We were lucky to catch up with Cierra Graham recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cierra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I went to cosmetology school after praying at a job I hated. I asked God to make it plain on what he wanted me to do and the next day I saw and heard multiple Empire Beauty School ads. I never wanted to do hair but I loved the beauty industry. I went and enrolled although I was only interested in esthetics I learned so much and became well rounded in my skills. Once I graduated I started looking for a salon to work in and nobody was hiring new stylists and suite rent was too expensive. So I went to work in behavioral health. Which taught me how to really read people, I learned patience, empathy, and just all around how to cater to another persons needs that I’m servicing. I still freelanced as a makeup artist while working fulltime as an AFL provider for people with cerebral palsy. I later got a job at Benefit Cosmetics and fell in love with hair removal and eyebrows. Still being able to work as a makeup artist I began learning how to merge all of my skills to make sells. I learned the business side of business seeing how to calculate daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals. It showed me how to be successful by planning. Organizing products keeping up with inventory. Working retail at the brow bar sharpened my skills and made me use my gift of gab to my advantage as well as help others because I knew they needed what I had to offer. Unfortunately retail was never my favorite thing but, I knew I needed the lessons to open my own business. Covid hit and I was laid off so I decided to branch out and I got a job at a salon being a commissioned stylist. It didn’t last long because I wasn’t making enough because the salon percentage was 52% leaving me with nothing to live off of. I began to travel more for makeup jobs to make ends meet and finally parted ways and rented out a suite for a 2 years. I closed my business because I felt like I needed to learn more to be able to add more services that were more consistent. So I prayed again for Hod to give me a sign on what I needed to do because I was making money to just pay bills and I was drowning. God told me to close and I felt defeated but I obeyed.
I started working and European Wax Center because a lot of my clients kept asking me about body waxing but it wasn’t something I’ve done before. I was only experienced with facial waxing. I was hired and gave myself a time limit of when I would work there. Meanwhile still being a traveling makeup artist. I surpassed my own expectations and because a high level waxer within months. My returning clients percentage stayed above 72% as well. I continued to pay for course while working to learn better techniques because it became difficult working as such a fast pace and I wanted to still be efficient. I started becoming burnt out with the work load and time limits. I felt like a robot. I studied all of the backend of the business and finally took the leap to find a suite. I found the perfect place! Downtown Greensboro a location I’ve always wanted. I saved all my tips I made and invested it into my business. I made wishlists and my clients surprised me with all of their support. Now here I am 10 years later but I’m finally doing what God called me to do in my own space. I’m living proof that No matter how long it takes Gods timing is always perfect. Things may not make sense in the moment but in the end it all comes together and makes the end perfect.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Cierra Graham. I am a licensed cosmetologist but I’m a Soft Glam Makeup Artist and Waxing Specialist.

I’ve been licensed for over a decade. I’ve serviced celebrities, business owners, everyday women and men, and internet socialites.

I got into the industry after leaving College my junior year and working a job that I wasn’t happy with. I just didn’t feel fulfilled. I felt like I was suppose to be doing more than what I was doing. I asked God to show me what he wanted me to do and after that prayer I repeatedly saw Empire Beauty School ads and from there I chased my purpose.

I’m very unique because I worked in behavioral health for 5 years so I very gentle and empathetic. My clients always feel safe and relaxed with every service I provide. I’m fun and witty so it’s never a dull moment and I allow people to forget about their problems while they’re with me. All while staying on time and being detailed with my work to make sure they have great results. My main goal is to never let anyone leave the same way they came but in a better space to take on the world with confidence.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I am amazing:

I had to keep telling myself I am good enough. Childhood traumas of a parent leaving made me always feel like I had to go above and beyond to please people and that would make them stay. So when I’d lose a client, get cheated, or had a no show. I’d take it very hard. I’d start over analyzing my work and thinking I wasn’t good enough and that’s why they didn’t choose me for the job. People would try to low ball me and I would be afraid to tell people how much my services were.

But in my therapy sessions doing the work to heal that little girl with abandonment issues I learned how to see myself for the amazing artist that I am. I learned that everyone isn’t my customer and that’s ok. People that value my work and what I’m doing will support me.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Since my business was really new I already had in my mind that I may not get the funding I desired. I just knew I was a hard worker and I’m favored by God so it would be alright. I applied for every grant I found that went along with my business. I was awarded 2 grants. I saved money from my jobs, my tips, and i also worked DoorDash during my spare time. I wanted it and I knew nobody knew how important this was to me. I never made excuses I just put my hand to the plow and got to work.

Contact Info:

• Website: Grahamsofglam.com
• Instagram: @GrahamsOfGlam
• Facebook: Facebook.com/GrahamsOfGlam