We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kiara Gomez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kiara below.
Hi Kiara, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My daughters without a doubt, motherhood changed me in so many ways for the better and they are the driving force that keeps me going. The reason I’ve had the strength to fight through whatever life throws my way has always come the fact that I’ve got two little humans that rely on me. Especially when I became a single mom very abruptly and how traumatic that situation was for all of us, that experience and the resilience it gave me was the reason I was able to better not only own life but also to better my kids life and show them that it’s possible to overcome even the worst situations.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve had my cosmetology license since 2009 and I’ve been in love with hairstyling more and more as time goes by. I especially love men’s hair and vivid hair colors, the brighter the better! My favorite thing about where I’m at in my career is that I’ve been able to create a safe space for clients of all walks of life regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, etc. I’ve also got a small business as well for my entomology artwork. I’ve been a collector of oddities for awhile now and have always wanted to become a creator too, particularly with insects and after years of talking about taking an entomology course, I finally signed up for a class and immediately fell in love with the art of entomology. It started off as therapeutic outlet for me when I was in a bad mental space and needed a hobby I could do at home after the kids went to bed and it’s turned into such a joyful experience of getting to vend at events and see people not only enjoy my artwork but also the fact that people want to buy my work is something that still baffles me every time and I’m so appreciative of it. I’m extremely grateful every time I get to do a market and I love getting to meet so many different vendors and customers.
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?
1. My willingness to learn 2. The ability to give myself grace when I’m not perfect.
3. Always reminding myself how much I love what I do even it the times that challenging.
I still feel like I’m early in my journey sometimes, but these three things were some of the most helpful skills when it comes to growing as an artist and not giving up when I get overwhelmed.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did was move to this country to give their kids a chance at a better life. My siblings and I wouldn’t have had the opportunities we’ve had if it was not for them sacrificing everything for us to pursue our goals. I’ve also gotten my work ethic from my parents always work their butts off in order to support their kids and give them a better life than what they had and that’s something I now carry over in my journey as a parent.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @xkikis_kreaturesx @busyxclippers
Image Credits
Yajaira Litwinski
