We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raina Love. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raina below.
Raina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Being successful takes focus, drive, determination, educating yourself for the success you want. When I separated from my ex husband who was physically abusive I focused on wanting to take my cosmetology career to the next level. I finally left the south and came back up north. Before I left I made sure to create my portfolio with local models, photographers and stylist. Once that was done I headed to NYC with my 3 sons in tow. My first celebrity: tv gig was “Love & Hip Hop.” I had my mom there to support me, she was my village in helping me get to the position I needed to get back on my feet so I can take care of myself and my 3 sons.
Raina , 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?
I got into the industry 24 years ago in NYC. I graduated from LIBS which is now Empire Beauty School. While there I became an apprentice at Cheryl “Salt” James of the rap duo, Salt & Pepa, hair salon “First Impression.” I learned how to do hair there for real! We didn’t have social media. Everything was word of mouth or doing photo shoots with hair models for hair magazines. That’s how it was back then. And we used flyers. I was busy once I got good. I left NYC & came back in 2012. From there I was focused on being a celebrity hairstylist. I wanted to do television,bridal film & editorial. Today I am doing all of that. I am a freelance artist, I’ve done hair and makeup for the likes of Bethneney Frankel. I was her hairstylist on her last two season of “Real Housewives of NEW YORK.” I’ve also worked with Lisa Rinna and her daughters. I’ve been on episodes of RHONY & RHOBH. I’ve also worked as a hairstylist for Ana Navarro, makeup for Star Jones, did male grooming for Adidas starring A$AP twellvy, Lucky Daye just to name a few. makeup artist at FOX News. I recommend you stay the course, stay focused, network, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Have some self-respect. Don’t share your goals with dream killers. Keep your mouth shut, talk to God, to yourself, get a mentor, As a matter of fact get a book, write down your goals and SLAY AWAY!!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I built my social media following off of friends and people who knew me, first. Despite what others may say I have never had an issue with people that knew me already not supporting me. These are some of the childhood friends that have flown me out to D.R to do makeup for their weddings, bridal showers and baby showers. I’m blessed! Every time I met someone in my field I made sure to connect with them thru email, phone and also social media. I gained clients thru social media and continue to do so with my content and word of mouth. I can have a lot more followers by now , so I’m choosing to focus on my Instagram and TikTok growth.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
I don’t have a partner. I am the business partner. Why? Because I can only rely on me to get things done in a timely and orderly fashion. I would love to meet someone who is serious about partnering up with me & they be as consistent and dedicated as I am.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theglamourbox?igsh=MXF2dWhqdWJpcHJqOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/LmiXzZjPWZj4BUsB/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
