We were lucky to catch up with Kierah Darling recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kierah , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

When I attended cosmetology school I remember telling my classmates that one day I hoped to be able to do hair and makeup for weddings and special events, even right out of cosmetology school I would watch fellow Michigan artists doing it and wishing that I could too, until one day I was like I should take the leap, and so I did.I think that was the biggest “risk.”Going for it no matter what and not looking back. I think fear can hold us back from taking a step towards a goal or dream but as one of my best friends always says “There’s no growth in your comfort zone” and I really live by that. Taking that leap has opened so many doors for me that I could’ve never imagined, Amazing people I have met, Amazing experiences, and so much more. I am so glad I made the decision to just go for it!

Kierah , 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?

My name is Kierah, I specialize In wedding hair & makeup as well as special event hair & makeup. I honestly got into the industry because I have been around all things beauty since I was little, spending a lot of time in salons and watching my aunt and mom who are also fellow cosmetologists. I started doing my own hair and makeup as soon as I got my hands on products. While some of the looks I have done have been intriguing to say the least, Throughout the years I have taken more of a route of thinking what does beauty really mean to me and how can I best convey that to others?

I feel like my journey with hair and makeup has played a huge part in how I have molded my business and the ideals I wanted others to take away from having an experience with me. Growing up I had moments of feeling not as visually pretty if I didn’t have my hair styled or a full face of makeup on and most people looking from the outside may see beauty comes from having your hair and makeup done, but to me it has always been much more than that. It truly starts from within and I feel that has been a true blessing for me to have been able to shift the ways that many of my clients have seen themselves for so long. While I absolutely love a full coverage glam look I am really attracted to natural skin like makeup. This has been a big breakthrough for me and the clients I have had because I believe it has shown them that you can still wear minimal makeup while having a full glam effect visually. I think the same goes with hair. I have been able to craft and mold all types of hair textures and hair densities, I often hear “ I wish I could do this at home” and it’s important for me to leave each person with tips on how to create a voluminous or sleek look at home. Giving someone a tip to take home but also reaffirming to them that they are truly beautiful no matter what enhancement I can do is really the foundation of what my business is built on, Which I am so proud of. There is so much to take away from having a beauty service but the most important thing is how did you make that person feel? That’s what I would want any potential client to know is that this is more than hair and makeup, It’s a self pep talk, Positive affirmations, And an empowering moment for you to feel great!

I know I have truly done a good job when I have guests leave their appointment with me saying “I feel so confident” “ I see myself in a different perspective now” “Thank you for making me feel so beautiful” “I need to do this more often for myself”
It’s really a self care journey along the way!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I absolutely love self help and business strategy related books. One book that was recommended to me from my counselor was a book named Profit first by Mike Michalowicz. Reading that book for me was a really big aha moment because it made me realize that there is a simplified way to run your business especially from an accounting standpoint and It may just take a few adjustments. Often times especially when starting a business there’s a lot to look at in terms of how are you gonna run the backend end of your business. I think this is a great book that takes away the overwhelm and actually keeps more profit in your business.

Another great book I read that has played a role for me in business is Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz.
This book talks a lot about perspective and shifting your mindset. Manifestation plays a huge part in achieving goals and I think this book nails it when talking about that. It gives you different accounts and stories from people and how adjusting their mindset or visualizing a new outcome changed the way they went about life and it has been incredibly influential for me. It has helped me keep that inspired momentum and shifted from thinking something is a negative and more something to overcome that leads to positivity.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I think the most effective strategy honestly has just been remaining true to myself and my business model. Through showing up for others and being myself is what I believe has grown my clientele the most because it has blessed me with word of mouth.
The feeling of something being gimmicky is not something I personally strive for, I definitely thrive off of human connection and that in turn brings me more people to connect with.

I also believe connecting and networking with other people in your field and going to events, classes, shows, is another way, because the best way to grow is to also have good connections with people in your industry.

Being professional, understanding, building a look or brand that others can easily recognize you by, also being very sanitary and prompt have been key for growing my clientele as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kdarlingbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdarlingbeauty/profilecard/?igsh=em53a2oydDlzbHY5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/ZyrYKVE3pBAMvC4k/?mibextid=LQQJ4d