We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Qiana Barnes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Qiana below.

Qiana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My mission is meaningful to me because it helps me to break generational barriers and leave behind a business that my girls could benefit from. leaving behind a legacy. My business would also helps boost confidence in others and help with self esteem/care. My mission is to also show others that no matter what there circumstances are they can do anything they put they mind too especially growning up in this era. Giving kids hope/inspirations

Qiana, 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?

my name is Qiana Barnes and I am a Cosmetologist for those who dont know i do both hair and makeup. I started doing hair at the age of 10 years old. I Remember watching my mother doing hair and i was super interested in the way she made people feel . so i started doing my friend outside in the back yard/alley of where we lived. i remember hair use to be 50 cents at the corner store lol. and so my passion grew and by the time i was a teenager i started getting into makeup. which i remember playing in my grandmas makeup and red lipstick at a young age. over the years i did hair for free all theway into my adult life. so when the pandemic hit i woke up one day and started investing into my self more and more. i started buying make up , hair products, charging for services. I provide services like braids , silk presses , dramatic makeup looks , soft glams and more . but those are just a few or many services i provide. im learning that in this business of the artistry i have to be very disciplined. discipline yes i said decipline. and what i mean is setting goals and seeing them through , not spending unnecessary money, managing your time wisely, and being consistent everyday or with just everything. now honestly sometimes it can become overwhelming, so finding balance is a must !. overall i love what i do, i love that when women and men come to to recieve services they leave defiently tna they came , with huge smiles , love and great words of encouragement. they leave feeling more confident than when they came in. and thats makes me happy because my job is done. i think whats sets me apart from others stylist is im more flexible , and i understand that life happens. i pioritize my clients needs when they come in making them feel specials , offering whatever it is that they need. i also include wash and blow drying and hair with selected styles, which most stylist dont now and days.

I can say im most proud of myself because i dont give up even in hard times. i continue to push forward and trust in god And i can also relate to all genders, young and older. and with my brand i strive to provide the best services to everyone , no one gets turnt aways from THE GLORIOUS EXPERIENCE! I TREAT EVERYONE EQUALLY

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

August 2022 as a student in cosmetology school i had to take a leave of absence due to low funds , trying to feed my family , not having a car , or enough money to pay for ubers daily . i was forced to take a step back. durnin that month i literally cried daily for a week straight , because i just need i was on the right path to following my dreams and obtain my licensed. but durning that time i grew closer to god and she showed me te way and helped me with my faith. so when september came i was able to return back to school with enough funds to travel daily, and take care of bills etc. durning that time with me having to stand still i had to learn patiences and endurance. And that made me kinda who i am today. i was also to bounce back .

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

i think the most rewarding aspect of being and artist is that you get freely express your self through your work and gain clientele. also i think being able to be in room with celebrated artists , high end business people who could potiently become your clientele. Also not giving up on your dreams help you to unlock doors and see your self differently.     

Contact Info:

• Website: thegloriousexperience.as.me
• Instagram: thegloriousexperience
• Facebook: thegloriousexperience

Image Credits
all photos were taken by me with the permission of clients