Meet Quinci Hickman-nash

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Quinci Hickman-nash. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Quinci, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room is not foreign to me. Growing up in a small, predominantly white town, I was typically always the only one. I was the only black cheerleader, the only black student in the class sometimes, the only black friend. I don’t limit myself to who I can be based off of being the only one. My personality, generosity, sense of humor, work ethic, bright smile, empathetic attributes, and authenticity always stands out. I try to always show up and make a great first impression and put action behind it and it always brings me success.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Being an esthetician has brought so much joy to me. Being able to help men and women with skin insecurities and educate them on proper skincare and bring back lost confidence is something I never get tired of. My love for makeup and wanting to further my career is what caused me to apply to esthetician school. I got tired of coming home every day from a job I hated and being in a bad mood. I wanted control over my schedule and my life. I was able to be a better mother to my daughter because I was available to structure my schedule around her. She’s my reason for everything. That’s why when I started my makeup business, I called it Aspen’s Eden Makeup Artistry. Aspen’s Eden was a play on the Garden of Eden where God told Adam and Eve they could have everything they wanted there and I believe that if you do what you’re supposed to do and listen to God’s instructions, He will bless you. My favorite part about makeup is doing weddings. I love my work will be in photos for the rest of their lives and it will be seen for generations to come. I have a servants heart and I love to love on others and make them feel and look their best.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I first started, I wish that everyone didn’t gatekeep. Nobody wanted to help you out at all and you were only seen as competition. There’s only one you. Other MUAs and Lash Artists didn’t want to share the brushes, lashes, adhesives, or foundations they used. I had to do a lot of trial and error and I’m a self taught MUA. If anyone else is in the beauty industry, I would recommend doing your research, trial and error, find a mentor to be able to help you get better at your craft and be receptive to constructive feedback.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I am currently facing challenges with inflation. I am crushed how many people aren’t able to afford their beauty services anymore. This past year has been the hardest for me in the last 6 years. I know a lot of other estheticians and makeup artists are also in the same boat. I really hope the economy can pick back up again and people don’t have to miss out on their self care.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Aspenseden