Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayana Bonner.
Hi Ayana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was a sophomore at SFA majoring in Speech Pathology. (Stephen F Austin State University). I was honestly not too thrilled about my major and I knew that this was not the path to fulfill my purpose. Since middle school, I was fascinated with anything skin. Through numerous trials and errors with my own skin, I grew to fall in love with the world of skin and beauty. I fell fond of makeup through an on-campus organization, Fashion N Motion (FNM), where I became a self-taught makeup artist. During my time at SFA, I practiced on numerous faces and started recording my own YouTube videos recreating my favorite looks. I worked on my craft and started getting paid for doing what I love.
At the end of that fall semester, I withdrew from the university without telling my parents and went on the hunt for an esthetics program back home. I knew that taking a risk was better than just sitting not doing anything with my skills. In esthetics school, I learned the fundamentals of skincare, I finally realized my purpose was in my passion. Towards the end of my time at Cosmetology and Beauty School, I started recording a few clients and posting on Twitter and Instagram. One of my videos gained a lot of attention and I grew clientele by showing others the benefits of receiving facial and body treatments. After graduating in January 2018, I worked a call center job to save up money for equipment and products. In between that time, I would travel back to SFA and give out mini facial treatments to friends and associates that genuinely supported me.
By the summer of 2019, I had all the basics I needed to provide facial treatments. I started taking clients in my mom’s living room, where I created not only safe healing space for myself but my clients as well.
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?
Absolutely not! I’ve gone through every possible emotion imaginable. Through debating myself on whether or not to stay in college, having to fully surrender and trust myself was not a cakewalk. I went through bouts of self-doubt, wondering if this was the right decision but I wouldn’t trade this rollercoaster ride for anything in this world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Honey Kissed Skincare is a professional skincare esthetics hive. I specialize in corrective result-driven healing facials and body treatments, waxing, and soon much more with expansion. What sets me apart from others is truly getting to know each individual client. In order to start any healing journey, you must first get to know who you’re working with. I am proud of myself for truly building from the ground up and not giving up on myself and also the genuine love and support I have received from others. Feel at peace live from the Honey Kissed Hive.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I love to cook! Food is truly my love language. With my mother being a chef, I was born with a well-rounded palate. I have a few videos on my personal page of me cooking some of my favorites. In another life, I was definitely a traveling food critic with an exquisite wine and champagne collection. I also love music! I truly miss freestyling with my sister Amber and rapping our favorite songs from our Htown playlist.
Contact Info:
- Email: honeykissedskinbyyani@gmail.com
- Website: https://honeykissedskincare.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeykissedskincare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Honeykissedskincare
