Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chelsea Porter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chelsea, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Being raised by a single mother she instilled values in us early in life. She taught us the importance of skincare and always being prepared. My mother was and still is an active Mary Kay representative, so business, skin, and makeup have been apart of my life from the very beginning. Over the years I’ve worked in different fields, but was never truly happy. Each place was just a job. In 2016 I started learning more on how to do my own makeup as a creative escape from reality. In 2018 I started doing makeup on others as a hobby, but then I realized I can actually make money doing what I enjoy. In 2019 I created my and registered my LLC and have been building on it since. 2 years later in 2021 I finally took the leap of faith and went back to school to become an esthetician and learn more about makeup application. Now in 2022 I am a licensed esthetician and instructor. Growing up I had many strong, black, female educators who made me enjoy that particular subject and it wasn’t until recently that I realized my purpose was teaching through my passion which is beauty. When you look good, you feel good, so you do good. That is what I promote through my business and I want to help each person define their own definition of beauty whether it is through skin, makeup, or teaching.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Beauty has always been apart of my life. I think I was the only 13 year old at that time with a full skincare regimen. My mom has always been someone I have looked up to and when she did her makeup I would sit and watch and ask questions every single time. Throughout the years I have tried different avenues, but I always managed to end up back in the beauty industry. I knew the beauty industry was lucrative, but the opportunities that I have been presented with thus far have left me speechless. I have worked Kansas City Fashion week as an artist and as an instructor. I have been published in a few online magazines. I have inspired others to be in the beauty industry one way or another and that is what makes my heart happy. When I’m not teaching I also provide services as well because life’s best teacher is experience. I teach from the book, but also from my own challenges as well as.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2019 I created my LLC Beautifully Imperfect LLC. My first branch under my LLC was Forever Uzuri which at first was only product based. Shortly afterwards the pandemic hit and we were forced to quarantine. Now while my business was product based and doing decent, sitting in the house had me thinking how I could do more and offer more with my business. So I picked up what I learned early on in life about skin and decided to further that niche. So the end of 2020 I enrolled in esthetics school that started January 2021. I have furthered by education on skin and makeup and I share my learnings and encourage self care and the no filter effect by providing services and products.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The one thing that I have learned on this journey is that consistency is key, especially when it comes to social media. Make sure that your content is relatable and helpful. Out of sight means out of mind. Set a day to record and schedule all content for the week. If at all possible I would highly recommend hiring a social media manager. I recommend Kacey High of kacebykacebranding.com if you are ever in the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: Foreveruzuri.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/chelsdenise