Meet Garesia Randle Warfield | Hair Therapist, Photographer and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Garesia Randle Warfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Garesia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Carrying out my purpose in life and impacting others along the way have always been driving forces in my decision to start my beauty business. I also wanted more time and creative autonomy over my life. I knew somehow I could use my God-given gifts to make those things possible, and that’s where it all started.

Running a beauty business was not the original plan for my life. I went to college to be a journalist. I wanted to work for Essence Magazine ( still do). But God’s plans are always better and greater. I found my way into the beauty business after realizing how beauty could transform the lives of women and inspire them to show up for themselves. I realized that helping women feel confident could potentially change the entire trajectory of their lives. This is where my purpose lives, and I am blessed to use my business to carry it out.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have the dopest gig in the world as a natural hair stylist, photographer and author. I combined my gifts and my love for uplifting black women to curate unique beauty experiences. Black women and girls, in this society, are often marginalized and not “seen” for who they really are. My salon and photo studio serves as a safe space where they can literally and figuratively let their hair down and find the Canfidence ( Confidence rooted in God- Phil. 4:13) they need to show up for themselves. I started Canfidence and Quirks with the mission to serve brown beauties and fill their cups using education, empowerment, beauty expertise, and my eye for creating beautiful portraits that tell their stories.

My beauty business goes far beyond making women feel pretty. It’s deeper than that. My purpose is rooted in being the black woman who helps other black women take care of their hair and grow into the best version of themselves. And they help me do the same. I strive to enrich, educate and empower clients through salon visits, intimate events and written works. I have built my entire business based on how I can make the greatest impact in my clients’ lives. It means so much to me.

Last year, I published a book called “Hair Therapy” as a call-to-action for women to take their hair health and healing journeys more seriously. It’s a hair and heart journey that I challenge every woman to take. I plan to explore this book more with readers very soon. More recently, I have been mentoring other stylists and hosting natural hair workshops to help young, black girls take better care of their hair and be more confident. This is the kind of work that I am passionate about beyond just working behind the chair.

Faith and focus have helped me get where I am today. God showed me a vision for my business and my life. I believe so strongly in that vision, that I use it as my fuel to sustain this business. I have had to really dig deep and tap in because I have such a unique business model. There are times when people who didn’t understand my vision told me it wouldn’t work. I was told I needed to simplify what my business does. But I had to stand firm on my vision and keep going. And so far, it has paid off. I have sacrificed a lot to get here, but my business is strong and thriving. I am thankful. I left my job as a middle school teacher and started this full-time entrepreneurial journey in 2020 when COVID turned this country upside down. But God challenged me to trust him no matter what. I have prayed, failed, lost money, lost friends, grown, felt overwhelmed, and given so much time to this business. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, though. I couldn’t be more thankful that I followed through with God’s plan. I have not been perfect on this journey, but my life has been forever changed. I have been blessed to meet and help hundreds of women along the way. And they have done the same for me.

I have learned to trust God, trust your gut and block out the noise when running a business. You can’t make the impact you were called to make by following the crowd. You also can’t let fear of the unknown keep you from moving toward your goals. Your confidence has to be louder than criticism and doubt.

Canfidence and Quirks Beauty is a movement. It is something that I pray will reach the masses. I have so much in store for the women in my community and worldwide. I’m here to change lives. This is just the beginning.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friends and I are foodies. We would definitely find our way to a place with delicious, authentic food, desserts and mocktails. Two of my favorite places to take my friends are The Ginger Mule and Mo Brunch and Brews. They both have some delicious vegan food. We would check out some farmer’s markets for fresh produce and to support local businesses. Thrifting or shopping for vintage items would also be a part of the journey, as well as a trip to the museum or a concert.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, I want to thank the Lord for choosing me to carry out this mission and run this business. This business is only successful because it is rooted in God and my purpose. I feel so honored and blessed to do the work that I do every day.

My husband is also such an amazing source of support for me. I appreciate how much creative freedom he’s given me to start and continue running this business. He listens to all of my crazy ideas, shows up when I need him, and helps me when I am feeling stuck. Thank you, my love.

My family, friends and clients are the absolute best. Thank you for the prayers, support and love. It means the world to me!

Website: https://www.canfidenceandquirks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canfidenceandquirksbeauty/profilecard/?igsh=dTA4MHdqNXM0MDZz

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garesia-randle-warfield-8b212b70

Facebook: Canfidence and Quirks Beauty LLC

Other: https://www.canfidenceandquirks.com/shop/p/hair-therapy

Image Credits
Feature Image : Farryn Cortes Photography

Other images: Canfidence and Quirks Photography