Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalia Farahmand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natalia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As a modern-day hairstylist, makeup artist and project manager, I aspire to leave a legacy that goes beyond the realms of beauty. My goal is to be remembered as more than just someone who enhances outer appearances, but as a catalyst for positive change and empowerment. For my legacy, I envision giving people hope and opportunities, a support system, innovation and an out of the box creations; one who may be hard to understand but like magic once understood.
I want to be a source of inspiration and hope for those who may be facing challenges. Through my work, I aim to empower individuals not only by enhancing their physical beauty but also by instilling confidence. I want to continue creating opportunities for individuals looking to break through the beauty industry, fostering an environment of growth and inclusivity. Whether it’s mentoring and coaching aspiring artists, collaborating with fellow professionals or championing diversity in the industry, I want my legacy to reflect a commitment to lifting others up and creating a supportive network.
To be remembered as an innovator means constantly pushing the boundaries of conventional beauty standards. I aim to stay ahead of trends, experiment with new techniques and contribute to the evolution of the beauty industry. By embracing innovation, I hope to inspire others to think creatively and fearlessly in their own pursuits. Creativity is at the heart of my legacy. I want to be known for my ability to think outside the box, creating looks that captivate and inspire. By pushing the limits of traditional beauty norms, I hope to encourage others to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves freely.
With art comes a level of mystery. My artistic process and vision often being hard to grasp at first, I aspire to be a mystery and raise unspoken questions. Once people understand the magic lying behind my creations, the depth and thought that goes to each look receives more appreciation. This element adds an extra layer of intrigue, making it memorable, insightful and inspiring.
In essence, my legacy should transcend the superficial, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and the industry. Through opportunity, support, innovation, creativity and a touch of magic, I hope to inspire others to find their own unique voice and express it unapologetically.
Natalia , 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?
I entered the beauty industry nearly two decades ago as a cosmetologist, initially focusing on providing makeup, hair and barbering services. My journey began with a passion for enhancing natural beauty and boosting individuals’ confidence through my craft. My services cater to all categories from bridal, editorial, fashion, avant-garde and even special effects. Over the years, I’ve evolved and expanded my skillset, venturing into creative direction, production, project management and event planning. The diverse range of expertise allows me to offer comprehensive contributions to various aspects of the industry.
One of the highlights of my career is the recognition I’ve received, having earned five prestigious awards throughout my journey and featured in multiple publications. My most recent accomplishment is securing my second title of Makeup Artist of the Year at the 2023 Canadian VZN Awards. This recognition not only reflects my commitment to excellence but also showcases my ability to stay at the forefront of industry standards.
Being in a competitive environment has not only driven me to excel in my personal craft but has also opened opportunities to share my knowledge and experience with other aspiring individuals. I’ve delved into competition coaching, guiding and mentoring emerging talent as they navigate the challenging aspects of the beauty industry. This coaching aspect has become a deeply fulfilling part of my journey, allowing me to contribute to the growth and success of others.
In addition to services and coaching, I take immense pride in our cruelty-free, botanical cosmetic brand. Our products have gained global recognition, reflecting our commitment to ethical beauty practices while providing luxury cosmetics to diverse clientele. The global expansion of our brand is a testament to our dedication in our belief in the universal appeal of beauty.
What sets me apart and what I want clients and consumers to know about not only me, but my brand and my work is that I’ve cultivated a multifaceted skillset. My work is not solely about transforming appearances; its about empowering individuals and fostering creativity. I am driven by a passion for excellence, continuous learning and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the world of beauty and fashion.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Managing a team in the entrepreneurial and business perspective is indeed a multifaceted challenge that demands a nuanced approach. From talent development to project management and scaling, the responsibilities are diverse and success hinges on effective leadership.
As an entrepreneur with a business background, your team is your greatest asset. Invest time in identifying and nurturing the talent within your business. Implement mentorship opportunities that empower your team members to grow both professionally and personally. Regularly assess individual strengths and weaknesses to tailor your management approach, ensuring each team member is working in a role that aligns with their skills. Clear and open communication is pivotal. Regular team meetings and check-ins can help foster a collaborative environment. Encourage feedback, actively listen and address issues promptly.
A well-informed team is more lightly to be engaged and committed to the overall vision. People management takes true mastery within the entrepreneurial journey, requiring a delicate balance of leadership, empathy and strategic thinking. This goes beyond just tasks; its about understanding the individual needs of the team. Tailor your management style to accommodate diverse working preferences, providing the necessary support for personal and professional development. Recognize and celebrate achievements, maintaining a positive and encouraging work culture.
Entrepreneurial ventures are rarely straightforward. Patience is key when faced with unexpected obstacles or setbacks. Effective people management involves promptly addressing and resolving conflict. Act as a mediator when necessary, ensuring all parties feel heard and understood is non-negotiable. Implement resolution strategies that encourage open dialogue. Maintain an around-the-clock work ethic, leading by example to instill dedication and hard work in your team. Perseverance is crucial. Acknowledge that challenges may arise, but your commitment to overcoming them will inspire you and your team to stay resilient and focused. Maintain a harmonious work environment and prevent issues from escalating.
Effective project management is the cornerstone of a successful entrepreneurial venture. Develop a robust management system that includes clear timelines, milestones and deliverables. Foster a culture of accountability, where each team member understands their role in achieving collective goals. Regularly review and adjust timelines as needed and be agile in response to changing priorities or unexpected challenges.
In essence, managing a team as an entrepreneur requires an approach that integrates talent development, effective communication, project and people management and the ability to navigate through challenges. Embrace the journey with patience, unwavering work ethic, professionalism and the perseverance needed to turn challenges into opportunities for growth.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One pivotal lesson I had to unlearn in my professional journey was the belief that charging higher rates would inevitably deter clients. This has been one of the most transformative lessons in my career realizing the significance of charging my worth and value. Initially there was a prevailing notion that setting competitive prices was the primary factor in attracting clients and a lower rate would guarantee a broader clientele. However, as I gained experience and honed my craft, I’ve come to realize that the quality of clients is far more important than the quantity and that demonstrating the true value of my services is crucial.
Early in my career, I hesitated and questioned to charge what I believed my skills were worth, fearing it may limit my client base. The turning point came when I started evaluating my unique skillset, expertise and the distinctive experience I provided to my clients. I shifted my focus from undercutting prices to showcasing the unique values I brought to the table. By emphasizing my success stories, talents and providing a value-added experience, I not only attracted the right clients fit for me and willing to pay for the quality provided, but also built a reputation that justified the rates. This was not about arbitrary numbers but about aligning my rates with the quality, expertise and results my clients could expect. I recognized that attracting the right clientele wasn’t solely about affordability. It was about appealing to clients who valued the excellence and unique aspects of my services. The outcome has been life altering, and the shift has elevated the caliber of projects I undertook.
Another lesson I had to unlearn over the years was the traditional notion that “paying dues” equated solely to enduring menial tasks, such as performing the most basic routine assistant duties. While acknowledging the importance of humility and the willingness to learn from the ground up, I also learned the necessity of avoiding a “imposter syndrome” mindset, remaining trapped in a cycle of low-value tasks without the confidence and independence to seize opportunities for growth. I came to understand that paying dues should not be synonymous with stagnation. Instead, it involves actively seeking opportunities to learn and contribute in meaningful ways.
Unlearning the beliefs comes from numerous years of trials and errors. Disrupting the myths that charging higher rates would hinder client retention and recognizing the importance of breaking free from the traditional notions were transformative lessons in my career. These shifts in mindset empowered me to showcase the value in my services, attract the right clientele for me and my business and actively contribute to my professional development in various ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.desideriobeauty.com
- Instagram: @Desideriobeauty
Image Credits
Supporting Team: Pax Ola Christina Sgro Nadia Saka Amy Suri Allysandra Cervantes Nichole Ray MuYvette Andrea Sampson Models: Mathew Baniak Carly Noad Tania Lefter Ashley Doe Sheerah Daly