Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Mann.
Kiara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Winston Salem, NC. I graduated from the illustrious North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University in 2014. Shortly after I moved to Charlotte, NC for about four years where I decided to pursue a longtime dream of having a career in beauty. I went on to attend Paul Mitchell Charlotte and obtained my cosmetologist license. Over time, being in Charlotte was beginning to feel complacent and I longed for a change in pace. I visited Atlanta one weekend during Bronner Brothers and I fell in love with the city. I always said I would move but it wasn’t until about a year later after coming back for my friends 25th birthday that I made good on my word to myself. I just took the chance, transferred my job at the time (H&M), packed my stuff up and called Georgia my new home. That was two years ago, and now, I am finally feeling settled in the big city. Now, I am just working hard at growing in my field and trying to find my lane in the Beauty industry!
Great, 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?
DEFINITEEELYYYY NOT A SMOOTH ROAD! Anytime you take a leap of faith, it comes with its own set of ups and downs. Moving to a space unknown all alone is a big challenge to take on and I don’t think anyone is really “prepared” for the toll it takes on your mental stability. It is a lot financially, physically, mentally, spiritually all that haha. I struggled a lot with getting out and meeting people, after college making friends is just not the same! I also struggled with feeling like I made the wrong decision in leaving. Comfort zones are always so much easier and they feel right because they’re safe and familiar. I cried to my mom about coming home more times than I care to share lol. My advice to anyone just starting is to always remember why you started. I think when things get chaotic and don’t seem to make sense and feel like it’s not meant to work, those are the times we have to remind ourselves of who and whose we are and trust that you are EXACTLY where you’re supposed to be. Also, PAT YOURSELF ON THE FREAKING BACK!! Even one step forward gets you that much closer so you’re doing amazing sweetie!
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed cosmetologist thats specializes in hair color. I also love all things Makeup Artistry. I am known to try all sorts of bold bright colors and I express my creativity through different hair and makeup looks. I am most proud of the knowledge I’ve obtained. Through this time, I’ve been licensed, I’ve really dove headfirst into educating myself on my craft whether it be a technique or keeping up with the latest trend. I love having a part in making a person’s day better by making them feel beautiful!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
Off the top of my head, I would say, my mother, Ming Lee, and Nichole Lynel. My mother is the first woman to inspire me because she gets it DONE. Period. Point Blank. She gets up every day and works hard to provide for her family. She doesn’t give herself the option to quit and she motivates me to keep going! Big-hearted but also reserved, she pushes me to learn myself so that I can never be swayed by the good and bad of this journey called life.
Two of my favorite girl bosses that inspire me are Ming Lee and Nichole Lynel. Ming is a powerhouse in the Beauty and Marketing Industry and someone that pushes me to really tap into my creativity and really give the people what they want! She continues to reinvent what a black FEMALE entrepreneur looks like and I think thats really important in this day and age. Nichole Lynel is another that just continues to show that being consistent, focusing on YOU and YOUR lane, and staying persistent is the key to your heart’s desire. I live for her lives and she reminds me to just focus on doing what I love and the rest will fall into place. There are soooo many others I could write about because women (ESPECIALLY BLACK WOMEN) ARE DOPE AF!!!!!!!
Contact Info:
- Address: 240 N Highland Ave Suite G
Atlanta, GA - Email: kiaradmann@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_kiaradesiree
Image Credit:
Kiara Desiree
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