith & keep focused on my goals.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Although I started my business with the focus of lashes, I knew that I did not want my name to specify lashes alone, I was already very good at makeup application, waxing, hair, and brow shaping by the age of 13. Hence the name, Nya Renee Aesthetics. I am known for my lash extensions, their durability & the ability to create specialized styles to fit all age ranges. I am also known for my brow shaping. My services include Lash extensions, light waxing/brow shaping, brow tinting, lash lamination, and semi-permanent makeup (brows, lips, beauty marks, freckles, etc.). The most proud accomplishment for me would be traveling to meet and train with my favorite role models. I believe what sets me apart from others is my concern for my client’s future health above all, I want my clients to be able to get their maintenance for years to come. We work together to make sure they remain educated on the care and my professional suggestions because everyone is different.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned thus far is to follow your excitement, follow that momentum that moves your creativity and continue to ride that energy to work/create. And when you feel yourself in a rut, losing motivation or feel stagnant, change your scenery, take a class to re-spark your interest and passion, take a vacation to take time for yourself. Fuel your passion but wats leave some left for yourself because you can’t pour out from an empty cup!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nya-renee.co
- Instagram: @nyarenee.co
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCASp_vo8jzoyb-gjnWlmNfg?app=desktop
