We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiera Hicks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kiera, thank you for joining us today and sharing your experiences and acquired wisdom with us. Burnout is a huge topic these days and so we’d love to kick things off by discussing your thoughts on overcoming or avoiding burnout
Throughout my years of doing hair, I’ve experienced a lot of burnouts where I had to take a break because I couldn’t handle the pressure of running a business. When In the cosmetology industry, you tend to get lost in your work and clients. I learned that it is okay to lose out on money if that keeps your peace. My off days are Actually my off days, I pamped/treat myself and i ensure to keep up with my looks. When you feel good, you do good.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve always been very fond of the beauty industry. I loved seeing people get their makeup done, Getting my hair and nails done alongside of the many other beauties in it. When I decided to pursue makeup and hair, I instantly fell in love, it felt so natural to me. I could look at something once and get it, it may not have been completely perfect but it would be a great job. As i started perfecting each service i had to offer I realized, This truly was something i wanted to pursue full time. It wasn’t about the money for me, it was about the art, the way it made people feel, and the thrill. I didn’t come into the industry for the popularity, i came in because i loved everything about it and enjoyed making people feel better about themselves.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I look back, I would say learning to properly network, keeping up with trends and having good customer service, were some of the most important things throughout my journey as an entrepreneur. It’s not about being perfect when you first get into whatever industry choose, it is about how you and your brand make people feel, if you have great customer service, your clients will always work with you. You and your work can be amazing but if you don’t know how to communicate or good customer service, you wont get far. Treat people how YOU feel you are supposed to be treated and respect people’s time as you would want your own.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
At this very moment, I have been struggling with building a team. I am not afraid to admit that I need help when it comes to my business people tend to put all of the weight on themselves, which is why it takes so much longer for you to make it. I feel like it’s important to focus on your strengths and if you have weaknesses, to find people who strengths are that. Those who are most successful, operate with a team, those who I look up to, have one so naturally I know that that it what it takes to have a long lasting business.
Contact Info:
- Website: Laidbylonyai.as.me
- Instagram: Laidbylonyai
- Youtube: Laidbylonyai
