We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cameran Baird. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cameran below.
Alright, Cameran thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?
I first started my apprenticeship to become an esthetician while I was in my senior year of high school. I was doing online schooling due to working three jobs at the time and doing competitive dance. My mother, Lynn, owns a hair salon called Caledonia Hair Co and has owned it for over 30 years. Thanks to her, I was able to be an apprenticeship. My original plan was to go into SFX makeup for film. I just wanted something to fall back on in case film wasn’t for me. Trying to juggle graduating school, working, and dance was a lot. At the time, I didn’t love esthetics a whole ton. I had my brain set on traveling and working on film sets. The salon also didn’t have any other esthetician’s so I had to work even harder to learn and train myself.
The more I started studying esthetics, the more I fell in love. I didn’t realize there was so many different things I could do with an esthetician license. I learned to love helping others and making them feel good about themselves. More and more clients started telling me how much they enjoy my services and presence. My focus started to shift from working on film sets to becoming an esthetician. I had finally graduated high-school two months early, finished dance, and was able to cut back on my other jobs to focus on my new passion. All of the hard work was finally paying off and my clients happiness was my reward (and still is).
One piece of advice I learned during this time in my life came from my mom. She told me no matter what I do in life, make sure I love it. I’ve always followed that advice. I believe in working hard towards what makes you happy. I never dread going to my job. I absolutely love what I do and would not change a thing. While it was never intended for me to pursue an esthetics career, I found my true passion and happiness within it. For years, I never knew exactly what I wanted to do in life. My parents originally wanted me to go to collage and get a good paying job. However, the more I grew up, the more I realized collage wasn’t for me and the more I wanted to do something I loved. It was scary at time wondering if I was ever going to be able to find a job that truly made me happy.
I’ve been licensed for a little over a year now and also started to do bridal makeup. I’ve met tons of amazing people who have helped me grow and continue to learn. It’s been an insane year of growth. I’ve been able to travel, explore new places, meet new people, and grow in my career.
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’m Cameran, a licensed esthetician and makeup artist. Not many people may know what an esthetician is, so let me explain. An esthetician is someone who is licensed to perform treatments and services related to the skin and beauty. My goal is to help others with certain skin concerns, help teach and educate, and make people feel confident in themselves. My most poplar service is facials which are performed monthly to assist the skins health. I also perform brow and lash services for those wanting to change up their look. Lastly, I’m also a makeup artist. I primarily do bridal makeup and travel for weddings.
I love being able to help others and make them look and feel their best. Seeing results and reactions make my day. I would not change a thing about what I’m able to do for a career.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
One misconception about the beauty industry is that you’re going to have a full clientele right out of schooling. the reality is that it can take years before you have your books full. One thing I found that brings clients back to be is your personality and presence. My clients have told me they apprentice how professional I am and how they’re able to confined in me about things. I never make my clients feel less and I give them real and honest expectations. I always make sure my clients feel welcomed into my space and that I’ll take care of them.
Another thing I’ve noticed that has helped my business is having a social media presence. This is important for showcasing your work and getting your name out there for others to see. I’m able to share results, tips, and more to not only my clients but many others. Many people use social media which makes it a very powerful tool for growing your business.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
While I can’t think of any specific videos or books, I can say that who you surround yourself around is huge. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room,”. I follow this quote all the time. Since starting my career, I have met some amazing business owners who have shared important insight with me. In order to grow and learn more, we got to be willing to take that leap of faith and grow out of our shell. Sometimes it’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but you’ll never grow. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I have grown a ton as a person by stepping out of my zone.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cambaesthics
- Facebook: cambaesthetics
Image Credits
@cambaesthetics