Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amber Handley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Amber , thanks for joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My parents taught me to work hard. They taught me not to give up even if things get hard. My father worked as a black top foreman for 30 years and he did it in a tough racists environment. He was the only black foreman and the highest paid. He worked everyday and never let the tough moments get to him. My mother was a hair dresser and she worked hard too, she started by working in salons and working crazy hours. Eventually she owned her own salon that my father built for her in our home. Their work ethic taught me to go after what I wanted and it taught me to be the best at what I do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a makeup artist and esthetician. I started doing makeup for fun really around 2008, I earned my Esthetician license in 2015. I started working in a salon in 2016. I have done makeup for fashion shows, magazines, music videos, weddings etc. I absolutely love what I do. As an Esthetician I love teaching people how to care for their skin. I provide services such as microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, lash lifts, and brow waxing. I think what sets me a part from others is that I really try to get to know my clients, I don’t just treat their skin and take their money. I do my best to know their lifestyle and advise them On what is best for them and if what they want will really work for them. What I am most proud of is that I have my own skincare line. I take pride in my work, I treat my clients like family.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer. I did not let it stop me from working. I was still taking clients up until I had surgery in July of 2019. When I couldn’t see clients anymore I began making products to sell. I was selling lip balm, eyelashes, and beard products for men. I refused to let cancer win. I finished treatment in October 2019 and went right back to work. I also continued earning my bachelors degree in Psychology, I went to class the same day as my last radiation treatment. I trusted God would get me through this process, and He did!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In March of 2020 the pandemic hit and by this time I was working as a Esthetician/MUA part-time and was working a full-time corporate job. For almost a year I did not see clients due to the pandemic. It was very hard to give up what I loved but because of my health I had to stay safe. I was able to offer makeup lessons virtually and Skincare consultations. I also had to put my skincare sales on hold because the of COVID-19 protocols in the manufacturing plant. It was a tough year.

Contact Info:

• Website: prettynaturalskincare.myshopify.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=rk0sx4pv6psg&utm_content=ns7k3r5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettynaural/