Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Bland.
Hi Kia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I would say I’ve always been into skincare and makeup but I haven’t. I never wore makeup until about 11 years ago. I was married and just had my son. My ex-husband was deployed so I was home all the time with my kids. I started watching YouTube videos. My favorite youtubers were ItsMyRayeRaye and Aaliyah Jay. I learned the basics about makeup just by watching them and my love for it began there. Then about 3 years ago I started making my own skincare products and selling lashes online. I would read about how certain essential oils and ingredients were good for your skin and which weren’t. But something in me wasn’t satisfied. I wanted to be more knowledgeable in skincare because I didn’t want someone to ask me a question about their skin and I give them the wrong answer. So, that’s when I decided to go back to school for esthetics. I moved from Detroit back to my hometown Havelock, NC, and enrolled in Alexander Paul School of Cosmetology in Greenville. I went through 8 months and 700 hours to achieve my license. Met some amazing girls along the way who I still keep in touch with. After I graduated, I set up a small studio in my home and started doing services there. The goal was to have my own studio outside of my home. I remember being asked by my instructor at Alexander Paul what Was I going to do after I graduated and I told her I don’t want to work for someone else and I was going to open my own spot. August 10, 2021, I opened Devine Beauty Studios in Pine Knoll Shores, NC.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been the easiest getting where I am now but it’s worth every bump along the way. I’ve lost friends. I’ve lost family. Sleepless nights. But I put everything I had into my business and I’m very grateful for it now.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a North Carolina licensed esthetician. I do facials, waxing, body treatments, and lash extensions and I own a studio in Pine Knoll Shores near Atlantic beach. I’m mostly known for doing brows, though which is what I started out doing.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t rush. Take your time. Let it come to you and be very patient.
Pricing:
- Classic Lashes $85
- Hybrid Lashes $100
- Chemical Peel $115
- Brow Lamination, Tint, & Wax $40
Contact Info:
- Email: Devinebeauty21@outlook.com
- Website: https://devine-beauty-studios.square.site/
- Instagram: @devinebeautystudios
