Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nykia Benjamin . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nykia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
The Status Quo is a term that has history. Status Quo is the now, what’s in, and what’s trending. Regardless of the time, day or place, if you meet the status Quo, you’ve got the “it” factor. At Status Quo Beauty, our lashes are always the IT factor. Always in, always trending
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started lashing in 2018 when i was searching for another stream of revenue, but i wanted it to be something i could have fun with and take my time to grow. I used to put on acrylic tips with my cousin when we were younger and style my bratz dolls hair in crazy ways, so i knew beauty would be where i had fun and creative freedom. I came across lash extensions when it was still a rather small market in Maryland, but as i explored more into the world of lashing, i found myself intrigued and excited. I look forward to continuing to grow my clientele with lashing and adding on new services such as PMU Microblading and shading, and exploring creating my own product line. I enjoy the end result and the reactions my clients have when they open their eyes and see their new sets. To see a woman exude with confidence warms me, as i have struggled with confidence and my idea of beauty when it comes to myself. Lashing is only part of the enjoyment, the bonds i form with my clients are treasured more.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Winter of 2020 i had to make a tough decision to take a hiatus from offering services. I wasn’t producing the type of work i felt proud of, and i had lost sight of my direction. Feeling discouraged, i took a hiatus to gather myself and go back to the drawing board. I needed time to be thorough with myself and my business. After 3 months, i regained the confidence to sit behind the lash bed again, and this is when my rebrand came about. Les Yeux by Nikki transformed to Status Quo Beauty. The rebrand allowed me to not feel boxed in, to me, a name holds weight, and i knew i wanted to expand, and regardless of what i decided to add under the umbrella of my business would still cater to beauty. Status Quo applies to any and everything trending. Whether it’s lashes, brows, or products, clients will know that they are receiving too notch quality no matter the item.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
My business partners are Ladrea and Josanne. These master stylists have been in the beauty industry for over 10+ years. They opened up their own salon in 2017 after working together for several years prior. I got certified as a lash tech in 2018 and started at my stylists salon in a small, cozy space. Josanne is also my cousin, and in wanting to support me, she was one of my first clients. She asked me if i was looking for a location with more space and i said yes of course. As Two Strand salon was expanding as a “one-stop” beauty salon, the addition of a lash tech catered to the theme of self care with luxury that Two Strand exudes daily. Although i barely had any clients and little to no revenue, Ladrea and Josanne couldn’t have been better business partners. They have allowed me grace with the growth of my lash business and as i gain more knowledge and confidence as a business owner, but more importantly, they push me to challenge myself. I doubt myself in thinking i am able to be as successful as many beauty moguls i scroll past on a day to day. They remind me of my talent and challenge me to be a better me
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestatusquo.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: @_thestatus.qu0 (zero)
- Other: Booking link: https://thestatusquo.as.me/schedule.php