We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amiana Patterson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amiana below.

Hi Amiana , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

I believe that the greatest investment and simultaneously the greatest risk will always be betting on SELF.

I worked in the corporate field for the majority of my life and it was always a struggle for me. I battled with needing to adhere to being fit into a box for monetary means to live while ultimately feeling like I was not only putting myself but my family on the back burner to do so. I struggled a lot with missing field trips, taking mental health days, and succumbing to having my time and life orchestrated by someone else.

Although I needed to make a living for myself and family I was often met with the discomforting feeling that there was more life to live than the 9-5 hustle and bustle and more freedom to flourish than the weekend given. It came to the point where I would have to physically push myself out of the bed just to go to work and execute my duties. Even with having this taunting discomfort I excelled in my role in the corporate world.

Taking the risk and betting on myself would come at a “untimely” time in my life. It was a normal day of “mechanical” routine heading to work thinking of how my day would play out. While being in the corporate world I still maintained the journey of entrepreneurship. I thought to myself “If I just had the time to properly execute this entrepreneur journey I’d never look back.” This would be day that before the work day was over… I’d ultimately put my money where my thoughts were!

I sat down at my desk feeling boxed in and unappreciated. I was one of the highest performers on my team yet I was not being compensated properly for the numbers I overly produced on a daily basis nor did I feel appreciated as an asset to the company. This particular day we were going over potential raises for the quarter and they offered me a 10 cent raise. I was beyond disappointed and frustrated. As tears began to fall down my face I ultimately made the decision that I had had enough of being capped and placed under a glass ceiling.

I have never walked off a place of employment but on this day that changed. I could no longer give my time, effort, or energy to someone who was not willing to properly reciprocate or compensate the essence of who I am. I knew that on my own I could pay myself what I was being paid at this place of employment. I walked away from the corporate world with the intention of betting on myself.. it’s been 3 years and I haven’t looked back.

Amiana , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Being an entrepreneur has always been a part of my life’s journey one would even say my life’s purpose. I started my own baby sitting company at the age of 8 years old. Always having that desire to lead and be my own boss only became stronger as I grew older.

Founding my skincare line Pampered Luxe started from my own skincare journey as I deal with eczema. Trying all the store bought products to assist me with eczema was always short lived. This prompted me to start making my own products with all natural ingredients to see if I could maintain a longer lasting result. After successfully doing so I began to share my results in hopes to also assist other people who shared the same skin struggles. This process escalated to providing not only products for eczema but for all skincare concerns in one’s journey like acne, dark circles under the eyes, and the desire for glowing skin just to name a few.

Our skin is the largest organ on our body so it absolutely matters what we are indulging in. I wanted to be part of the solution for not only myself but for others while helping regain back that confidence some may have lost due to skin issues and concerns. I currently have 30 products to assist for a healthy skincare journey.

I didn’t set out to be labeled as an influencer but as I shared my skincare journey along with my life’s journey I seemed to fit the description! I honestly believe that the things we go through and grow through in life is meant for other people, we just have to be bold enough to share our own testimonies and journey! I started out sharing my own story through writing. I have a lifestyle blog that gives me the space and opportunity to be transparent and even vulnerable at times to tell my experiences in my own way. My lifestyle blog can be found at amianamonik.com.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I believe in this digital world that we live in… networking is still KING. I’ve built my audiences on my platforms across social media mainly by in person networking and interaction. Building an audience solely from social media although doable is hard. Attending networking events and optimizing my presence as a vendor in other events has been a solid foundation for me.

I would encourage anyone who’s looking to build an audience on social media to join groups on Facebook that frequently promotes networking events and gatherings. Once you’ve joined the group I would encourage you to go for it! It may be scary for some just starting out but this avenue is not only a way to gain an audience but it is also a way to increase your confidence! The more you are in the room the more you will realize you are meant to be there.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Aside of vendor events, the most effective strategy for me has been putting myself out there. With having a physical product the best way for someone to really get the experience of your product is for them to try it.

I dedicate days to where I go out in the field and market myself and have potential customers actually try my products on site. This way they can feel how the product feels on their skin, how long lasting the fragrance is, and what it difference my product actually makes.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.amianamonik.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pamperedluxe
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/amianamonik
• Other: https://linktr.ee/amianamonik

Image Credits
Photos all took by me