Today we’d like to introduce you to LaQuaila Pegues.
Hi LaQuaila, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is LaQuaila “Quay” Pegues and I am originally from a very small town called Margarettsville, NC. A little town located in the eastern part of NC where there’s nothing but a ton of cotton fields, trees, and caution lights. So growing up as a child I came really acquainted with playing outside, reading books, and a ton of other innovative things to have fun. But as a kid, I knew that I had a desire to do something in technology. Our very first computer was a big old TRS-80 Model III Micro Computer System that my grandmother brought us from her job that they were getting rid of in the early 90’s. If you google this machine it was huge. The thing barely worked when you turned it on it would boot up to a black screen with nothing coming up but random text and numbers. It just became fun to sit and type on and that was my entertainment. At that time I’m sure I was only 7 or 8 years old. While in middle school roughly in 2000 my mom and dad purchased us a new desktop computer and it was only up from there. I became really familiar with how to use it and once I got to high school my interest peaked even more and I started surfing the web and stumbled across platforms like Blackplanet and Myspace. On those two platforms, I will say I grew my love for web design. I would google and learn HTML code so that I could create a cool profile page with lots of scrolling text, funky backgrounds, music, and a ton of other cool effects.
Following high school, I attended Winston Salem State University, where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems. I attended Keller Graduate School of Management of Devry, where I received a Master’s in Information Systems Management with a concentration in Project Management.
At a very young age, I was also introduced to the world of beauty by my super “girly” mother and sister. I was somewhat a tomboy at heart in middle school but once I hit high school, something about hair and makeup sparked my interest too. Who would have ever thought these interests would later evolve and morph me into who I am today.
Not yet understanding my creativity, I pursued that “oh so familiar” traditional track we’re all taught… go to school, get a degree and land a “good job”. Following college, I started my career landing a job working with the FBI. Because of my love for beauty and my college side hustle doing hair, I thirst for a more creative outlet. I decided to attend the Paul Mitchell School for hair while balancing a career with the FBI. Although it seemed I was finding my way slowly but surely to the beauty world, another opportunity came along and I landed another government position thus pausing her love for beauty.
Having to switch gears in 2013 I began to transition in my career as a federal employee and began doing some contracting. I fell in love along the way. Relocating to New York and eventually jet-setted to Orlando, Florida. This is when life for me got really challenging. I found myself up and down as it related to finding an aligned career path that would pay. While struggling to find work and still battling my love for beauty I sought out to fill the void and started my very own cosmetic line called Venom Cosmetics.
With no knowledge on where to truly start with branding and marketing for my cosmetic line, I established my business name, researched and registered my business. I then designed my logo, identified my target market, created my brand esthetics, packaging, website, promotional content, etc.; and it was up from there. With my beauty line growing, I would have never thought I would be someone interested in my products but from a different standpoint. Meeting Kendall Johnson, known as Kendall The Master Stylist was the first person who entrusted me to help her build her brand simply from what she saw me marketing and creating for my brand. Thankful for the opportunity I started getting referred and requested by other professionals and the rest is history.
After experiencing the highs and lows of the job market; working places I didn’t want to make ends meet. Not knowing at this time God was graciously pushing me into my purpose, I started my second business, Vanity Graphics.
I started Vanity Graphics 4 years ago not only because of my passion to create and design but because of my willingness and desire to help people. Fast forward to today. I recently decided to leave corporate America to pursue business full-time. With this new start, I am transitioning now to building out an IT Consulting Agency where I offer services in IT project management, IT process/operation improvement, branding, marketing, graphic and website design.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all, as I talked about previously my journey has been pretty rough. Having to switch gears in 2013 transiting out of the federal government was tough. Relocating to Orlando, Florida was when life hit different for me. It was tough finding a good-paying job matching what I used to make. Not knowing anyone’s job/ career path but I begin to take jobs that I was truly overqualified for just to generate income. I worked in call centers and warehouses. Just imagine going from a high-paying salary down to making a little less than minimum wage. It was rough. Trying to get into any government assistance programs was out of the question. Everything was based on my prior income making it hard for me to qualify for any help.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Vanity Graphics?
I mentioned early on my passion and desire for beauty and technology. Over the past few years, I have spent a lot of time designing and branding for people in all industries. I recently did a pivot and wanted to niche down my services and market. From there I was able to identify based on my passion, knowledge, and expertise who I wanted to serve. Refining my brand has been fulfilling because I know where I add value in the industry which is extremely important for me. So now I cater my graphics and design services with Vanity Graphics to the beauty industry. As a brand strategist and graphic designer, I help beauty brands and professionals build visually iconic brands from Start to Finish providing a “ground up” experience, teaching [beauty professionals] how branding can truly make or break your forward movement.
My “START” to “FINISH” process focuses on a full branding experience starting with brand identity, messaging, voice, logo design, product design, web design,and launch with creative direction where needed.
What matters most to you?
Many beauty professionals do not understand how impactful it is to visually and professionally present themselves. so I am here to help position and propel beauty professionals with brand strategy, marketing, and design so they can attract their dream clients consistently.
Pricing:
- Packages start at $2500
Contact Info:
- Email: info@vanitygraphics.com
- Website: www.vanitygraphics.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vanitygraphics_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/vanitygraphic
Image Credits:
Kendra Knight of Kendra Knight Photography www.instagram.com/kendraknightphoto
