Meet Amara Bonner of Wake Forest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amara Bonner.

Amara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I graduated high school year 2014 in Richmond Va intending to enter the military part-time and attend a 4-year college. The day before I was supposed to ship out, I found out I was pregnant with my first child at 18. I ended up getting married to my boyfriend of 3 years, who was already in the military, and we moved to Fayetteville, NC. As time passed, I became engulfed with the idea of being a wife and mom and left little room to focus on what I could achieve for myself. Eventually, I got a job at a makeup kiosk, where I was first introduced to being an esthetician and what that meant. I freelanced makeup and began creating looks from soft glam to being known for creating SFX looks each Halloween. When my husband left the military in 2017, we moved to Raleigh, NC, where we’ve lived for the past 6 years. I obtained my license for esthetics. I started working for a chain corp and grew up the ladder rapidly to be a top performer and trainer.

I ended up leaving in 2019 after the traumatic loss of my father. I was 22 years old and had crushed my world. I worked at Ulta for a bit and got pregnant with my daughter, and when I was 7mo pregnant in 2020, I got laid off due to Covid. Fast forward to 3mo postpartum, the same chain company reached out to have me in their new Wake Forest location, which is closest to me. Knowing I’d make decent money to afford living and 2 beautiful children, I stepped back into the field and stayed for about a year. 2021 was my year of turnaround. I had a million and one realization before I even knew where they were taking me. I started therapy in August and went once a week, EVERY week, sometimes twice. And I began putting myself first more, filling my cup, and loving on myself. It felt like a true breakthrough. In December, I partnered with a skincare brand with my mom and began retailing and advertising it. It gave me a flare, but something didn’t feel right because it wasn’t entirely MY brand. January 2022, I said I’d leave my company and didn’t know what to do. I forgot to mention that I also started school in August of 2021, so I had that to focus on.

February, I said I’d leave by the end of the summer. Summer is the best money-making month for estheticians, so it made sense. I became so fed up in March that I said I’d put my notice in before my birthday on April 29. On April 11, A suite popped up on my Facebook ads, and I said *shrug* I’ll just look and ended up falling in love and immediately felt at home. I asked the landlord to hold it for me for a few weeks, and he agreed. April 19, I signed the lease to my suite & put in my notice. April 27, my LLC was officially mine.

Journey to Her LLC! On May 7, I got my keys and began moving things in and setting up’ May 14 was my last day at the chain corporation, and from May 15 until now, I have shared my website, story, and services with the world and have been the happiest I have ever been. My dad would be beyond words proud of me. My grand opening was on May 28, and it surrounded me with so much love and support. Even my esthetics teacher came! My best friend flew from NYC to help decorate and host. We had mimosas, and I had everyone “sip and see” my baby! A fulfilling moment. On May 29, I took my first clients and was fully booked. Safe to say, my cup is full, and my only regret is that I didn’t leap sooner. Journey to Her embodies everything I have personally been through but recognizes that many others like me are waiting to take that leap and begin their journey too. My space creates the vibe, energy & power to uplift and encourages anyone who experiences the ultimate beauty therapy to leave feeling like their higher self. I offer Monday motivations on social media. I also have affirmations posted on the wall and an uplifting decal that states, “you look amazing” when it’s time for you to view your brows, makeup, or skin after a facial. I am excited to share my story and brand because it feels me so much joy and makes me TRUST myself and feel genuine happiness, and I want that to spread like wildfire in the community I’m creating.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes and no. It was a snowball effect, a whirlwind of emotions, and financially a huge obstacle but God was always showing signs that he was there and watching and working.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Esthetician of 5+ years. I specialize in skin, beauty, hair removal & 1-on-1 lessons! I am self-taught with SFX makeup. I am super proud of my resilience to be the best at what I do and create a healthy, fun vibe for every individual that comes through my door!

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I enjoy that wake forest is big on small businesses meaning I have a lot of support from NEW clients who prefer private businesses over huge corporations. I love safety and security. I love the quiet. I love the diversity.

Pricing:

• Eyebrow 22
• Brazilian 62
• Express facials 60
• Her self love day 160
• Brow lam & tint 90

Contact Info:

• Website: www.journeytoherllc.com
• Instagram: @journeytoherllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/journeytoherllc
• Yelp: journey to her llc

Image Credits
I also do photography on the side so all of the shots are taken on my personal camera and edited by myself