We had the good fortune of connecting with Beauty By A. Barb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barb, why did you pursue a creative career?
Years ago, after leaving college in Orlando & becoming a young mom, I got a job at a local beauty supply store. Then another & eventually another one. I didn’t realize at the time, but I really believe working there was setting me up to be exactly where I am now in the beauty industry. When I came home from college unhappy with my “Plan A” I guess I was trying out new things out to see what I actually liked. I worked all different types of jobs, to take care of my baby of course but I was still searching for something that stuck out to me, but also something that didn’t feel like work. They say that’s the dream job, right? find something you love to do, and it won’t seem like work. So, I guess you can say I was searching for that. Fast fwd. to me starting my first job at the beauty supply store, I was a literal Natural! I’ve always loved beauty and hair, but I guess I just didn’t realize how useful my personal knowledge would be. Before I knew it, people were coming in asking for me by name to help them around the store, give product recommendations, find the best deal, you name it. I was always getting compliments on my look, to the point where customers would even want to know what exact products, I used on myself, from hair extensions to lip gloss. It seemed like second nature to me because I really knew what I was talking about, and if I didn’t, I had no problem learning about something new. That’s when it started to click, I was enjoying myself! AT WORK! A few months later, I quit my job and started Beauty School.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my journey to becoming a beauty professional in 2018. I am now a Licensed Full Specialist (Nail tech & Esthetician) & also a Beauty & Fashion creator. Throughout my career I would say I had a few normal hiccups here and there, but I experienced some of the most difficult challenges of my career and life around 2020/2021. Covid 19, getting stabbed in my dominant had, losing my aunt, High school best friend & then suddenly, my mother. these were some challenging times that I couldn’t have been more unprepared for. Unfortunately, a lot of those obstacles have caused me to take several breaks from my work with and sort of allowed me to switch gears for a while.

Initially, my primary focus was on lashes & acrylic nails. I was obsessed with improving my skills and trying new designs. I slowly became known for FREESTYLE SETS! Freestyle sets are my absolute favorite kind of set to do because I love having 100% creative control over the design & getting the chance to bring whatever cool ideas I have in my head to life. I love creating unique designs for each client. It is so rewarding as an artist to connect with people that love and appreciate my nail art. In real life and on social media! It still surprises me to this day how many people from all over enjoy my work!

Even though I still don’t currently work on acrylics, that doesn’t stop me from bringing my designs to live through my press-on nail sets. I offer several “Freestyle” options on my site! Working on Press-Ons has drastically helped me improve on some of the skills I was struggling with while doing acrylics. I didn’t really have the extra time to really practice certain things while I was taking so many clients. It is almost as fun as doing Acrylics! I can’t wait to try out all my new ideas and designs out when I start taking clients again. Currently, I run an online press-on nail/Accessory business (Barb Essentials) that is growing daily! We specialize in custom made press on nails, (in all shapes, colors sizes, lengths and of course designs) Luxury mink lashes & cute and convenient beauty accessories that are sure to make you “UNLEASH YOUR INNER BARBIE!”

Nails, well beauty in general is truly a passion of mine. I am very proud of how far I’ve come already and excited to see where my business and I will go next, its only up from here!

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 personal and business life keep me pretty busy so honestly, I don’t get out as much as I used to. BUT, everyone needs a break, right? Outside of Beauty & Fashion, I am A huge foodie! I loveeeee to cook! I am a sucker for a GOOD meal. I love trying new restaurants, and here lately, DRINKS! lol My life tends to be hectic most of the time, so “the best time ever” for me would have to be somewhere easy going, with good food, good vibes, in a non-stressful environment. I REALLY enjoy getting glammed up to go hang out, it is very therapeutic for me. I’m a firm believer that when you look good you feel good! Rooftop restaurants are my favorite, especially in the spring/summertime. Other than eating, you can catch me at any marvel movie or anywhere we can shop.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well as most people know, it is extremely hard to attract clientele/sales in the beginning stages. Especially in the beauty industry. You have to damn near prove to everyone that you at least kind of know what you’re doing before you are even considered. (Even though you went to school) So first and foremost, I would like to Shoutout every client, friend, and family member that trusted my talents from the very start when I picked up that little pink brush. Everyone has to start somewhere, and to those of you who believed in me from the start of my Nail journey I am eternally grateful. I want to shoutout to my Angel of a mother who went out and bought me my first set of pink tables and a custom embroidered apron with my name on it as soon as I told her I was ready to start taking clients. She believed in me before I fully did & I don’t know if I would’ve even gotten this far without her push and encouragement. I want to thank my family that has supported me behind the scenes through the many ups and downs of my beauty career & all my close friends for making sure I never quit no matter what life throws at me. I would not be where I am today without all of your love and continued support.

Website: www.BarbEssentials.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandathebarb/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybyabarb/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jazziec22

Other: https://allmylinks.com/beautybyabarb

Image credit:
Main photo is taken by Blue Franswa

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