Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Hulett.
Autumn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Houston, Tx to a family full of hustlers. My grandmother sewed quilts for the church, my father was a DJ and my mother was a bartender. We were pretty diverse in hobbies but ultimately understanding and appreciating hard work was instilled in my sister and me at a very young age. My parents always told me how important it was to learn the way money worked as well as how to never depend on someone to always hand me something. Plus, I hated when my mom told me no to the things I wanted. Throughout the years, I always had some type of hustle in school. In elementary, I sold paper dolls, in middle school, I sold candy, and in high school, I started my own baking business. Though they were fun hobbies, unfortunately, those hobbies became tiring to me and I know I wanted more. I know I wanted to do something greater than quick hustles. I wanted to do something related to my passion: Beauty. I love dressing up and changing my looks. From wigs to glitter eyeshadow, you name it. If it had something to do with beauty you have my undivided attention.
In 2016, after I had just graduated from high school and lost my only job, I made the decision to follow my heart to open an online business. At this point, I was spending $40 or more every week for lashes from my local beauty supply store but I quickly realized, I’m spending all of this money on lashes that don’t even last me that Long. I wanted to solve that problem. I began to research from sun up to sun down. Unsure of what college I wanted to attend, I knew I still wanted to pursue the idea. My mother’s client who happened to be a doctor had a scholarship himself and his siblings sponsored for incoming college freshmen, I signed up and actually won the scholarship. Rather than spending the scholarship money on school like it was intended, I spent it on my first few products on my website. Though it was a wild decision, it was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. But because of SmooveGal, I have been able to interact and see so many smiles on beauty lovers worldwide and I’m grateful for every single Guy and Gal who have supported me for these past three years.
Great, 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?
No, of course, not! There have been a few bumps in the road but you can’t take the elevator to success… you have to take the stairs, and besides, I definitely understand that it’s life. But I also know deep down the hard moments are molding me to be the exact woman I’m destined to be. Sooner or later, all the downs will be a distant memory and I’ll chuckle to myself so I always try to remind myself not to sweat the small stuff. I’m genuinely a firm believer in everything happening in its own divine timing. I’ve made a lot of friends and I’ve lost some opportunities, I’ve had several moments, where I wanted to give up altogether because people didn’t see what I saw when I looked at SmooveGal. Ultimately, I realized that it doesn’t matter what anyone else sees, as long as I’m a better version of myself every day, I’m on the right track.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SmooveGal Beauty – what should we know?
SmooveGal is a black-owned beauty brand based in Houston, Tx specializing in high-quality lashes and cosmetics at fairer prices than competitors.
What makes us different is our profound innovation in makeup design. You’ll see what we mean because We’re actually dropping a palette this summer and we are so excited to release. Talk about monumental!!!
We are most known for our super long lash styles as well as our slogan that goes,” If you ain’t Smoove, you’re Rough!” People love when I say that.
I am most proud of the growth. Cliche? I know but seriously, I’ve been through the storm and I’m still here growing and learning and representing my family the best way I know how one eyelash at a time!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I would have to say Authenticity is most important to me. I believe in ALWAYS being myself and not letting anyone or anything change my character/ who I am. Instead, I’ll let the great things amplify it. Like Lauryn Hill said,” How are you gonna win if you ain’t right within?”
Pricing:
- Lash styles range from $3 – $8
- Lash Tees are $15
- Lash Books are $65
Contact Info:
- Website: SmooveGal.com
- Phone: 7137914384
- Email: smoovegalinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Smoovegalinc
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Smoovegalinc
- Twitter: Twitter.com/Smoovegalinc
Image Credit:
@readmodemagazine
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