We recently connected with Christina Snead and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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 have been a huge influence in my life and career. When they were alive and even after death, they have made a significant impact on how I live and what I create. It is a legacy of humbled beginnings, hard work, faith and love.

My mother was from Cebu City, Philippines. She loved the culture, the people, the food and land. Her biggest dream was to have kids that were American Citizens. She sacrificed a lot so that I would have opportunities that she could only dream of. She loved fashion and beauty, tweezing brows and blue eyeliner. I am forever motivated and inspired by her. She was love, laughter and beauty full.

My mom passed away from cervical cancer in 1997. I was 21, she was 47. I couldn’t see it then, but it was a moment that would turn my world upside down and right side up all at the same time. It was one of the scariest and hardest times of my life but it set me on a path of doing what I love. It was an early lesson that the road will take its twists and turns and I had no choice but to go along for the ride. Because of that, it gave me the motivation and courage to take risks, follow my heart and find the blessings no matter what.

Protect the water. Nourish the land. Save the trees and bees. These were the mantras from my father. I was born and raised in a tiny town called Elmdale, Kansas — current population, 55. My father was a self-employed logger, farmer and beekeeper who loved Mother Nature. He had a kind heart and always inspired me to be a helper in the world. He gave the best hugs and reminded me consistently that I could do anything if I’d just set my mind to it.

My Dad passed away from a stroke in 2006. I was 30, he was 72. Once again, the world as I knew it would collapse and I was sitting in the middle of all the rubble and grief. This time, it happened fast. He was there one minute and gone the next. It was another early reminder that life is fleeting and change is the only constant in life.

I am turning 47 this year, the same age that my Mom was when she passed away. I am very aware that there is a reason that I need to re-create myself at this very stage in my life. It marks a time that she never got to move forward from. It gives me the gratitude to grow older and a motivation to keep living my dreams – for the both of us. After all, that was her dream too.

Christina, 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?

First skin, then makeup, always brows is my mantra. I have been an esthetician, makeup artist and brow specialist for 23 years. While I was attending the Aveda Institute, my teacher commented that I was excellent at brows and I was pleasantly surprised. That moment opened a whole new door for me. Brows would become my muse, my specialty and my love.

For my style, brows shouldn’t trend. Instead, love the shape you were born with. It’s no secret that eyebrows are one of the most important features on our face. We all have different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures of brows—which means they can vary greatly, giving a distinct personality to a face. A perfectly crafted brow makes a world of difference. Whether waxing, threading or tweezing, I love to help find what shape and method works best for each client. Brow beauty is a thing and it’s my favorite.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Like for so many, the last couple of years have brought on new changes and new perspective. After being downtown for 14 years, it was time to pivot and re-create. So in August, I opened up a new studio called Berkana. It is a Beauty & Wellness Studio specializing in brows, makeup, skin and rituals— a holistic approach to skincare and self-care with a focus on well-being as a whole. It is a movement that encourages us to slow down, embrace our diversity and treat our bodies in a ritualistic and nourishing way.

Berkana represents plant life, tree energy and renewal. It is a reminder that the roots below are just as important as the blooms above. It signifies the time to reclaim rituals of beauty as a means of self-celebration and not selfishness. It is the importance of taking the time to find our rhythms and create the practices to love ourselves.

Changing direction can be unsettling, especially when you are not sure where to go. But a time to pivot is exciting and opens up the door to re-create yourself in so many ways. I’ve loved designing my new studio. I’ve been able to use my tropical wallpaper muse, Philippine shells and bring in my 1883 Kansas childhood home door. I was able to find Filipina artists to grace my walls with their art. I wanted there to be stories and intention behind everything that surrounded me.

Outside of the design, I also wanted to create a space where others can come to pause. To rest and renew. To slow down in the fast paced crazy world. I hope it can be a place where clients can feel loved and cared for and never judged.

It has also been a wonderful to be able to give back to organizations through my business. I am able to support an animal shelter and multiple national parks in honor of mother nature and her beauty. I also am a site for Ridwell, a company that takes hard to recycle items and finds a proper place for them to help keep our Earth clean.

It has been a blessing to use Berkana as a place that can give back in many ways. I look forward to seeing where this new path is leading and what doors open along the way. What dreams continue to come true.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Word of mouth is my favorite! It has been the best marketing for me, even in the big world of social media. When I was growing up, my Dad would always tell me not to be a bragger. That if I was doing what I loved and doing it well, others would brag for me. That testament has held true for me most of my life and plays a big part in how I grow my clientele. If people love what you do, they will tell others. And that’s the biggest compliment!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographer : Kristian Van Tassel https://kvt.photography Artist that created images of me as cartoon : Inha Arceo WWW.INHAARCEO.COM