We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Courtney Cope. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Courtney below.
Hi Courtney, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker and I thrive in the mindset of change. In my early life I took risk thinking I had nothing to lose, here I am today still taking risk with a lot more to lose. Either way, you don’t grow without taking risk in life and failure is inevitable, what matters is how you deal with it. Taking a leap of faith can be scary, but also exhilarating. I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t addicted to the rush, I guess I’m just wired a certain way. I like to be out of my comfort zone and push boundaries. I started a business when I was a broke single mom, borrowing a couple thousand dollars from my sister just to pay a few months rent to get my first business up and running. I was told then I was crazy and it would probably fail. 15 years later I sold that business, which was successful to change careers and open a new business, of course people told me I was crazy for doing that too. Yet here I am, still doing what I do best, and taking more risk to be more successful but most importantly bringing happiness to my life. I believe when you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important. I know many people that stay in their comfort zone for security reasons even though they’re unhappy. With only one life to live and a short one at that, I think we should do what makes our heart beat a little faster and do something that puts a smile on our faces, experiencing true passion. But how will you know what life has to offer if you’re scared to go after it ? No one likes to fail , most of us fear failure. We see failure as something that will keep us from accomplishing our goals. I think life without failure would not all of a sudden become a string of excitement and triumphant successes. Instead, it would become a monotonous string of non-events that would leave us empty and apathetic towards everything. We would eventually stop trying to do anything either because we are not willing to try something without a guarantee of perfection or, because the thrill would be gone knowing the outcome would always be predictable. Without the struggle, the successes become meaningless and where is the fun in that? I’ve been in the beauty industry for 25 years and I have made countless mistakes in business and my personal life. I know what it feels like to succeed and be at the top and I also know how failure feels hitting rock bottom. But without those mistakes, and all of the highs and lows I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing about my life path, even the worst moments. One of the biggest benefits of taking risks is that it opens up the possibility for new opportunities. Although there may be uncertainty involved in making risky decisions, these choices can bring unexpected growth or even lead to an entirely new direction for your personal life and business. To win without risk is to triumph without glory.
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?
My name is Courtney Cope. I’m the owner of Shero Beauty Pro Academy. I’ve been in the beauty industry for 25 years. I’ve owned a total of two businesses, work full time with clients, train students and I’m a single mother. I was a hair stylist for 23 years , in 2015 I wanted to add a unique service to offer my clients, I decided to take a pmu course and became certified in permanent cosmetics. At that time, it was just a side hustle. I didn’t realize the impact I would have on so many women’s lives, and the impact it would have on mine. Permanent cosmetics is truly a life changing experience. Building confidence, and making people look and feel beautiful is so rewarding. My passion for this industry was so strong that I decided to pour my heart into it full time. I closed my old business to open a larger studio/training academy. I’m continuously training, studying and leveling up. So far I have received 40 certificates of course completions. I am a Board-Certified Artist by the American Academy of Micro-Pigmentation and also a Platinum Board Certified Trainer. I have been trained all over the USA and coached by some of the worlds most renowned master artist in the Pmu industry. I am always striving to learn more and grow; I want to be the best me I can be for my business, clients and students. My brand name Shero actually stands for a” Woman Hero “A woman that is admired and idealized for her courage and achievements. I get asked all of the time, What does it mean? For such a small word it represents so much. I have met so many of these amazing women throughout my long career in the beauty industry. These women have all inspired me and my business name with their personal stories of strength and resilience. Providing Permanent Makeup services is the perfect way to enhance anyone’s natural beauty and strong spirit. If you’re interested in services or interested in starting a career as a permanent makeup artist, my studio offers Complete Fundamental Cosmetic Training and a Blade & Shade Brow Course. Reach out to me, I would love to chat more and answer your questions. With the right drive and creativity, you can also build an exciting career in this unique field that can be very rewarding. It would be my pleasure to be your artist or trainer.
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?
When I was a little girl, I remember playing dress up in my grandmothers gowns and high heels. I told everyone I was going to be a movie star when I grew up. I always had big elaborate dreams and a larger than life personality. Which later in life would help me tremendously. I was born and raised in a small town, but deep down inside I knew I was destined for greater things and I wanted to explore a world of possibilities. I think the three most important qualities that helped me achieve my goals in life were confidence being number one, being self assured which is a key characteristic especially in leadership. Professionalism and having a strong work ethic is essential, I love working with people and consider myself very structured, hard working and the queen of customer service. Resilience, having the capacity to withstand and recover from difficult situations. I’m not one to give up, even in the toughest circumstances. I’m always up for a challenge even if it’s difficult, I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs in my life experiences. Even in bad situations you always have to find a way to move forward and not let the calamities of life break you. My advice to prepare for a career journey means taking time to consider your interests, skills, qualifications, and professional goals. You can start a productive career based on what you discover about yourself and what you’re passionate about. Celebrate your accomplishments and raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed, and most importantly never give up.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
I think it’s best to go all in on strengths. In fact, when leaders, teams, cultures, and individuals focus on strengths, they have a better chance at winning than if you focus on improving deficiencies. Concentrating on your strengths brings a better sense of fulfillment and forward progress. Don’t compare yourself to others, but approach people who inspire or even challenge you for your growth. Identify your strengths, name them, and concentrate on them. Imposter syndrome is a career crusher. Actually, focusing on your weaknesses is a strength in disguise. The willingness to accept your weaknesses in the interest of self-improvement is a vital strength. Seek and welcome feedback on areas that might need improvement. Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses especially what you’re struggling with, and always accept anxiety with compassion. I’ve had plenty of sleepless nights, but you need to substitute these negative thoughts with positive ones, or think of the times you’ve persevered and overcome obstacles in your path that are leading you to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sherobeautypro.com
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Image Credits
Jodie Brim Photography
