We recently connected with Crysta Al-qallaf and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Crysta, 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.
I’m not sure if I will ever 100% over come imposter syndrome. I’m human. Sometimes on my best days I can have an intrusive thought about my businesses success. Even when we have been operating since 2017.
When your business has become your first child and you give it your all, the only way to fight off imposter syndrome is to find your rythym and create a mantra. Even when you find the rythm, life happens and you have to adapt (like keeping your business alive during a world wide pandemic, learning to adapt your business post pandemic, managing personal life changes that impact your day to day life).
The mantra that reminds me I am doing what I am meant to do is “You are allowed to be a work in progress.”
No matter the stage you are in, it is acceptable. Running a business is hard and doing it as a new mom to twin girls, I have to give myself grace.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The Aura Brushed journey began in 2017 in a salon suite where I poured my heart and soul into my clients and business. I’ve spent close to a decade now growing my business, relations and opportunities in every way I could. Today we have a team of 8+ women who work with us to bring the best beauty services to our clients.
The perfect day to spray tan is a Wednesday and in our studio for $40. This is the perfect day because you have enough time for your spray tan to develop and be perfect for Friday-Monday. All your weekend events!
Danii took over managing our operations and services in Houston when I relocated to Michigan. Danii has been with Aura Brushed for over 3 years and has earned the trust of our loyal clients. Danii is detail oriented and focuses on body positivity. You can trust that you are in a safe space when you receive a tan at the Aura Brushed studio.
Lindsey, our lead makeup artist of the Houston studio, loves working with clients one on one in the studio for a makeup session and going on site to do makeup for weddings. Lindsey has been doing makeup with us for over 3 years and has been a professional makeup artist for over 5 years. She has worked directly by my side (crysta) on many projects and continues to amaze our clients with her beautiful makeup looks.
Since I relocated to Michigan I have been engaging in a lot of freelance work through other beauty companies & photographers while I find my groove in this new market. I am also learning to find my groove in managing my business and becoming a twin mom this last year. I have identical twin daughters that are turning one years old on 2/22/24. After almost two years here in Michigan, I believe I am ready to launch an Aura Brushed located here in the great lakes state. 🙂
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
patience, adaptability, being a sponge.
Be patient with your growth. It won’t come overnight and the length of the journey is where you learn so much. Be patient with yourself as you learn to be the types of business owner/operator you want to be.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
WE love to collaborate and work with unique creatives.
Summer is around the corner and we would love to feature a local designers swim line in our studio. A simple rack with options for sale to our clients.
We currently have space in our studio to work with either a waxer looking to rent space or a nail technician who is looking for her own space to work with her clients.
We are always looking for talented makeup artists and hair stylists that would like to work with us in our studio and on weddings.
Our email contact is
info@aurabrushed.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aurabrushed.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/aurabrushed
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/aurabrushed
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@aurabrushed
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aura-brushed-houston-2
