We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zana Harris a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Zana , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Growing up in a diverse neighborhood but attending a predominantly white school as an African American, I often grappled with feelings of not fitting in. However, as I matured, I learned the importance of embracing my true self and forging my own identity, especially in unfamiliar environments. By staying authentic, I fostered meaningful relationships that were mutually rewarding. Now, as I near 30 and juggle my business endeavors with my nursing career, I’ve cultivated a strong sense of self that allows me to succeed simply by being Zana, no pretenses necessary.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m thrilled to be featured in Bold Journey! As a licensed esthetician based in Bronzeville, IL, I specialize in lash extensions and brows. Graduating from Tricoci University in 2019, I launched my esthetic business in 2020, attracting a diverse clientele across the Chicago area. My passion lies in making women of all backgrounds—moms, teachers, entrepreneurs, nurses, students—feel beautiful and at ease in my space. Witnessing their joy and providing top-notch customer service has not only built lasting friendships over the past four years but also brought me immense satisfaction. As I enter my final year of nursing school, I plan to continue offering lash services while expanding my repertoire to include additional treatments aimed at enhancing my clients’ skin health.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Starting a business from scratch is undoubtedly challenging, but the sense of achievement when your hard work pays off is incredibly rewarding. My top three pieces of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs are:
1. Practice patience: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s money, clients, or recognition, it takes time to build momentum. The key is to start somewhere and have the patience and determination to keep pushing forward, knowing that great ideas take time to develop.
2. Be authentic: Embrace who you are and let that shine through in your business. Authenticity builds trust with your audience, leading to more genuine connections and rapport. By staying true to yourself, you provide something unique and valuable that resonates with your customers.
3. Keep your promises: Integrity is crucial in business. Whether you’ve experienced failures or successes, maintaining your integrity by honoring your commitments fosters strong relationships and encourages repeat business. Consistently delivering on your promises builds trust and loyalty with your clients and partners.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed the economy undergo numerous fluctuations, bringing both slow periods and moments of prosperity to my business. Through it all, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson: perseverance is key. Even during the toughest times, I refuse to give up. Every setback is an opportunity for growth, and I’m committed to forging ahead, knowing that giving up on myself is akin to giving up on my future—a promise I’ll never break. So, if you’re facing similar challenges, remember, things will improve. Keep pushing forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thezhaesthetics.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezhaesthetics?igsh=MXZoYno2amRxN2U3OQ==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LifeAsZana?si=dl6KdkBB0kAV2tbN
