We were lucky to catch up with Gena Tinsley recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gena , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I love this question for so many reasons. I feel like I am the embodiment of what an entrepreneur really is. I’ve been involved in the hair industry since I was 18 so I’ve always made money wherever I went from doing hair. I can honestly say I’ve never been a 9-5 woman because I have tried so many different jobs and every time I worked for an establishment that wasn’t my own I always felt like I was wasting my time and I always had a feeling that angered my soul to the core when I worked a job that would eventually make me leave. My last job was last year in 2022. I worked for a retail clothing store making $10 an hour. Every day I clocked in it felt like pieces of my soul was being ripped out of me (sounds a little dramatic but it’s true). I would have thoughts about the high paying jobs paying 20+ an hour and I can make that in 5 minutes at one of my events selling my own products. One day, I got so fed up because the store was exceptionally busy that day and I had to pick up after people who completely had no respect for the ones working there so I left on my first 15 minute break. When I left the parking lot I saw “0111” on a random license plate (111 symbolizes new beginnings in numerology) and I swore to myself from that moment on I was going to figure it out by any means necessary.
What I’ve learned in my experience of being an entrepreneur is that if I truly want it, it’s up to me to make it happen. I can only describe this feeling to being FREE. Free of being on other peoples time and pressures to fall to in line. I’m breaking the mold and it’s scary and exciting all at once but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. I would very much rather chase my dreams and live in all of my passions than go to work and I am here to inspire others to do the same. I feel like this moment in time is specifically for creatives to express themselves in their most authentic ways. I’ve been chosen to forge a path that’s been less traveled so that I may be able to set examples for everyone who needs it.
Overall, my conclusion on choosing to follow your dreams/passions is that having the talent isn’t enough. Consistency in your work ethic and dedication to your mission plays a huge part in how far you’re going to go. You’re also going to have to unlearn pretty much everything before you can even start to build your foundation. I also recommend attending local networking events to start building your connections with other creatives in your community. Give yourself grace because the process isn’t the easiest but nothing great ever comes easily.
Gena , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello everyone! I’m Gena aka GenaTheMagician. I got my start in the hair industry when I was a teenager offering my services to everyone I came across. In 2021 I started my own beauty company SilentWatersBeautyCo LLC because I wanted to bring wellness into the hair business. I have realized throughout my time styling, the various products I used were not always the healthiest and I wanted to provide an effective alternative solution to that problem. The products I provide range from whipped Shea butter & body wash collections to hair growth oils and shampoos and various types of conditioners and I plan on expanding it to so much more! What I feel the most proud of is the change I make in my customers quality of life. The products you use everyday are so important and my intention is to provide luxury quality an affordable price. I’ve had people come tell me their specific issue whether it’s been their children experiencing extremely dry skin to scalp issues and I create solutions for the
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes there’s actually a few goals and reasons that are important inspirations for my creative journey. The main purpose is to provide the best resources and outlets for my children and myself. I was blessed to have 3 beautiful children who were born with so many gifts and they’re extremely talented in drawing and painting. Watching them grow and develop those gifts has inspired me to nurture my own creativity and talent’s because I am their inspiration as well. It’s all so beautiful honestly.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I feel the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the impact I make with my creations. The results my customers have had are always positive and the gratitude I receive for doing what I do is unmatched. I really put in so much healing intentions and to see them actually work and improving the quality of so many lives definitely makes me want to do more. I also love making music that touches people’s souls. I really enjoy putting great energy into everything that I do because the results and feedback makes me feel like everything that I’m doing is for a real purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SilentWatersBeauty.co
- Instagram: @silentwatersbeautyco
- Facebook: SilentWatersBeautyCo LLC