We recently had the chance to connect with Grace Blackburn and have shared our conversation below.
Grace, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Thank you guys for the opportunity! I come into work, get myself set up for the day, answer unread messages, and make a list of things I want to accomplish for the day & week. Planning out ahead of time (and lots of lists) help keep me on track and help me set myself and my business up for success. And yapping to my coworkers, of course. 🙂
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grace Blackburn, and I’m the owner of Adorned by Grace in Knoxville, Tennessee. I have been a Licensed Body Piercer for almost 5 years now. I specialize in ear curations, and catering to each specific client on helping them achieve exactly what their ideas and goals are. I take time for each client to make sure they feel welcome, happy, and safe to ensure they have a pleasant experience with me that keeps them coming back.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Three people, honestly: my husband, my mom and my sister (in no particular order!). All of them have been my biggest cheerleaders since the start of my career, and have pushed me to keep going and keep building, even when I had ZERO faith in myself. I’m forever grateful for them.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. I was so unhappy in this industry this time last year, to the point that I almost gave it all up. I was in an unsupportive and toxic environment that truly made me question my sanity and myself. Once I started to feel like that, I knew it was time to reassess and change my mind frame to say, “Okay Grace, you’re capable. Adapt, believe, and achieve.” I did just that. Now, in for words of a great friend of mine: I’ve got work to do.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
One thousand percent. It took me a while to find it, but now that I’m here, I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to be anyone else. This career path really showed me who I am and who I’m supposed to be. I think if I hadn’t done this, I would be a completely different version of myself, and I’d hate to see who that is. It would’ve felt like wasted potential. No point in that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I’m in this career for the money. I truly couldn’t care less about money. There’s always money to be made in some form or fashion. I guarantee everything I do, so that my clients get what they want, as long as it’s viable and realistic for them. I will not do anything I’m uncomfortable with, even if it disappoints the client. If my name is attached to something, I will always strive to make it my best work. At the end of the day, most of my clientele comes from word of mouth. I want someone to see what I’ve done and know they’re going to get the best quality and satisfaction possible when they sit in my chair.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_adornedbygrace
- Facebook: Adorned by Grace
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