Shows
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 290: From Undocumented Immigrant To Celebrity Makeup Artist - Shennel Patrick [REWIND]On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m bringing back one of our most inspiring rewind conversations with Shennel Patrick, also known as Nelli — a powerhouse Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, Content Creator, and Serial Creative. ✨Nelli’s artistry goes far beyond makeup brushes and palettes. She is deeply committed to beauty as a holistic practice — mind, body, and spirit. Her mission is to help women connect their natural love for beauty to their spiritual healing and emotional wellness, while honoring the true essence of Black women in beauty.Her journey is nothing s...
2025-10-011h 30Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 289: Communicating Your Value & Unlocking Massive Opportunities - Crystal Wright [REWIND]On this REWIND episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome back the legendary Crystal Wright—a true powerhouse for freelance beauty professionals. Known as the “Industry Bible” author and founder of The Crystal Agency, Crystal has spent 25+ years opening doors for photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, and fashion stylists to work with A-list celebrities and top global brands.But this episode goes far beyond career talk. Crystal gets deeply personal, sharing:✨ How she found love and met her husband online✨ Her silent battle with cancer and the resilience it built✨ Her journey of redefining...
2025-09-241h 50Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 288: The Most Overlooked Member Of Your Money Team - Danielle Hayden [REWIND]On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m joined by Danielle Hayden, Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. Danielle and her team are on a mission to help six-figure (and beyond) women entrepreneurs finally take control of their numbers through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and strategic support so they can grow profitable, sustainable, and enjoyable businesses.With over 15 years of experience in finance, Danielle has climbed the ranks from accounting firm intern to leading one of the most trusted bookkeeping and accounting firms for women in business. She knows firsthand how overwhelming busi...
2025-09-171h 02Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 287: Artificial Intelligence Meets Beauty Brilliance - Joy Fennell [REWIND]This week on the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations with Joy Fennell. Joy is a fashion enthusiast turned tech innovator, with over 20 years in the industry as a sought-after Makeup Artist and later as a creative director. Now, she’s pioneering the use of AI, AR, and 3D design to push fashion and beauty into new digital dimensions.In our chat, we dive into how AI is reshaping the beauty industry, whether it threatens jobs, and what the future might look like for beauty professionals. Joy also shares her pass...
2025-09-101h 12Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 286: Transforming Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In The Beauty Industry [REWIND]On this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Maude Okrah Hunter to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Maude is an entrepreneur who is passionate about bringing solutions to underserved markets. She has over 12 years of experience working in strategy with startups and Fortune 500 companies. She is the Founder and CEO of BBR (Black Beauty Roster). Black Beauty Roster is a digital DE&I platform that connects the TV, Film & Editorial world with hairstylists and makeup artists trained in textured hair and darker complexions while also increasing education around textured hair and darker complexions to the...
2025-09-0334 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 285: 💔 Burnout, Boundaries & Beauty: Why I’m Taking a Break - Akua RobinsonOn this week’s solo episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m keeping it real with you. This is my last episode before I take a much-needed pause, and I want to share why.I’m opening up about what burnout really feels like as a beauty pro and entrepreneur, and why it’s so important for us to prioritize our health for longevity in this industry. From setting and honoring boundaries with clients, to living in Washington, DC during such a tense political climate, to processing the weight of world news in Gaza, Sudan, and Liby...
2025-08-271h 00Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 284: How To Launch A Standout Beauty Brand With A Limited Budget (Beauty Marketing Secrets) - Teneya Gholston | Texture CrushFormer Senior Director of Marketing at Creme of Nature, Beauty Marketing Strategist, and Founder of Texture Crush + Gholston Strategy Group — Teneya Gholston is not your average beauty professional. She’s led marketing strategies for powerhouse brands like Revlon, Lottabody, and Arosci, and is best known for revitalizing the iconic Creme of Nature brand within Black beauty culture.In this episode, Teneya shares her incredible journey from the salon chair to the corporate boardroom and now as a founder. We dive into how she leveraged her skills as a licensed cosmetologist and corporate strategist to build a career that...
2025-08-201h 36Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 283: From Facing 65 Years to Life To CEO of Glamazon Beauty - Kim Baker’s BreakthroughToday marks Kim Baker’s third visit to the show—because her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and transformation. From facing a chilling sentence of 65 years to life, Kim emerged to become a pioneering plus-size model with Wilhelmina, working alongside icons like Kevyn Aucoin and Way Bandy. She went on to launch Glamazon Beauty, a brand that celebrates inclusive beauty. Now, her story is moving in front of the camera: she’s developing a major film about her journey—one that’s just as inspiring, hard-hitting, and cinematic as her life itself.We Chatted About:...
2025-08-131h 11Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 280: Everything You’re Doing Wrong with Your Locs | Tips from a Master Loctician - Emily PrinceIn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m sitting down with Emily Prince, Founder of the luxury loc studio Privacy Parlor, to talk about what it really means to take up space as a beauty pro. We cover everything from grieving while running a business, to the emotional labor of being a Black woman in the beauty industry, to why locs are still not fully included in mainstream beauty conversations. Plus, Emily shares the biggest mistakes people make with their locs—and how to avoid them.🌿 Topics We Cover:Taking up space...
2025-07-231h 06Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 279: How to Build an Award‑Winning Skincare Brand - Dimitra DavidsonWhat does it really take to build a multi-million dollar skincare brand from scratch—without outside investors?In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m joined by Dimitra Davidson, co-founder of Indeed Labs—the clean beauty brand behind viral hits like Nanoblur and pH-In Skin, the world’s first microbiome-certified acne solution.Dimitra shares how a personal skin issue turned into a mission, how she bootstrapped the brand into global retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart and Boots, and the smart decisions that gave her real financial freedom as a founder.You’ll a...
2025-07-161h 09Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 278: ‘Two‑Eyed Seeing’ & Indigenous Pride: Jenn Harper’s Cheekbone Beauty JourneyOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m joined by Jenn Harper, the trailblazing Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty—an Indigenous-owned, B-Corp certified beauty brand that’s redefining what it means to be sustainable and socially conscious in the beauty industry.We dive into how her grandmother’s resilience after residential schools shaped the brand; the Seven Grandfather Teachings in every step—and how she’s redefining representation and sustainability on a global stage. We also talk about:✨The dream that sparked her journey✨Building a clean, ethical br...
2025-07-091h 07Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 277: Leaving Corporate to Build a Beauty Empire | Masktini Founder Olga ParnoIn this episode, I’m joined by Olga Parno, Founder and CEO of Masktini, a clean skincare brand that’s redefining what self-care looks—and smells—like. After leaving behind a successful career in corporate finance, Olga launched Masktini with the mission to empower women through indulgent, effective, and intelligent beauty.We chat about:Her leap from Wall Street to skincareLaunching a business while raising a newbornClean beauty vs. clinical effectivenessStaying grounded in motherhood and entrepreneurshipHow Masktini gained attention from Vogue, ABC News, and PopS...
2025-07-021h 12Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 271: How I Build Strong Relationships in the Beauty Industry - Akua RobinsonIn this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I build authentic, lasting relationships in the beauty industry (and beyond). After attending 6 events in the last month—3 beauty-related and 3 not—I’m sharing my exact strategy for making the most of the room, connecting with the right people, and following up so those connections actually mean something.I’ll walk you through:My favorite hack for remembering people after eventsThe power of participating and being seenHow I follow up within 48 hours and offer valueWhy being cons...
2025-05-2124 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 270: How to Build a Pro Makeup Kit on a Budget | Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty - Akua RobinsonIn today’s episode of Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty, I’m answering a heartfelt letter from New Brush on the Block—a beginner makeup artist who’s eager to build a professional kit but feels overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up with seasoned pros and expensive products.If you're just getting started and wondering how to build a makeup kit on a budget, where to invest first, and how to show up confidently with what you have—this episode is for you! I’m breaking down kit-building essentials, mindset shifts, and reminding you that professional...
2025-05-1427 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 266: Movement Over Moment: Building a Lasting Beauty Brand - John Mosley - The Popular NobodyIn this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we're joined by John Mosley, a.k.a. The Popular Nobody — a powerhouse in the barbering world known for his humility, authentic brand, and elite client list including Kendrick Lamar, Idris Elba, Larenz Tate, and major pro sports organizations.John shares how he went from behind the chair to working with top-tier celebrities, building a movement, and becoming NAHA’s Educator of the Year. We talk about the story behind his iconic name, the key to attracting high-profile clients, and why authenticity is the ultimate strategy for building a lo...
2025-04-161h 10Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 262: Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty: My Client Left Me For Another MUA! - Akua Robinson🚨 MAKEUP ARTIST DRAMA ALERT! 🚨Imagine this—you’ve been loyal to your client for years, only to find out they went behind your back and booked another MUA… who just so happens to be your friend! 😳In today’s Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty episode, we’re diving into a letter from "Beat & Betrayed," a Makeup Artist who got blindsided when her long-time client switched artists without saying a word. Instead of dwelling on the drama, I’m giving her REAL advice on how to professionally handle the situation and make a powerful mindset shift that could transform her b...
2025-03-1919 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 257: The #1 Reason I Stay Consistent In My Beauty Business - Akua RobinsonOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast you get me all to yourself and we’re talking about your favorite topic…CONSISTENCY!Consistency is the secret sauce to success, but let’s be real—it’s not always easy to show up every day. In this episode, I’m sharing the#1 reason I stay consistent in my beauty business, even when I don’t feel like it.Spoiler alert: It’s bigger than me.Over the years, I’ve built something that people rely on—a podcast, a community, a space for beauty pros to lea...
2025-02-1229 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 255: The Life of A Hair Stylist: Balancing Beauty, Wellness, and Lifestyle - Erika EvansOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Erika Evans to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Over 25 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry led Erika (EJE) to have worked with a range of everyday women, and executives, celebrities and models.
After seeing chemical damage, stressed and over processed hair, to thinning hair and hair loss, EJE noticed clients were losing self-confidence. She found that women's wellness in general was lacking due to work demands, schedules and raising families. These challenges resulted in the consumption of more fast and processed foods, pr...
2025-01-291h 44Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 241: BeautyPro Funnels Is The All-In-One Solution for Makeup Artists - Tiyana RobinsonOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome my #friendinbeauty Tiyana Robinson to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Tiyana is an award-winning Washington DC-based Professional Makeup Artist and Founder of Makeup Mogul University, where she teaches Makeup Artists and Freelance Beauty Pros. To date, she has coached and mentored thousands of Artists on 3 continents and online.
Tiyana was voted as DC’s Top Makeup Artist by City Paper and her work as a Makeup Artist growth coach has been featured in Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur.com, and Essence Magazine. In 2020 she was incl...
2024-10-231h 22Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 239: Why I Quit My Job To Become A Full Time Makeup Artist - Akua RobinsonOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast you get me all to yourself. I have so many new supporters on all of my platforms but I don’t think I do a good job of continuously sharing my story with you.
Unless you have been a part of my journey from the beginning you probably have no clue how I got into makeup, what kind of job I had before I was a Makeup Artist, and the reason why I decided to go full time as a Makeup Artist. It has been 11 years sinc...
2024-10-0922 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 237: How The House Of Flawless Is Thriving On TikTok Shop - Alores NorrisOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Alores Norris to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. After 11 years of being a stay-at-home mom and a military wife, A'Lores decided to go out into the beauty world and start her own makeup company. House of Flawless started with just a few lipstick colors she would mix in her kitchen, and it grew into a small beauty empire within 2 years.
In 2016 she became the first black woman to open a cosmetic store in Simpsonville SC, and the store carried brands such as Amazing Cosmetics, Juvia's Pl...
2024-09-251h 12Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 232: The Hair Education Beauty Summit (HEBS) Is Shaking Up The Industry - Nicole ShulerOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast Nicole Shuler to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Nigerian born, Nicole is the CEO & Founder of PureO Natural Products, LLC, a hair care company offering all-natural hair and skincare products nationwide. Nicole is also the founder of the Hair Education Beauty Summit (HEBS).
She identified common challenges within the beauty community and was inspired to address them. Frustrations with limited education opportunities, inspiring presentations, and a lack of connection among professionals motivated her to craft an immersive experience aimed to revolutionize the beauty industry. From cap...
2024-08-211h 22Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 231: Your Circumstances Don't Determine Your ValueOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I have a special treat for you because it’s JUST ME!
It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to catch up with you so I stopped by for a little pep talk + words of encouragement and to share my newfound passion for grants. This was a quick episode but it has a special message for someone. It may be YOU, so tune in and let me know.
Also, today is the big day that Glamazon Beauty launches on HSN so s...
2024-08-1420 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 228: Makeup Department Head Of ‘Thelma’ On Creating Character-Driven Looks - Desiree FalconOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Desiree Falcon to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Desiree has been a part of the beauty industry for over ten years. As a Southern California Native, she has worked on various projects across the world, from Los Angeles to New York and Mumbai.
Her freelance career has taken her through all aspects of makeup, from film, television, runway, red carpet, theater, special occasions, and events. As a licensed esthetician in the state of California, she understands the importance of skin health and only uses...
2024-07-241h 17Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 227: From Undocumented Immigrant To Celebrity Makeup Artist -Shennel PatrickOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Shennel Patrick to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Shennel, better known as Nelli, is a Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, Content Creator and a Serial Creative whose vision extends far beyond the palette.
Nelli's commitment to her Artistry is total - MIND, BODY + SPIRIT… She believes her purpose is to help women connect their inherent love for Beauty to their Spiritual Healing + Emotional Wellness. Nelli is fiercely passionate + intentional about creating Beauty that speaks to the true essence of Black Women.
Through a uniq...
2024-07-171h 29Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 225: How The Glist App Helps Clients Find & Book You - AvistaOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Avista Ortiz Bari to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Avista is the Founder of the Glist App. Glist is empowering vetted beauty professionals (hair, makeup, nail, and spray tanning artists) with a tool to list their services easily and for clients to quickly search, find, and book any beauty experience where a vetted freelance artist comes to a client’s location of choice.
As a freelance Makeup Artist herself, Avista found the need to create this tool to manage all indi...
2024-07-031h 41Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 224: Former Celebrity Hair Stylist Launches Ambroise-Nourishing Hair Fragrance - Amanda AmbroiseOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Amanda Ambroise to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Amanda is a seasoned stylist who has adorned the locks of elites, graced the runways of fashion week, glamorized TV screens, and serviced many in the heart of NYC. Ambroise, renowned for its custom wigs catering to a diverse clientele, has expanded its offerings with the launch of the Nourishing Hair Fragrance. This debut hair product embodies luxury and elegance, delivering a captivating scent while nourishing hair and extensions with a blend of premium products.
Am...
2024-06-261h 10Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 222: Friends Don't Ask Friends For Discounts! - Feat. Zoey Asher + Deyana WalkerOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome my friends that I met through beauty, Zoey Asher and Deyana Walker. I wanted to do something special to commemorate my 222nd episode of the podcast so I couldn’t think of a better way than chatting it up with my girls!
You know that I always stress the importance of networking and building genuine relationships but that doesn’t only apply to business relationships. Zoey and Deyana are 2 of my closest friends that if it weren’t for being in the beauty industry, I wouldn...
2024-06-121h 46Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 221: The Most Overlooked Member Of Your Money Team - Danielle HaydenOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Danielle Hayden to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Danielle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. a bookkeeping and accounting firm that is on a mission to coach six figure (+ beyond) female entrepreneurs so they can better understand their numbers through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and support so they can grow profitable, sustainable and enjoyable businesses.
With over 15 years experience in the world of finance, Danielle has worked her way from accounting firm intern to the Co-Founder of Kickstart Accounting. She understands how...
2024-06-051h 00Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 219: Crafting A Six-Figure Beauty Business - Jewels JonesOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Jewels Jones to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Jewels is a multifaceted entrepreneur and business coach. Beginning her career as a hairstylist, she eventually established her own salon suite and later expanded into multiple successful salon ventures, including a storefront location. However, it was her passion for the business side of the industry that truly ignited her spirit. Recognizing her knack for financial planning and management, marketing, and developing systems, Jewels transitioned into the role of a business coach and mentor, driven by a desire to...
2024-05-221h 31Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 218: Breaking Beauty Norms: Ashley Williams On Natural Hair in PageantryOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Ashley Williams to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Ashley made history by becoming the first Caribbean-American, with roots in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos Island, to be named Miss Virginia USA.
With years of experience as an event coordinator, she works with government contracting executives and is grateful for the opportunity to connect our nation’s leaders. Ashley was able to combine her passion for dance with serving the community by becoming a NFL Cheerleader. Some of her favorite experiences during her three year...
2024-05-151h 04Friends in Beauty PodcastEp 217: My Pandemic Baby Turns 4, Youthforia Get Your Act Together + Dealing With Imposter SyndromeOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I we celebrate the 4 year anniversary of the Friends in Beauty Podcast with a solo episode from Your Best Friend in Beauty, Akua.
She gives a recap of the Friends in Beauty Bus Trip to the Makeup Show NYC & also talks about dealing with imposter syndrome, the Youthforia drama, and what’s next for Friends in Beauty.
Enjoy this episode!!
Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.
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2024-05-0831 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 216: Meet The Makeup Department Head For SXSW Select Film "Babes"On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Kristy Strate to the Friends in Beauty guest chair! Kristy is a bi-coastal Makeup Artist who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City.
Kristy began working in makeup at the ripe old age of 19, starting in the world of print, fashion, and advertising before moving into narrative film and TV. She began department heading very early in her film career and right away realized that she loved the process of building projects from beginning to end. Most recently, Kristy was the Make...
2024-05-011h 04Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 214: How Crazy Crave Cosmetics Was Built Out Of Grandma’s KitchenOn this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Courtney Cheatham to the Friends in Beauty guest chair! Courtney, the creative powerhouse behind Crazy Crave
Cosmetics, transforms passion into innovation. As the mastermind, she meticulously crafts each product release, shade, and website detail.
Starting her makeup journey in high school, Courtney's experimentations in her grandma's kitchen birthed the iconic glitter gloss. The overwhelming demand led her to strategic research, connecting with top manufacturers for professional-grade products. Her knack for innovation and
entrepreneurial spirit has transformed Crazy Crave Cosmetics into a r...
2024-04-171h 01Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 209: Beyond The Chair With Editorial Hair Artist Melanee WilliamsOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Melanee Williams to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Melanee is a professional Editorial Hairstylist/Artist with over 15 years of experience. As a passionate entrepreneur, Melanee has had the privilege of servicing renowned spiritual leaders, TV and radio personalities, professional athletes, major clothing designers, and a variety of other celebrities.
Her extensive portfolio has opened up the opportunity for her to travel to other countries to create hair art for major hair shows and to mentor those who embrace the same gift and imagination. She truly h...
2024-03-1345 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 205: From Battlefields to Beauty: A Veteran Mom’s Secret To Flawless SkinOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Kelyn Henry to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Kelyn is an army Veteran and devoted mom with a passion for skincare.
Frustrated by the lack of effective solutions for acne and problematic skin, she used her esthetician expertise to create a unique skincare line. Her products cater to blemish-prone, sensitive, and dry skin, loaded with natural ingredients that heal and protect without harsh chemicals.
Kelyn's dedication to helping you look and feel your best shines through in her precision and pursuit of perfection. Ex...
2024-02-141h 02
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 195: Becoming A Doctor Of Professional Cosmetology"Heal the hair and touch the soul,” is the mantra that guides the hands of award-winning Doctor of Professional Cosmetology Dr. Adrin “Seven”. His stellar signature styles have found their way to the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Essence, InStyle, Heart & Soul, Jet, Upscale, Ebony, Black Hair Sophisticates, and other leading beauty and fashion magazines. With remarkable talent, innovative skills, and undeniable charm, he has been matched by the likes of celebrities such as Patti La Belle, Lynda Carter, Lupita Nyong’o, Amy Poehler, Naomi Campbell, Gabrielle Union, Rashida Jones, America Ferrera, Chaka Khan, Debra Lee, Valerie Jarret...
2023-12-131h 16
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 189: Glam Chronicles: 30+ Years of Beauty Magic BEHIND THE SCENES With Viola Nicholson!On this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Makeup Artist & Co-Founder of Black Legends In Beauty, Viola Nicholson to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. With a career spanning 30+ years in the industry, Viola is no stranger to hard work, perseverance, and adding value to her community. Aside from operating her tool line, Brushes by Viola, she is known for coordinating the most transformative Makeup Masterclasses for some of our faves like Sam Fine, Merrell Hollis, and Reggie Wells, to name a few, that attracted hundreds of students at a time. From b...
2023-11-011h 44Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 181: Sobriety, Transformation, and Triumph - The UNBOSSING Of Allison DossOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Allison Doss to the Friends in Beauty guest chair! Allison started her hair career just 5 years ago, at the age of 42, proving it is never too late and you’re never too old to pivot and try something new and be great at it!
Because of her grit, determination and passion, she was chosen to be a Global Educator for her favorite lightening product Blonde Solutions. She has also been nominated and received Blonding awards internationally.
It’s incredibly hard to believe that from the ag...
2023-09-0950 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 169: Tea Time With Akua: The 12 Week Year, AI Revolution, The Podcast SummitOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I’m trying out something new…Let me know what you think when you see it. Also, I share how I’m refocusing on my goals after reading The 12 Week Year, how shiny object syndrome had me in a chokehold, my fascination with AI, and looking to you for suggestions on what you’d like to see on the podcast. I also tell you about manifesting the opportunity to attend the Podcast Summit, how I met David Shands & Donni Wiggins - the hosts of the Social Proof Pod...
2023-06-2132 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 158: Tea Time With Akua - Transparency In The Pursuit Of SuccessIn this episode I’m sharing my current woes. Life, business, clients, social media…everything is annoying. Let me know if you can relate. Cheers to transparency and keeping it real! Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3. info@friendsinbeauty.com FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty FOLLOW FRIENDS IN BEAUTY ON IG www.instagram.com/friendsinbeauty S...
2023-04-0525 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 156: Tea Time With Akua - Law Roach RetirementIn this episode I’m sharing my takeaways on Law Roach’s retirement from being a celebrity fashion stylist and his recent interview with The Cut by NY Magazine. I stress the importance of us prioritizing our happiness, health, mental health, friends, and family. Never be afraid to take a step back. Your authentic existence depends on it. Click here to listen to Law Roach’s interview and leave a comment to share your takeaways. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy this episode! Le...
2023-03-2226 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 153: Networking Dos & Don’tsIn this episode I share with you some dos and don’ts when it comes to networking. I know my #FriendsinBeauty start overthinking this whole process so I got you covered! Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, networking is a powerful tool for building relationships, finding new opportunities, and advancing your career. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when networking that can hinder their success. Today I’m sharing some best practices to follow and common mistakes to avoid when networking so that you feel more confident the next time y...
2023-03-0125 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 152: Manifestations Manifesting…Connections ConnectingIn this episode I share with you how I have been manifesting some exciting things into my life so far in 2023. I encourage you to set the intention, plant the seed, and watch how things start to manifest in your life when you hold the faith and trust the process. This is a episode you have to share with a friend! Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3. info@friendsinbeauty.com
2023-02-2230 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 145: The Category Is…IMPLEMENTATIONHappy New Year Friends in Beauty. We have officially entered 2023 and the category is IMPLEMENTATION. It’s time to get to work. All of the information & goals that you’ve been hoarding it’s time to put them in action. What are you focused on implementing this year? I can’t wait to see. Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3. info@friendsinbeauty.com FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK C...
2023-01-0421 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 143: [REWIND] Do This Powerful Step Before Setting Your GoalsToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I'm sharing a powerful step that you must do before setting your goals that I learned from my business coach. As you may or may not know, the 4th quarter of the year is when businesses start to reflect on the current year and plan/set goals for the upcoming year. Gone are the days of waiting until January 1st to set your goals for the New Year. Do it now (because we’re currently in the 4th quarter)! The 4th quarter is designated for...
2022-12-2115 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 141: Stick With It Until It SticksToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing and reflecting on some events from 2023 and encouraging you to let go of the shame and embrace the process of achieving your goals. We are all living in interesting times right now and I’m here to remind you that everything is going to be just fine and you will achieve your goals…as long as you continue to be consistent. Don’t forget to share with another #FriendinBeauty Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share th...
2022-12-0728 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 128: Are You A Boiling Frog?On this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I share my thoughts about change, how I manage change, and an interesting quote that I heard over the weekend that helped me put change into perspective. I invite you to share your thoughts on the corresponding post for this episode on IG, YouTube, or wherever you’re tuning in. Let’s get into it. Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3. info@friendsinbeauty.com
2022-09-0723 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 122 [REWIND]: 5 Ways To Self-Motivate Yourself During Difficult TimesToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing with you 5 Ways To Self-Motivate Yourself During Difficult Times. #FriendsinBeauty Have you been feeling unmotivated lately? Do you know that you can do more than what you’re doing and you’re just not satisfied? Join the club! This episode is just for you! As much as this year has been positively transformative for some of our #FriendsinBeauty, I’m also aware that this year has been extremely difficult for others. If you’r...
2022-07-2721 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 121: Kym Lee, CEO Of Wink N Pout, Shares Her Journey From Pre Law To A 25+ Year Career As A Celebrity MUAOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Cosmetics Entrepreneur, Kym Lee to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Kym Lee is a highly sought out National Glam and Style Influencer and has been painting beautiful faces for over 25 years. Inspired by the ability of makeup to transform and boost self-confidence from the board-room to the red carpet, Kym’s career path has come full circle as a Best Selling Author, Beauty Correspondent (Fox 5, Radio One, and BET), Educator, and Beauty Brand developer (WinknPout Cosmetics). Some of her notable...
2022-07-201h 16Friends in Beauty PodcastEp 119: [REWIND] Be. Do. Have Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua discusses the Be. Do. Have. mindset principle that has helped her start to take control of the direction and outcome of her business. Akua shares the difference between the traditional way we’ve been taught that has been sabotaging us versus the route that the majority of successful people take in order to excel in their personal lives and business lives. Whether you’re familiar with the Be. Do. Have. concept or not, this is definitely an episode that you’d want to listen to more th...
2022-07-0619 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 116: Shoot Your Shot!Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing the importance of advocating for yourself and putting your name in the hat for consideration. With this comes disappointment sometimes. How do you deal with the disappointment that comes with being an entrepreneur sometimes? Let’s talk about it. Let me know when was the last time you shot your shot and the result as well as how you handle disappointment when things don’t go according to the plan. Don’t forget to share with another #FriendinBeauty. Enjoy thi...
2022-06-1525 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 112: What To Do When You’re Feeling Stuck & UnmotivatedToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing some tips on what you can do when you start feeling stuck & unmotivated. One of my #FriendsinBeauty reached out to me recently with this challenge and I was able to ease her mind and give her some suggestions & encouragement. We all go through these periods of unmotivation from time to time so let’s be prepared to get out of the slump. Let me know if any of these tips were helpful and share on the corresponding post for this episode on Ins...
2022-05-1820 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 102: Storytime - She’s Lucky I Wanted To Be Professional!Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing a little storytime about a bridesmaid that I experienced over the weekend. I’ve literally never had a bad experience doing a wedding, and this wedding experience wasn’t bad at all, but this bridesmaid is lucky that I wanted to remain professional for the sake of my brand and for my fellow MUA’s that were assisting me. Let me know what you would’ve done in this situation or if you have been in a similar situation before. Don’t forget to sh...
2022-03-0916 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 100: YOU ARE ENOUGH! Celebrating 100 Episodes of The Friends in Beauty PodcastToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m celebrating my 100th episode! I’m so proud to reach this milestone and reflect on this moment. I encourage you to celebrate your #miniwins and give you some encouraging words to live by and remember. Tune in to help me celebrate the occasion. Support Friends in Beauty by sharing an episode with your friends + family, subscribing to the YouTube channel + podcast, following @friendsinbeauty on Instagram, and leaving a 5-star rating and review. I appreciate your love and support on this...
2022-02-2339 minFriends in Beauty PodcastEp. 96: The Balancing ActToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I share how I’ve been balancing life and work or not so much. This balancing act is no joke so I’ve come up with a solution to alleviate some of the stress + anxiety that I have been experiencing. I also share some exciting things that have been happening that have been totally random yet fulfilling + what’s next for Friends in Beauty. Additionally, you won’t believe who’s coming to the Friends in Beauty Podcast. This person has been #1 on my list since I’ve started the p...
2022-01-2624 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 93: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Are Your Personal Habits Holding You Back In Business?Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing a personal experience with you that may potentially hold me back in my business as I grow. It may be something you’re doing as well and I also encourage you to explore your personal challenges and how they may be showing up in your business. Don’t forget to share with another #FriendinBeauty. Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3. info@friendsinbeauty.com
2022-01-0516 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 91: 2021 Reflections + 2022 AspirationsToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m reflecting on 2021 and sharing some things that I accomplished as well as some of the aspirations I have for 2022. If you don’t reflect on your year you’ll never know how far you’ve come and how much you’ve accomplished. Don’t forget to share with another #FriendinBeauty. Enjoy this episode! Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3. info@friendsinbeauty.com Resources M...
2021-12-2227 min
Friends in Beauty Podcast[REWIND] Ep. 83: The Importance of Setting Boundaries In Your BusinessToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua talks about The Importance of Setting Boundaries In Your Business and gives you tips on how to go about setting your boundaries ASAP. “A lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect.” It’s important to set boundaries, not only when it comes to personal or romantic relationships, but also in your business. When you become great at setting boundaries you will find yourself finally running the business of your dreams. You work for yourself so you’re responsible for what ge...
2021-10-2724 min
Friends in Beauty Podcast[REWIND] Ep. 82: Do This Powerful Step Before Setting Your GoalsToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I'm sharing a powerful step that you must do before setting your goals that I learned from my business coach. As you may or may not know, the 4th quarter of the year is when businesses start to reflect on the current year and plan/set goals for the upcoming year. Gone are the days of waiting until January 1st to set your goals for the New Year. Do it now (because we’re currently in the 4th quarter)! The 4th quarter is designated for...
2021-10-2015 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 78: Celebrate ConsistencyToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I bless the podcast with a solo episode. It’s been a while since I’ve done a solo episode so, I wanted to come on and just kick it with my Friends in Beauty. In this episode I talk about the importance of us getting in the habit of celebrating consistency. We get so caught up in reaching our goals that we don’t ever acknowledge the milestones we reached that led us to the goal. It’s time to do things a little different. I al...
2021-09-2225 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 68: [REWIND] The Importance of Knowing Your AudienceToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I'm talking to you about one of the things I see my #FriendsinBeauty neglect when building their businesses and that's, knowing their audience. Having You Been Struggling With: -Low engagement on social media -Inconsistent bookings -Clients debating with you about your rates -Getting frustrated and discouraged when potential clients don’t want to pay your rate ....then it may be time to revamp and get to know your audience better. Knowing your audience all boil...
2021-07-1420 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 67: A Story About Fear...What Are You Afraid Of?Today I’m sharing a fear story with you. I recently went on a two week vacation to Senegal with my family and experienced a lot of firsts...one of which was ziplining. I was so pumped about zip lining until it was time to zipline. Then my FEAR started to kick in along with some doubt and anxiety. My experience with zip lining made me reflect on other times that I’ve experienced fear and I realized I’m no stranger to this and it’s literally the same process I go through every time I’ve been afraid to...
2021-07-0718 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 66: The #1 Fan Of The Friends in Beauty Podcast, Zahra Dial, Interviews MeToday I welcome the #1 fan of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, Zahra Dial, my niece to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Zahra is 8 years old and loves tuning into the Friends in Beauty Podcast. She has also expressed that she wants to have her own podcast one day so while we're in Senegal on a family vacation I thought it would be a good idea for her to interview me for the podcast. She came up with some great questions on her own. In this interview I share: -What inspired me to do the...
2021-06-3017 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 65: [REWIND] 5 Ways To Overcome Imposter SyndromeToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua talks about Imposter Syndrome and gives you 5 ways to overcome it so that you can begin to feel confident and deserving of your accomplishments. Statistics show that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. It may show up as feeling like you got lucky, not feeling deserving, feeling like you deceived people and will soon be exposed, and much more. Usually people who suffer from imposter syndrome are people who hold themselves to a high level of achievement that is unrealistic and unattainable r...
2021-06-2326 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 63: [REWIND] 5 Tips For Curing Comparison SyndromeToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her tips for curing comparison syndrome This is something that we all go through from time to time. I mean, we’re only human right. It’s hard to resist the urge to compare ourselves to others. But there’s a thin line between healthy and unhealthy comparisons. If you’re observing someone in admiration & using them as motivation to step up your game that can be considered a healthy comparison. However, when the thoughts turn inward and become negative when you’re comparing one person’s results to...
2021-06-0919 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 55: 7 Tips For Choosing A CoachOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast I want to share with you 7 Tips For Choosing A Coach. This week on the Friends in Beauty YouTube channel I shared “10 Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE Becoming A Makeup Artist.” One of those things that I wish I knew was that I was going to eventually make some high ticket investments in a coach and you will too one day. You can only get so far with the information that you know. If you want to take your business to the ne...
2021-04-1419 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 54: [REWIND] How Brittany Rogers Discovered A Love For TV & Film & Stays Mentally ToughToday in the Friends in Beauty guest chair we welcome Brittany Rogers, Professional Makeup Artist serving the DMV (DC, MD, and VA) and NYC. With 10 years of experience in the beauty industry Brittany shares everything from her humble beginnings of working in a salon in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Washington, DC to falling in love with the TV & Film industry. She shares tips for getting into the TV & Film industry as well as provides some insight into what to expect. Brittany shares her keys to success. how she stays men...
2021-04-0755 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 53: Storytime - I’m Living The Life That I’m ManifestingOn this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast I want to share something that happened to me recently & give you some updates on what’s going on with Friends in Beauty. I had an epiphany of sorts that made me realize that I am living the life that I’m manifesting. I think it’s very important to sit back and reflect or be conscious enough to recognize when things have shifted in your life. We get so caught up in the grind of trying to achieve our goals. When do we ac...
2021-03-3126 min
Friends in Beauty Podcast[REWIND] Ep. 52: Brian Robinson - Push Through and Be ResilientToday in the Friends in Beauty guest chair we welcome Brian Robinson (BDR), Celebrity Fashion Stylist. Classic is a common word used to describe Fashion/Wardrobe stylist Brian D. Robinson’s (BDR) work. Resiliency is the word BDR uses to describe his journey within his now eight year career within the fashion industry. BDR is known for his keen eye for fashion and his infectious smile! He began his career in fashion/wardrobe styling, in his hometown of Baltimore, MD contributing to OpenFly Magazine as their Lead Stylist and working with freelance designers and...
2021-03-241h 31
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 50: How To Establish Yourself As An Authority In The Beauty IndustryToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing “How To Establish Yourself As An Authority In The Beauty Industry.” Many of us want to be known and amongst the who’s who in the beauty industry. But, it can be hard to stand out in an oversaturated market or just hard for your audience to take you seriously, for a number of reasons. In order to be successful we need our audience to know, like, and trust us. So in this episode I’m sharing exactly that...how to get your aud...
2021-03-1011 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 46: Storytime - I Got Flewed Out To San FranciscoToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast I’m sharing with you a little storytime about how I got flewed out to San Francisco. I had the opportunity to be the Key Makeup Artist for the Off Broadway production Mighty Real A Fabulous Sylvester Musical. The show traveled from NYC to San Francisco for 1 month and I had the honor of being a part of the magic. This was one of the most amazing opportunities that I’ve had in my career so far and I’m sharing this story to show you...
2021-02-1022 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 43: The Easiest Way To Filter The Type Of Clients You Work WithToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares one of the easiest ways to filter the type of clients you work with. You ever wonder why some people get the type of clients that you wish for? Is it your social media feed? Is it the products that you use in your kit? Is it the camera that you use? Well you’ll just have to tune into this episode to find out. It’s something very simple that a lot of beauty professionals overlook as a facto...
2021-01-2020 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 42: How To Boss Up In 2021!Ep. 42: How To Boss Up In 2021! Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her tips for How To Boss Up In 2021! 2020 is behind us now. Although we’re still living in the aftermath of the most historic year of our lives (so far) we have to move forward. Are you ready to boss up? How are you going to use this fresh start to your advantage? If you’re not sure this episode has some suggestions for you. Akua al...
2021-01-1322 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 41: HAPPY NEW YEAR - A Message To You For Twenty-Twenty WON!Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her excitement for the New Year, twenty-twenty won and sends you her well wishes for a prosperous year! Akua also shares the plans that she has for Friends in Beauty in the New Year which include continuing with the Friends in Beauty Podcast, more beauty education + resources, and some in person and virtual events. Share this episode with your other #FriendsinBeauty, family and friends who can benefit from the information being shared. Enjoy this episode! Le...
2021-01-0611 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 39: 2020 Year In Review...Let’s ReflectToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua takes some time to reflect on what experiences she had in 2020. Can you believe that we’re already approaching a New Year...again? 2020 was definitely the year of clarity like we never imagined. It allowed us to pause and really think about what we’ve been through and how we want to show up going forward. This has been a crazy year! We empathize with those who have lost loved ones and those whose businesses had to close their doors du...
2020-12-2325 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 37 - 5 Ways To Self-Motivate Yourself During Difficult TimesToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares with you 5 Ways To Self-Motivate Yourself During Difficult Times. #FriendsinBeauty Have you been feeling unmotivated lately? Do you know that you can do more than what you’re doing and you’re just not satisfied? Well, Episode 37 of the Friends in Beauty Podcast is just for you! As much as this year has been positively transformative for some of our #FriendsinBeauty, Akua is also aware that this year has been extremely difficult for others. If you’re in need of a boost...
2020-12-0921 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 36: Storytime - I Got Stood Up On A Photoshoot!Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua gives you a little storytime about how she was stood up on a photoshoot. Have you ever been stood up before? It’s not something that you forget. In the beauty industry Akua has encountered this trend several times. Bad news travels fast and before you know it you have a reputation for being unreliable. She’s seen it time and time again. Akua shares her story to encourage you to know your value and know that your time is important no matter how sh...
2020-12-0216 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 35: 10 Beauty + Business Podcasts To Tune IntoToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares 10 beauty and business podcasts that she regularly tunes into that she knows you will find valuable for your beauty business. As a freelance beauty professional we spend a lot of time commuting from client to client. What better way to be productive and pass the time than to listen to a podcast? If you’re a fan of podcasts then you will definitely enjoy this episode because you might learn about some podcasts that you can add onto your list. In this episode Akua sh...
2020-11-2520 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 33: 5 Tips For Curing Comparison SyndromeToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her tips for curing comparison syndrome This something that we all go through from time to time. I mean, we’re only human right. It’s hard to resist the urge to compare ourselves to others. But there’s a thin line between healthy and unhealthy comparisons. If you’re observing someone in admiration & using them as motivation to step up your game that can be considered a healthy comparison. However, when the thoughts turn inward and become negative when you’re comparing one person’s results to wh...
2020-11-1119 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 31: Dealing With Unsupportive Family & FriendsToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her tips for dealing with unsupportive family and friends. As a #FriendinBeauty you may have had your fair share of unsupportive family and friends and I can admit, it can be quite discouraging. The people who are the closest to you are the ones who you would expect to be there to help promote your brand, share your services, or purchase your products, but that’s not the case a lot of the times. One thing to keep in mind is that you’...
2020-10-2820 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 29: Do This Powerful Step Before Setting Your GoalsToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares a powerful step that you must do before setting your goals that she learned from her business coach. As you may or may not know, the 4th quarter of the year is when businesses start to reflect on the current year and plan/set goals for the upcoming year. Gone are the days of waiting until January 1st to set your goals for the New Year. Do it now (because we’re currently in the 4th quarter)! The 4th quarter is designated for...
2020-10-1415 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 27: The Importance of Setting Boundaries In Your BusinessToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua talks about The Importance of Setting Boundaries In Your Business and gives you tips on how to go about setting your boundaries ASAP. “A lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect.” It’s important to set boundaries, not only when it comes to personal or romantic relationships, but also in your business. When you become great at setting boundaries you will find yourself finally running the business of your dreams. You work for yourself so you’re responsible for what gets done and what doesn’t...
2020-09-3023 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 25: 5 Ways To Overcome Imposter SyndromeToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua talks about Imposter Syndrome and gives you 5 ways to overcome it so that you can begin to feel confident and deserving of your accomplishments. Statistics show that 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. It may show up as feeling like you got lucky, not feeling deserving, feeling like you deceived people and will soon be exposed, and much more. Usually people who suffer from imposter syndrome are people who hold themselves to a high level of achievement that is unrealistic and unattainable resulting in...
2020-09-1626 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 23: Hop On My Energy Bus - 10 Rules To Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team With Positive EnergyToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua talks about the book The Energy Bus - 10 Rules To Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team With Positive Energy. It’s a captivating story about how your life can be turned around when you are mindful of the energy that you are bringing to situations. The story takes place on a Monday morning when this guy George walks out the house on his way to work to find his car with a flat tire. But that’s really the least of his problems. His home life is in sha...
2020-09-0225 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 21: *BONUS* - Dealing With Grief As A CreativeToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua talks about “Dealing With Grief As A Creative.” This episode is dedicated to her late sister, YaaYaa, who passed away in December 2019. Dealing with grief as a creative is not easy. It’s hard to operate from a creative space when you don’t feel inspired. Due to the climate of the world right now with social injustices, the Coronavirus, and just living our everyday lives a lot of #FriendsinBeauty have lost loved ones. Death is never convenient and grief is a part of life. So how do you manage t...
2020-08-1931 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 19: How To Stand Out In An Oversaturated MarketToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her tips for “How to Stand Out In An Oversaturated Market. As a #FriendinBeauty I’m sure you’ve noticed that there’s no shortage of beauty industry creatives. It seems like more than ever everybody and their Momma is a Makeup Artist, Photographer, Hair Stylist, Model, etc. The question then becomes, how do I stand out amongst the crowd? How will people be able to differentiate themselves from the next artist? Well, this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast has you covered. Usually...
2020-08-1212 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 17: The Importance of Knowing Your AudienceToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast talks to you about one of the things she sees her #FriendsinBeauty neglect when building their businesses and that's, knowing their audience. Having You Been Struggling With: -Low engagement on social media -Inconsistent bookings -Clients debating with you about your rates -Getting frustrated and discouraged when potential clients don’t want to pay your rate ....then it may be time to revamp and get to know your audience better. Knowing your audience all boils down to marketing. Once yo...
2020-07-2920 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 16: Story Time - How Friends in Beauty Was CreatedToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast you get to learn the story behind the brand as Akua shares the process behind creating Friends in Beauty. Friends in Beauty was created as a way to support beauty industry creatives on the quest to connect, network, and build genuine relationships within the beauty community. With over 100 attendees present at the first event, Akua knew she was onto something. Friendships, collaborations, jobs, connections and so much more are amongst the rewards for attending a Friends in Beauty event and is definitely the place you want to be...
2020-07-2219 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 14: 3 Tips for Writing Captivating CaptionsToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua is dropping gems and giving you her “Top 3 Tips for Writing Captivating Captions” for social media. Writing captions is one of those things that gives us #FriendsinBeauty a lot of anxiety when it comes to posting on our social media pages. “What do I say?” “How do I even write what I’m thinking?” “How do I make this post interesting?” “Did they even read my caption or did they just like the picture?” Captions play a big role in social media engagement and tricking the Instagram algorithm into pushing...
2020-07-0812 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 13: Matia Johnson - The Entrepreneurial Journey of Innovative Minds MediaToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast we welcome Matia Johson. Matia Johnson is a native Washingtonian, strategic communications specialist, visual design guru, screenwriter, and newlywed! She has an undergraduate degree in English and Communications, and a masters in Producing Film and Video. Since entrepreneurship has always been a core desire for Matia since her early 20s, she decided to act on this desire. With over 10 years of experience in publications, program development, and communications in both the government and nonprofit field, she has developed a niche for branding and has established Innovative Minds Media, DC’s prem...
2020-06-3047 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 12: Knowing When to Pivot...Is It Worth It?Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua discusses knowing when to pivot and if the pivot is worth it for your business. She shares 3 reasons why it may be time to pivot, how to know if it’s worth it, and some pivots that she has seen over the last few months in the #FriendsinBeauty community. Pivoting is nothing new. All business models pivot at some point in order to stay relevant and keep their audience engaged. Have you ever thought about an idea that sounds so good, but when you begin to execute it, it’s a f...
2020-06-2415 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 11: Shawntia Jones - The Importance of Protecting Your Life and BrandToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast we welcome Shawntia Jones, The CEO of Promise Quest Sisters. When Shawntia started her business in 2018, she came across individuals using her slogans and designs and she couldn't legally do anything about it. At that moment she realized she did not own her brand! So, she decided to do her own research to trademark and protect her brand. Shawntia currently has 4 federally registered trademarks and 3 pending trademarks and wanted to let other business owners know if she can do it, so can YOU. In June 2020 she launched Protect Your Brand L...
2020-06-171h 03
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 10: Top 10 Resources That Keep My Business RunningToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares her top 10 resources that keep her business running and how she uses each one in her business. As a working Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, podcast host, event host, and creator of a lifestyle brand, Akua has several resources that she uses in order to connect with her audience, deliver content, create graphics, sell items, and so much more. She had to find systems that were effective and easy to use so that she can operate her business on a professional level. Listen to...
2020-06-1020 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 08: Story Time - Imitation Is NOT The Highest Form Of FlatteryToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares a personal story about how she was affected by an experience of plagiarism when someone copied her event description word for word in order to promote an event that they were doing. Akua sheds light on this situation, not to be shady, but in order for you to learn how to deal with a similar situation that may occur in your business one day and to encourage you and others to operate in integrity. The beauty industry is a very small community and it’s important that you don...
2020-05-2716 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 07: Brian Robinson - Push Through and Be ResilientToday in the Friends in Beauty guest chair we welcome Brian Robinson (BDR), Celebrity Fashion Stylist. Classic is a common word used to describe Fashion/Wardrobe stylist Brian D. Robinson’s (BDR) work. Resiliency is the word BDR uses to describe his journey within his now eight year career within the fashion industry. BDR is known for his keen eye for fashion and his infectious smile! He began his career in fashion/wardrobe styling, in his hometown of Baltimore, MD contributing to OpenFly Magazine as their Lead Stylist and working with freelance designers and boutiques to...
2020-05-201h 31
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 06: Be. Do. Have - Get Your Mind Right!Today on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua discusses the Be. Do. Have. mindset principle that has helped her start to take control of the direction and outcome of her business. Akua shares the difference between the traditional way we’ve been taught that has been sabotaging us versus the route that the majority of successful people take in order to excel in their personal lives and business lives. Whether you’re familiar with the Be. Do. Have. concept or not, this is definitely an episode that you’d want to listen to more than once t...
2020-05-1319 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 03: 5 Steps For Networking On Social MediaToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast Akua shares 5 Steps For Networking On Social Media and the importance of networking for business growth. Networking is essential and can not be avoided if you want to grow in the beauty industry. Social media is a great tool to market and grow your business, but some people rely too heavily on it. Here at Friends in Beauty we prefer networking the old fashioned way but at this time we have to adjust to our current circumstances. Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic traditional face to face networking...
2020-05-0611 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 02: How Brittany Rogers Discovered A Love For TV & Film & Stays Mentally ToughToday in the Friends in Beauty guest chair we welcome Brittany Rogers, Professional Makeup Artist serving the DMV (DC, MD, and VA) and NYC. With 10 years of experience in the beauty industry Brittany shares everything from her humble beginnings of working in a salon in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Washington, DC to falling in love with the TV & Film industry. She shares tips for getting into the TV & Film industry as well as provides some insight into what to expect. Brittany shares her keys to success. how she stays mentally tough in the e...
2020-05-0655 min
Friends in Beauty PodcastEp. 01: The Hero’s Journey - Meet Your HostToday on the Friends in Beauty Podcast you get to know more about host Akua Robinson, as she takes you behind the scenes of her journey, so far, in the beauty industry. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Akua shares how her unconventional upbringing helped to build her confidence and sense of pride in herself from a young age and how makeup wasn’t something that was a normal occurrence in her household. She shares how her love for beauty developed and what motivated her to pursue a career as a Makeup Artist. After 7 years in...
2020-05-0644 min