We recently connected with Asia Carter and have shared our conversation below.
Asia, 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?
Growing up in Miami you see diversity on a completely different scale. In the small town I’m from which was Homestead, FL it was not primarily Hispanics and African-Americans but more Hispanics. My mom always did her best to put me in the best schools to make sure I had the best education and that I was thriving. When you’re a kid you don’t see color, or race, or ethnicity. You see another kid boy or girl and you are either good friends or enemies. As I got older and started to work jobs I really started to see how much I stood out from the rest. A lot of jobs I had it was primarily Hispanics and Whites and I would be either the only African-American or among the very few. Sometimes I did feel out of place, but deep down I felt a sense of worth and entitlement because not once did race or ethnicity affect my ability to work or my ability to thrive. In fact it made people gravitate towards me and I’ve always been loved and welcomed with open arms. I learned how to adapt to my surroundings and pick up on social ques especially when there was a language barrier. I learned certain words in Spanish that related to my job or position, I read their hand movements and how they tried to maybe show me something or tell me something, I even used google translate if i felt like it would be easier for the customer or client. I feel like if you can survive in Miami not knowing Spanish you can survive just about anywhere lol. When I visited Houston for the first time I was absolutely amazed at the amount of people that looked like me. I felt like I was home, like this is where I needed to be and where I wanted to be. My people made me feel welcomed and they were openly nice and supportive. However when I decided to move to Conroe I found out after the fact that not too many people look like me out here. Knowing this information I became a little discouraged when it came to promoting my brand because I felt like will they like my work? Will they want to book? I hope they don’t think I can only do full, big, dramatic sets. Especially because a lot of people in Conroe are business professionals as well so they might not be interested in a volume cat eye lengths 13-16. But those same doubts I had about the demographic turned out to be the exact reason why I am the most sought after in Conroe. My work is unlike other lash artists in the area. I create many versatile and unique looks to fit just about anyone, my work ethic is absolutely unmatched, my communication and customer service is outstanding, and my style of lashing is unlike any other within a 200 mile radius. This taught me that there is always beauty in not fitting social standards and that there is so much more than what meets the eye. Being the only one who looks like me goes deeper than my skin color, my hair texture, my roots, and my ethnicity.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a versatile lash artist that specializes in full, fluffy, and dramatic lash sets that are customized to each and every client. Although I am known for my fullness, I’m also known for being extremely versatile and providing my clients with the desired look that they are going for but also that compliments them. No 2 sets will ever be the same as I consider face shape, eye shape/size, lash length and health, as well as inspiration my client is going for. I love doing lash extensions because I love creating art, I love elevating my clients’ look, I love meeting new people and making connections, and I loveeeeee the confidence they exert immediately after opening their eyes. I want others to know that anybody can get lash extensions but not everyone can wear the same type of lash extensions. What works for one of my clients may not work for the rest, and that’s the beauty in being a lash artist. In the past year since I restarted my lash journey here in Texas I’ve had the blessings to lash close to 100 women. My business continues to grow everyday thanks to my amazing clients who act as a walking billboard for me. With this increase in clientele i have decided to expand my education to not only Lash Specialist but to Esthetician. With becoming an Esthetician I will be able to expand my service menu to offer brow services, lip injections, facials, and even work on a skin care line. Soon I will also have my own full private space where I can offer these services as well as invite other beauty professionals to work with me as a team if dedicated beauty entrepreneurs. 2025 I have so much planned from launching a lip care cosmetic line, launching my own eyelash extension supply brand which will offer wholesale to other lash artists ready to start their brand, as well as open a full service salon.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful items on my journey was trial and error, communication, and skill advancement. Without trial and error I would not know what worked best for my brand and what did not. Without communication I wouldn’t be able to build connections and bonds with my clients that are unlike any other service providers they’ve experienced. And without skill advancement I wouldn’t be able to call myself the versatile lash artist that I am nor would I be able to expand my business to offer more services. The best advice I have for anyone is to NOT GIVE UP. Anything that is new to us will not always be easy and sometimes you won’t pick up right away. But if you’re passionate and you love it, keep going and don’t give up because it will show. Not everybody started off fully booked and making lots of money. Do not come into this business looking to only make money. You will not succeed, people will pick up on it, and in the end it will ruin your reputation. Instead come into with the mindset that you want a change in your life and you will do whatever it takes to accomplish that. Communication and customer service is key so be mindful how you talk to people, always take accountability even if it is not your fault, apologize, offer solutions, and be approachable. Your booking site and social media is your first impression, make sure it is a good one. Do not focus on why you aren’t getting clients, focus on how you can set yourself, your brand, and your work apart from others to attract clients. Practice, practice, practice, practice and focus on perfecting your craft. Do not charge people unless you’re placement, isolation, retention, and work is of high quality. Offer people to be a model to advance your skills, take photos, and practice your craft. Most importantly do not focus on what others are doing. Stay focused and worry about you, take others as inspiration, give credit when credit is due, and build connections with other beauty professionals. Lastly I want to add that yes most likely you will need to go to school and get a license to perform services in your state/area. Speaking from experience cosmetology school does not teach you much besides how to perform a service and sanitation as well as state and county regulations. Take a course with someone in your area who’s work you admire or love. That refresher course or that class they are offering will 9/10 advance your skills and craft way more than a school will. In the beauty industry it is all about trends, continue to education yourself on new trends and don’t be afraid to take multiple courses and certifications. It will set you apart from others and show clients that you are serious and passionate about your brand and craft, and it will make a big difference in everything from attracting clientele to producing content.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I absolutely am! I plan to open a full service salon and I’m looking for all type of beauty professionals. Hairstylists, makeup artist, lash artists, estheticians, etc. I want to build a team of people who have similar work ethic like me. I need beauty professionals who are just that, professionals. And professional doesn’t have to mean 10+ years of experience. I want someone who is professional in their attitude, their craft/work, their customer service, their work ethic, how they carry themselves, and how they build connections. Being an entrepreneur is not easy at all, but I want someone who does not wear their pain and troubles on their shoulders, but more so someone who knows how to still push through the pain and be resilient. I’m looking for leaders, people who are in their own lane in their craft. I’m looking for professionals who work well on a team and has no problem collaborating with others to elevate and network. I’m interested in professionals who are extremely self motivated and are a self starters. I’m looking for professionals who are consistent, reliable, approachable, knowledgeable, and who values their client’s making sure client satisfaction is their number 1 priority from consultations to after appointment follow up. I’m looking for professionals who are hungry and eager to be the best version of themselves and who want to elevate their brand on a wider scale. If that’s you please feel free to follow me on Instagram @rich.brat.minks and let’s connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://richbratminks.chairwatch.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rich.brat.minks?igsh=a2hkNTZlamo3ZzFw&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Rich Brat Minks
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