Meet Akua Robinson

We were lucky to catch up with Akua Robinson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Akua , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
To be honest, I don’t think that I have overcome imposter syndrome. I don’t think that it’s something that you can overcome, however, I think that you can manage it when it occurs. I manage my imposter syndrome in two ways. The first way is by doing the thing that’s making the imposter syndrome occur and letting the feedback speak for itself in justifying my imposter syndrome. There have been times when imposter syndrome has come to the surface, mainly when I’m about to host a big event. I’ll have this feeling of concern around people buying tickets, showing up, having a good time, and even trusting me to guide their experience, but I’ll still move forward with it anyway. After the events guests share with me how impactful it was and how they had such a great time, that now when I hosts events I don’t have imposter syndrome because I have conquered it.

The second way that I manage my imposter syndrome is by having an impeccable support system that can bring me back to reality and remind me of who I am. When you find those people keep them close and hopefully you can be that light for someone else when they need it.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Your Best Friend in Beauty, Akua. I’m a Professional Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, and the Creator of Friends in Beauty.

With over a decade in the beauty industry my passion for beauty started at a young age when I originally wanted to be a Hairstylist, Makeup Artist, and salon owner. After graduating from college with my Bachelors in Computer Information & System Sciences, I embarked on a distinctive path that eventually led me back to my true calling and I decided to revisit my dreams of becoming a Makeup Artist. I concentrated on honing my skills in Makeup Artistry, a decision that would mark the inception of a remarkable career, so far.

I created Friends in Beauty to share my love for networking and to create a safe space for beauty industry creatives to connect, network, and build genuine relationships. I used to come across so many beauty industry professionals who didn’t feel supported, that were met by gatekeepers withholding information from them, or that didn’t have any beauty industry friends and I wanted to change that. I have personally witnessed and benefitted from the power of community. I’ve had an amazing time in the beauty industry thus far and networking has afforded me countless opportunities and opened so many doors for me. I’ve worked on productions from Love & Hip Hop to The Real Housewives of Potomac, Love & Marriage DC, ESSENCE Magazine, The Bad Boy Reunion Concert, as well as with brands such as Stila, AJ Crimson Beauty, Mented Cosmetics, Danessa Myricks Beauty, and many more.

Now I’m working to continue to build the Friends in Beauty Community globally and provide my #friendsinbeauty with valuable resources and insight to grow their beauty businesses, through the Friends in Beauty Networking Events, Friends in Beauty’s Trailblazers Club + Friends in Beauty Podcast. I also take you behind the scenes of my journey of operating & growing my business via fun & interactive vlogs on the Friends in Beauty YouTube Channel.

Check us out! Tell all of your friends and family about us. Tune into the Friends in Beauty Podcast every Wednesday, subscribe to Friends in Beauty on YouTube, come out to an event, and join a community of supportive & successful beauty pros inside of the Trailblazers Club – where success leaves clues. Come along for the ride!

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?
Looking back there have been several things that have impacted my journey positively. Those things are consistency, networking, and investing in myself continuously.

One of the things that I’m proud to be known for is my consistency. I just don’t stop. I may go back to the drawing board, pivot, and switch some things around, but I never stop. I never quit. I just keep going. One of the things that helps me to remain consistent is knowing that there’s someone out there that is waiting for me to show up. I never want to let them down and I always keep them in mind. Even when I don’t feel like it. I’m human too. Another thing is understanding that I’m in control of and I determine what consistency looks like for me and I stick to it.

I’m a huge advocate for networking. You never know what can happen by simply striking up a conversation with someone. I’ve been eating off of my network and the relationships I’ve built over the last decade and the new relationships that I’m currently building. Networking can lead to new clients, collaborations, referrals, new friendships, and so much more. I encourage my community to network within the industry and outside of the industry to infiltrate new environments.

Lastly, as long as you remain in business you will always have to invest in yourself. I’ve invested in several high-level coaching programs, 1:1 lessons with other artists, business classes, conferences – the works. The world and the business landscape is always changing so we have to stay sharp, especially if you’re pouring into others. If you’re early in your journey just start saving some money now because I promise you when the day comes and you’re ready to go to the next level, you’re going to have to invest in some guidance to get you there. It’s going to take consistency and a strong network.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Wow! This one is kind of hard because I love to read and I can give you so many that have impactful nuggets. I will just say, The Four Agreements for sure has been the most valuable in my development. It helped me to form a different perspective of looking at life and how I interact with the people around me. It has freed me from bondage in a sense by reflecting on The Four Agreements when it comes to real life and business situations.

The Four Agreements are – “Be impeccable with your word”, “Do not take anything personally”, “Do not make assumptions”, and “Always do your best”. If you keep these at the forefront of your mind in all of your interactions with yourself and others you’ll see a shift in how life unfolds for you.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Domo Jenkins, RUL Photos, Nicholas London

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