Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Curry.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was 12 years old, I stumbled across a red toolbox full of my mom’s old nail supplies from the ’80s that ignited my love for beauty! By the time I made it to high school, I was a self-taught nail artist servicing my clients from the lunchroom to my parent’s basement. My talents followed me to college and led me to Houston after graduating from Michigan State University by way of Detroit. With a degree in Fashion Design and love for the beauty industry, I landed as a MAC Make Up Artist for a few years, where I learned a new craft of artistry. After building a steady clientele, I wanted to further my education to start my own business and enrolled at HCC to receive my Salon Entrepreneurship certification. However, I was granted the opportunity to join the marketing team for one of the largest beauty and haircare companies in the industry. I was able to use my creativity in a corporate setting by creating products and rebranding for some of my favorite retailers, including ULTA, JCPenney’s, and Beauty Brands. My highlight was igniting a brand partnership for a Barbie and Mattel haircare line, a dream come true! As the pandemic unfolded, I expanded my experience by working in the home décor/fragrance and hair extensions industries. Throughout my corporate career nails were always consistent part of my life so I finally became a licensed nail manicurist. As I have made my way back to consulting for product development and brand management, provide brand consulting with a specialization in beauty. I truly love growing brands and using my knowledge to help small businesses get to the next level. But I have not forgotten about my dream of opening my own salon here in Houston. I am currently on the market for a salon space where I can provide a haven for other black nail artists and beauty enthusiasts to grow and learn. God, friends/family, and my loyal clients have been inspiring and pushing me to take my skills and talents to the next level, it’s time!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not even close to smooth! The first struggle was moving here alone at the age of 22 with no job and no plan. I worked retail and served my cousin’s bar Foxden Bar and Grill to make ends meet before I was able to establish myself. Once I finally got into corporate beauty, I suddenly fell ill and had to take a medical leave in the midst of my biggest work accomplishment. I had a tumor that was pressed against a nerve in my back, causing me to have fainting spells and headaches. After surgery, I was staying in a brand-new luxury apartment only to find out it was infested with mold which played a huge role in my illness. I had to move immediately, replace all of my belonging, and basically start completely over. As soon as I got back on my feet, then the pandemic happened. My corporate job made a way by manufacturing hand sanitizer, but my side hustle came to a complete stop, no nails no make no marketing clients. But with my faith in God and love from family, I wouldn’t allow any of those things to steal my joy! After having covid, losing 2 grandparents, and making my way back to the beauty industry, it has not been easy being so far from my family in Detroit, but I am blessed to have gained wonderful friends, colleagues, and clients who have supported my along this journey!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do brand consulting for the beauty industry! I specialize in product development, sourcing, market research, strategy/messaging, and more. What make set me apart is that I have worked at all levels, from salon, retail, corporate, and as a service provider, so I have unique insight. I’m known for thinking outside the box and being creative with ways to drive a brand. But I am probably most known for my nail art and obsession with glitter, of course! Since I have been doing nails since middle school, it’s a reputation that follows me, and I love it. My designs are never pre-designed, so I’m inspired by my client’s personalities, personal style, and current trends. I love being creative in every way, from corporate, nails, and makeup!
What matters most to you? Why?
Purpose! Every accomplishment and every hardship is all a part of the journey that molds what God put me on this earth for. I don’t think purpose is always a HUGE event; it’s the little everyday things. Making someone’s day by giving them the most fly nail set to boost their confidence, teaching a cancer patient how to draw on her eyebrows, or showing a small business how to utilize the social media to share their story. I think the beauty industry is a wonderful way to empower women from the inside out. On my darkest days, I can add glitter, and it really lifts my spirits so I know that I have done the same for so many of my clients, and that bring my joy and purpose. As I continue to learn and grow, it’s important to share my experiences and knowledge as a black woman who has tackled so many challenges while accomplishing goals in a very flaky industry! But most importantly: God matters, family and friend matters, and love matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NotoriousArtistry.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notoriousartistry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/notoriousartistry/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-curry-8bb3b5b8/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/4nwdcxrfEyE
