Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Andrews.
Hi Natasha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Creative Culture Nails & Makeup LLC was first born within my mind in September 2020. I was at home thinking of ways to jump back out into the world post-quarantine. Due to the coronavirus, I closed down my last beauty salon called “BoojiBEE LLC” to become a home-schooling parent. I have three children and their safety is top priority, so I was kind of left with no choice.
Fast forward to 2021, as we got closer to the end of the school year, the idea I entertained months earlier began to fester again. Except this time, I started to put plans into motion. I mean the world seemed like it wanted to allow us the space to conquer again. And so I did.
The location in where Creative Culture resides is literally minutes from my home. I can walk and get to work in 7-8 minutes. This hidden gem had been vacant for some years, and the lot was under new ownership and I was so ready to get back to work.
Creative Culture Nails & Makeup LLC began to take shape. I knew I wanted this place to be culturally diverse; highlighting women of color within the beauty industry and I wanted it to be a hub for some of the dopest beauty professionals in the Cincinnati area. Focusing on professional black and brown licensed nail techs & cosmetologists behind the chair, who can positively work together under the same roof, with aligned goals, providing exceptional nails & makeup services.
June 2021 my new beauty salon was established. Open and ready to serve the public.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This is a trick question, lol. It’s tricky because it’s been both smooth and rough. Smooth because my self motivation and hunger to create is the force driving me. Rough because I have billion dollar aspirations and I have to learn to pace myself and allow things to grow and take shape.
One obstacle for Creative Culture is getting people to support black and brown nail artists more. We have the attention, but getting people to actually book an appt. with the belief we can do just a good enough or even better job than a lot of our counterparts is challenging.
Another challenge is finding the beauty professionals who are willing to grow & grind as a salon as well as individually. The well established licensed professionals are already in their own spaces or running their own salons. So we have to toggle through new, just graduating nail techs or makeup artists. Which isn’t a bad thing, but that in itself is a voyage too.
But, I’ve created two ways to grow at Creative Culture, commission and booth rent. So whichever side of the spectrum the artist is on, they can have the space and stress free environment to achieve that growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed cosmetologist who is a “Jill of all trades.” I provide natural and artificial nails and makeup services. I use to provide natural hair and hair extension services with my last salon. With Creative Culture I wanted to focus more on nails and makeup.
I also design merch for my still existing brand “BoojiBEE” for women with their “own money, style, life.” You can shop for these items online here: https://www.shopboojibee.com/shop
I also have organic products formulated by a professional skincare researcher and developer for P&G. We use our own retail products at the salon as well as have them available on our website for purchase. These items include body & foot scrub and body & foot butter, rose water facial spray, cuticle oil and lip gloss. All created using no toxins or chemicals. You can shop for those online here: https://www.creativeculturecincy.com/shop
What sets me apart from many others is my journey. Without playing violins, I had it rough! Real rough and nothing was ever given to me. I have every excuse to stop, give up and be “normal” or “average.” But the hustler spirit in me, the spirit of my ancestors and the power given to me won’t afford me that. I know that I was given the tenacity to change the dynamics of my family. Or at least be the start of it and then allow my 3 children to carry it on.
I don’t want the recognition, or the fame or the “popularity”. I want the legacy, the ROI, the peace and financial stability.
I’m most proud of myself for not dying during the course. The Pandemic, the financial challenges, the home schooling hurdles, the lack of energy on days I just couldn’t or can’t conquer, all play a part in which I should give up. And I’ve cried, I’ve rested and reset, I’ve vented but I just won’t lay down and die.
I refuse to settle for what once was…
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
What I’ve learned from the Covid crisis is self care, self love, self awareness, self analysis, & self mastery is key to championing life. You have to pour into yourself. You have to be your first investment. You have to put you first before you can take care of, build with or give unto others; and in my case it’s my children & the vision for my business.
I’m more aware of my own energy and how I re-up on it. I need peace throughout my day. I need breathes and meditation throughout my day and everyday. I need to physically work my body out to feel rejuvenated and to decompress. I need ME to be well in order for my family and my business to be well.
Contact Info:
- Email: creativeculturecincy@gmail.com
- Website: www.creativeculturecincy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativeculturecincy/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccnailandmakeup
Image Credits
All the pics are taken by me.
