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

Alright, Waverly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I’m from a large Christian family and faith has always been a driving force behind what I do. Regarding faith, my parents have shown me how to have faith and also how to be faithful to the people and things I love. As an example, my parents were hoping to build a home and my mom was doubtful that the interest rate would be low enough to create the home they wanted for their family. My father, being a man of great faith, told her to never doubt what God can do for them. As a child, I distinctively remember walking into the home while it was being built and looking at the framework. That’s what God did.

In addition, I like to say I get my strong work ethic from my Father. He’s always been a consistent, driven, honest type of man that cares deeply for his family and his love is evident in how he showed up for me and my sisters. My mother demonstrated how to be responsible people, specifically to others, ourselves, and our work, diligence in paying bills, and keeping the house in order. They both showed us love, support, and how to not limit ourselves in what we desire to have in life.

That’s what they did right!

Waverly, 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 fell into makeup artistry in 2010 and have made 14 years, in the beauty industry. 4 years ago I made the transition to semi-permanent services and I have loved every second of helping women and men regain a sense of normalcy to their lives through brows, and hairline microblading,

Becoming a small business owner was not originally a goal of mine, as I often struggled with my purpose in life. However, after working with MAC Cosmetics for nine years, my passion for makeup artistry and providing each client with a personalized touch that helped them feel like the best version of themselves gave me a business vision I was passionate
about bringing to life. This vision came with a desire for more autonomy and creativity, which led me to take a leap of faith and establish my own business, Waverly McSwain Beauty. Starting my business, I knew that the makeup industry was oversaturated, and I had to offer unique products and services. Yet, I saw an opportunity to provide unique semi-permanent makeup services to not only enhance women’s natural beauty and well-being but also address a specific need for both men and women experiencing hair loss due to health-related illnesses.

My goal was to provide services that would not just make my clients look beautiful temporarily but also boost confidence and empower them. Starting a small business was challenging, of course. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and long hours of hard work, but through perseverance, faith, a clear vision, and a support system, I overcame obstacles and turned my dream into a reality. As a small business owner, I feel fulfilled knowing that I am pursuing my passion and contributing to the greater good. My business is more than just a means to make a living—it reflects my values, creativity, and
commitment to making a difference in the lives of my clients and the community.

What makes me proud of my business is its profound impact on my clients’ lives. I have remained steadfast in my commitment to never compromise on the quality of care and beauty products for my clients, which is evident when they leave feeling like the best version of themselves and continue to schedule services with me.

My biggest accomplishment to date is the positive transformation I have witnessed in my clients, who leave feeling empowered, confident, and beautiful. An example is one of my clients who lost her hair around the edges due to tension alopecia. She entered my business very self-conscious about her appearance and hair after wearing wigs for years to conceal her baldness. However, after undergoing the hairline microblading procedure, I immediately saw a positive transformation in her attitude and sense of self. While this is just one example, the smiles on my clients’ faces and the stories of newfound self-assurance and self-love are incredibly rewarding and a source of accomplishment for me as well. Knowing that I have played a part in helping them feel like the best version of themselves drives me to continue making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, before starting your small business, go to your Small Business Association and build a rapport with them. They can help you best to navigate the small business world when it comes to funding for your business. You definitely need to work with a financial advisor as soon as you can to set yourself up for success. Know that you will need start up funds, and funds to scale your business. Stay in faith and work your connects.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Books such as, Profit First by Mick Michalowicz, amazing and thoughtful book that shows you have to separate your business finances and pay yourself first so you won’t feel the pitfalls of entrepreneurship.

Bold & Courageous: Candace Junee Armour, wonderful book that speaks to faith and how to show up for yourself daily by acknowledging God and walking in your authority.

These two books have helped shaped my mind in walking in my authority as a creator and how to ensure my finances work best for me and the business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.waverlymcswainbeauty.com
• Instagram: waverlymcswain
• Facebook: Waverly McSwain
• Linkedin: Waverly McSwain
• Yelp: Waverly McSwain Beauty
• Other: Tiktok: WaverlyMcSwain

  Podcast; Bouj and Rouge (Fall 2024)
  Google: Waverly McSwain Beauty

Image Credits

Booker Johnson
@Influencerscreate