Welcome to HERd where we will be showcasing women with different talents, skills and careers. These women make a difference and are determined to be heard!
We are conducting a series of interviews and will be telling their stories.
Shari and Iriebeaute
Talent/Interest/Expertise
Shari is a makeup artist and Cosmetologist.
How long have you been doing this?
I have been doing Makeup for the past 5 years on myself, and 1 year on others. I am a newly licensed Cosmetologist, obtained my license in January 2020.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
I always thought your appearance was very important. Growing up I never wore makeup and didn’t think I would. My last year in high school was when I started exploring makeup and in 2015 I attended MUD Makeup School while living in California. It was something I did just to pass time since I wasn’t working. At the end I really enjoyed the process.
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
As a child I always had dreams of opening my own hair salon, but never thought of makeup because I wasn’t exposed to it at a young age.
Before becoming a Professional Makeup Artist I wanted to be a Radiology Technician, but after attending a year of college I knew that wasn’t for me.
What inspires your creativity now?
I get my inspiration from looking at things around me or social media. I look at the colors of items I may see and use that to create a look.
How did you grow your talent/business from an idea to what it is now?
I attended many different classes that helped me with my skills and confidence. You have to invest in yourself if you really want to see growth in what ever you’re pursuing. With these classes I learned how to market myself better on social media, I also have the confidence to hand out my business cards and post cards to strangers I come across. Believing in what I do is what really made a difference in me growing my business.
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today?Are there any that you still need to get over?
Of course! The biggest hurdle was being confident in myself and my art.
My current hurdle is getting a steady glow of clients but with time that will definitely come.
What have you learned so far about what you do that you can share with others?
When it comes to makeup, practice and patience is key! With those two you will become great at the art. You also have to be passionate about what ever it is you’re doing. To me, doing makeup is so much fun and somewhat therapeutic for me.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
Oh yess!! I have an eBook that I am currently working on that will be launched before May. Irie Beaute The Ultimate Guide To A Flawless Finish will include both makeup theory and video tutorials for each step of the makeup process.
I also have plans on doing pop ups in NYC so you can be on the look out for that as well.
How can people connect with you?
You can connect with me via Instagram: @iriebeaute Facebook: @beautyby_shari or visit my website iriebeaute.com
Thank you for reading Shari’s journey as a Makeup artist and Cosmetologist.
Kiara F. Talent- Painting
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
Anything hands on: I’ve found myself naturally good at just creating. Whether it’s working with clay, paint, markers, anything
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got into this?
Yes, but I opted for something more “financially secure” 🙄 aka accounting.
What inspires your creativity now?
The only time I’m working on these projects it’s when I want to do something for someone else. To cheer them up or to celebrate their birthdays etc
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
I’ve made a few sweatshirts and frames and I’ve gotten such amazing feedback that I might look into taking this a step further when I find exactly what I want to do with it .
How long have you been doing this?
Since I was a kid but slowly stopped as I grew older.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
My mom would just bombard me with materials 😂 so I kept busy with art and books
How did you grow your talent/business from an idea to what it is now?
It hasn’t grown I’m lazy and full of excuses 🥴
Scarlet- Monat– Hair & Skin Products
A mother of three trying to help other women with a business opportunity.
Business Opportunity
- Work from Wi-Fi
- Make your own rules/schedule
- Get paid 7 ways!
- Huge support system on team ready to help you succeed
- Proven training program
- “Highest paying direct sale opportunity since 2016”
Where can you be reached?
Via Instagram @monatcapecod
What is it?
“A clinically proven hair care line that is vegan, cruelty free, free of harsh chemicals, naturally based, free of sulfates, parabens and phthalates.
Ackeeni-Writing & Poetry
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
I am a teacher by profession. I am also an actor, playwright and poet
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been teaching for 7 years. Writing for 4.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
Writing is a form of therapy for me. I’ve been writing most of my life. My father inspired me to publish my work. As for teaching i always wanted to be able to help children in ways a teacher didn’t help me.
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
With writing I never really wanted you share my work but i eventually did because I thought maybe i can inspire someone else or help them. Teaching was something i always wanted to do.
What inspires your creativity now?
I’m inspired by social issues, nature, life it self and all that makes it worth while.
How did you grow your talent from an idea to what it is now?
It a started with just a set of random poems i wrote about how felt. Eventually they were categorized into to themes placed in book and published. And is now being sold on amazon and locally
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today? Are there any that you still need get over?
Poetry is not an art that is really appreciated in my country. So it took some convincing to get sales locally. However I’ve sold more books locally. Over 60 copies.
What have you learned so far about what you do that you can share with others?
I’ve learned that I can make a difference in someone’s life through my work, even if it is one person.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
Working on it.
How can people connect with you?
Email: ackeenibentinck@gmail.com
Facebook: Ackeeni Bentinck-Kingston
Ana- On The Spot
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
I love coaching because I liked to see people transform. Not the physical aspects but their mental transformation.
What inspires your creativity now?
Problems…give me a problem and I will find the solution. It is fun.
What have you learned so far about what you do that you can share with others?
I have learned soooo much. But the most important lesson has been how much your mindset plays a part in your life. From your attitude towards the days of the week to the process of making decisions in your life. Guarding your mindset n building it is key.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
I am looking forward to opening multiple spaces of wellness across the US. Places where people can find joy, positivity and wellness both physically and mentally. Where great friendships are created. Where people can find freedom— mental freedom, physical freedom, financial freedom, guilt freedom, limitation freedom, label freedom!
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
Drawing! Love to draw. And talking to people. I enjoy hearing people out. Helping them figure out things.
How long have you been doing this?
Drawing all my life. Hearing people out… I can say that’s always been my role in friendship circles and even jobs.
How did you grow your talent/business from an idea to what it is now?
Watching others. Literally just copying others while adding my personal touch. Finding my uniqueness and exposing it.
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today? Are there any that you still need to get over?
Hurdle— myself. Getting to truly believe I could transform lives. Knowing my story was valuable.
How can people connect with you?
Godlyn -Ghodesswear
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
My skill set and interests are painting, designing practically anything that falls under the creative arts/fashion field and its extensions.
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been art and fashion all my life. I’ve been painting since i could remember, i recall making an outfit from paper and scrap fabric at like 5/6 yrs old. So its been something I’ve always been in love with.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
My creativity is primarily Afro culture inspired. To celebrate, pay tribute to, channel and highlight Afro descendents, African tribes and the African diaspora
What inspires your creativity now?
My passion evolved into reality solely because of determination. I need to prove to myself that i can create a life for myself and the people i care about by excelling through my artistry. As expected there have been a variety of hurdles especially because i had to learn how to develop and build a business on my own and continue to do so. Thankfully I’ve gained a lot of knowledge through trial and error and retaining every bit of information i was able to get to enhance my business.
What have you learned so far about whay you do that you can share with others?
Along this journey I’ve realized that it’s not for the weak hearts, especially if you’re starting from scratch. You really have to want to achieve your goal as bad as you want to continue breathing. Learn everything you can about managing a business and the field it’s in.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
I certainly have a lot more that I want to create and accomplish and that will be revealed in time to come.
How can people connect with you?
I can be contacted on Instagram: @ghodesswear @ghod.art_ and on Facebook: Ghodess Wear and Ghod Art by Godlyn
Sa’Rese – Writer
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
I am an author, poet and artist
How long have you been doing this?
I started writing short stories when I was eight, my first poem at 14 and my first novel at 26.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
I’ve always had an over active imagination so I would say it started there. My elementary teacher used to read stories to us and one day I asked if she could read mine if I wrote one. Poetry started out of boredom. I saw an ad in the newspaper for a contest and I entered it.
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
I wanted to be a trauma surgeon lol. But one way or another my life just kept circling back to art.
What inspires your creativity now?
Always a tough question because I honestly don’t know. My mind is constantly running so I think my inspiration is just sparked by chance if that makes sense.
How did you grow your talent from an idea to what it is now?
I have a lot of growing to do. I’m constantly growing. My father tells me that I am too nonchalant with my talents and unfortunately he is right. I have too many ideas and I want to do everything so that’s why I say I’m still growing. But persistence is key.
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today? Are there any that you still need get over?
I’m my biggest hurdle as cliche as that may sound. I often think my concepts are too left field or too crazy and I talk myself out of them. My friend told me my genius borders insanity lol. I will say that a hurdle I had to get over was gaining the publishing rights for my first three novels. I’m happy I own my work now and that’s over with.
What have you learned so far about what you do that you can share with others?
As I stated earlier, persistance is key. I’m also really good at maintaining tunnel vision when it comes to my art vs comparing what I’m doing to someone else. That’s how you lose your voice and your identity so I would advise that people have laser focus on what they want to do and not weigh their goals or achievements against that of others.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
Yes, I do but I’m zipping it lol. I can say that I have a poetry book that will be released eventually but I’m pretty tight lipped on my other concepts.
How can people connect with you?
Instagram is my only social media platform. My website is still under construction but the website will be the same as my Instagram name to make it easy for people to find me.
Lisa Punch – Singer
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
I’m an independent singer/songwriter
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been doing this professionally for seventeen years. Wow, that’s quite a long time.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
At the age of six I had to sing in school with everyone but I had a solo and my mother bought honey for me to use and practice. Practice didn’t go so well as mosquito flew into my mouth lol. My Little self vowed to never sign again and at age nine I saw Whitney Houston on television singing the Greatest Love Of All and I wanted to raise the hair on everyone’s skin the way she did mine.
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
I wanted to be a teacher before wanting to be a singer.
What inspires your creativity now?
My family
How did you grow your talent from an idea to what it is now?
All I wanted to do was sing but I remember NeYo saying on television that artists need to know the business. You can love something and be paid for doing what you love and that’s when I went into researcher mode. I then joined copyright organizations and learned the business. I always worked my plan and if it didn’t work, I’d go back to the drawing board to see where I went wrong and how i should fix it.
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today? Are there any that you still need get over?
It’s not easy for a young black girl with no label and budget to get into the entertainment business and to remain there for a long time without stumbling. That in itself is a hurdle that’s challenging. I would still love to tour the world performing for millions of people and I know it will take serious dedication and discipline on my part.
What have you learned so far about what you do that you can share with others?
I’ve learned that consistency is key to achieving goals and whatever it is you determine as success. What doesn’t happen in ten years can happen in a month and your life will be forever changed so keep being consistent.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
I’ve learned to let God have His way and not to plan anything without His permission. I had so many things planned for this year but COVID-19 humbled so many of us who thought we were in control of everything, so I’m just going to pray on it for now and hopefully reveal later what it is He has said to me.
How can people connect with you?
My Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Felicity – Graphic Designer
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
I am graphic designer. I am also a public relations representative, I deal with digital marketing and advertising. I deal with all things technology and all things marketing.
How long have you been doing this?
I have been taking it seriously professionally for about four years now but I have always been really artsy and creative.
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where is all started?
I went to FIT very very briefly, transferred to Moore Catholic High School. There I took a larger interest in art. I like to paint and draw, that’s why I like cartoons now. I switched over to the digital aspect of art and artistry when I got to college because painting things were just too expensive and so I took it seriously digitally where I didn’t have to pay for supplies, I didn’t have to pay for art and so I was able to get the software through the school for free. So that’s how that happened.
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
Briefly like I said, I was really into art but then I was really into fashion design which then switched to interior design, which I actually really really love right now. My house is like a little display of what it is that I do. Basically just turned into capitalizing off what it was that I was really great at and what people were noticing me for. Now although, I like to be really versatile and still try to dip and dabble into many different things, graphic designing is like my main core of focus.
What inspires your creativity now?
I have a lot of different things that inspire my creativity. Like I still dance because I feel like I needed something to recharge my batteries because I’m always really in a business professional setting. Even all of my friends are business owners so it’s just always business. So dance inspires me creative wise, music, of course still art…I still look at all the different things I paint from time to time. Definitely media. Like things that go on inspire me in what it is that I want to do, what it is that I want to put out and like the different type of content. Basically like the day to day news that happens.
How did you grow your talent/business from an idea to what it is now?
Really just execution. One thing about me is that’s what I’m known for…anything that I say I’m gonna do is gonna get done. I’m just all about putting it out there… like I’ve never really been that type of person that’s been scared to try anything or scared to go for it. My mom raised me with the mentality of, if they say no then you’re right back to where you started. Like you had a no to begin with so I’ve always just lived by that motto it’s like, why not? At the end of the day you have to do things for you and that’s how I felt about the business that I started. I’m like, I didn’t care how people are gonna to be receptive of it, I know that I didn’t have it all together when I started but I just didn’t care. I was just ready to go try something new. You can’t be bad at something you’ve never tried to be good at.
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today? Are there any that you still need to get over?
The hurdles are what makes you…I guess, who you are. I’ve had a significant amount of hurdles to get to this point. In terms of business, I had a lot of people who really didn’t believe in me. Partially wanted me do good but never really wanted me to do better than them. So, I stayed kind of sheltered to growth…like my growth was kind of stunted off the people that I was working for because they never wanted me to outgrow the environment of working for them. It kind of what I’m going through right now. Its now overcoming the hurtle of clientele. When I started off I had day to day small business entrepreneurs and now I’m working with a lot of celebrities and high profile businesses like delta and such.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
Right now I’m working on going live with Shyheim the rugged child who was also a member of woothang. A lot of people don’t know that my mother is a background dancer for woothang, we grew up with them so I’m like, ” woothang’s baby”. So I’m just supporting. We’re about to do a live, a lot of people don’t know about that. It’s going to be a talent show where they can get a one on one video live with him on their Instagram, along side an album cover EP from me coming soon. In terms of business, I have a lot of events coming up that I’ll be dropping soon.
How can people connect with you?
Christine – Beastbeautyco
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
Drawing and photography
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been drawing since I was 10 years old
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where it all started?
It started when I was 10 years old. I started drawing clothing because I wanted to be a clothing designer.
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
Yes, I always enjoyed art and always done it.
What inspires your creativity now?
Anytime I’m going through something I start to draw whatever makes me happy or takes my mind away.
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
Thinking about making paintings on large canvas
How can people connect with you?
Through my Instagram
Cosmetics by PLoren
What is your talent/interest/expertise?
My talent expertise is Vegan Handmade Cosmetics with a twist of Spirituality.
How long have you been doing this?
I have been doing my craft 3 years but registered for 4 months as actual business owner
What sparked your interest in this? Can you remember where is all started?
I have always been interested in what I do…My whole life I’ve been creative but didn’t do anything with all this passion until I had my daughter Penelope. She has single handily made me get out here and make my dreams a reality. I want to leave her an empire when I expire
Was this always something you wanted to do? If no, what were your aspirations before you got in to this?
I’ve always wanted to help people and use my creativity and get paid for my ideas in whatever form it took. So yes, this is always something I wanted to do.
What inspires your creativity now?
The world, a movie, person conversation…ideas just flow naturally
How did you grow your talent/business from an idea to what it is now?
I took a business class to familiarize myself with the business side of things and put forth my idea in motion trial and error
Were there any significant hurdles that you needed to get over to be here today? Are there any that you still need to get over?
Many challenges and hurdles I still face one minute an ambulance of sales next no sales at all ebb and flow of life there will always be obstacles but I don’t focus my energy on that
What have you learned so far about what you do that you can share with others?
I have learned there’s so much difficulties in being a business owner but there’s so much beauty in freedom to create the life you choose to lead. Keep all receipts! Get business insurance, the IRS likes money just like you haha and just love what you do it’ll shine through your craft
Do you have any plans in the future that we should look out for?
My plan is to have my own brick and mortar selling my products and having a yoni steam spa room and a quiet room where you come to refocus and reground yourself
How can people connect with you?
Check out The mommy Writers website and Instagram
FemConscious 