Today we’d like to introduce you to Giavonna Noelle.
Giavonna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As I sat uncomfortably behind a computer screen dreading clocking into my corporate job a few years ago, it dawned on me that working to build someone’s else company just wasn’t my thing. Like why should I have to work tirelessly and not be appreciated by privileged white men who only view me as another employee ID number.
At a young age, I always felt I was ahead of my time. My brain was always working and creating blueprints of building a brand that was versatile and innovative. Since I had a passion for both science and cosmetics, I thought why not merge the two and have something I can call my own. I’ve always been a glamour girl and the women in my family made me that way. I started teaching myself how to do makeup in high school which was ten years ago, OMG! It was just my thing, I’d practice on my friends and my mom (bless their hearts lol). I just kept trying new techniques, growing and perfecting my craft and it’s been apart of me ever since.
I’ve always been spontaneous and open to trying new looks and with that came different hairstyles. Some days I wanted a sleek, sophisticated hairstyle and other days I wanted big, messy hair. I never wanted to feel limited with my appearance so I thought why not launch my own hair extension company and provide a variety of hair for people to choose from and feel empowered. This was the birth of GIÁVA, and I’d like to give a special shoutout to my beautiful friends, Nikki and Keiara for developing my brand name and always being so supportive and encouraging throughout my journey. My support system is unmatched and I’m so blessed to have real life angels as family, friends, my therapist and clients. I hope I’m not turning this into a Grammy acceptance speech but I’d like to highlight a few people because I don’t deserve all of the credit. My mother, Giselle who’s been the fuel to this fire and my heart in human form. Korynne, who’s been the brain and helped me with all of the logistics behind my businesses. My therapist, Dr. Jantel Jordan who is everything and more! She’s such a gem and just helps me keep a clear, focused mind and brings balance to my life. My sorority sisters, especially Bria, Dallas’ fashion guru of the year and the brand ambassador for GIÁVA. Angelica and Chazlee, my friends since high school who saw my vision and always kept me on my toes. Najla, a friend turned sister who’s been so loyal and pure to me since the day we met. My colleagues at any job I’ve worked at who’ve inspired me. Honestly, all of my friends and family I’ve met along the way, you’re my foundation and I’ll forever value our relationships. And to anyone I’ve encountered who’s taught me a lesson whether good or bad I thank you too!
I’d like to end off by saying remember to be genuine and humble, have a good heart, be kind to people even if it isn’t reciprocated, make a good impression and always know success is on the other side of fear so take that leap and do it with style and grace!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been everything but smooth. I’ve experienced a lot more lows than I have highs but fortunately I’ve been blessed with genuine family and friends who have shown me what it means to persevere through my darkest days. They’ve been my foundation and without them and God, I probably wouldn’t be here. Losing my father to stage IV liver cancer in 2018 literally left my world just spinning in ways that were out of my control. I’m still learning how to grieve and it can be the most uncomfortable and weird process. Some days I feel like I’m “that girl” and I have this life thing all figured out and in that same moment, I feel defeated and hopeless. Other struggles that I’ve developed derive from childhood trauma. I grew up in a suburban area in which it was predominantly wealthy white kids that didn’t look anything like me. I was different, my skin is chocolate, I have unique facial features and a curvy body and they couldn’t handle me I guess lol. I remember being told I would be prettier if I were skinny and being criticized for my dark skin tone, and comments like those stuck with me growing into adulthood and affect me currently.
Being a black woman in the beauty industry is a full-time job with overtime included; we have to work extra hard just to be visible. People of color are underrepresented and not really the forefront of leading cosmetic brands; and as trendsetters we just don’t get the credit we deserve. There was a major gap in time in which cosmetic brands weren’t inclusive of all shades and I was tired of looking casket-ready when I went to have a “color match” for my foundation. It’s actually mind-blowing and quite flattering how our features used to be made into a mockery and laughable and now they’re idolized and trendy. Thank God for Fenty, Crayon Case, Juvia’s Place, Danessa Myricks, Beauty Bakerie and so forth. As a makeup artist and a scientist, I’m inspired by the brands to create cosmetics that are customizable and fit the needs of women and men who look like me.
I’m proud to say I’ve overcome my struggles and owned them. I do my research and get my hands dirty so that I can help break barriers that women of color face in the beauty industry and little girls and boys who have features like me can embrace them and feel confident!
GIÁVA – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m the owner of GIÁVA, a luxury brand that was created to empower women and men globally to be confident in themselves and be who they want to be. When people think of GIÁVA, I want them to think bold, innovative, impactful and unforgettable. GIÁVA was created to remind the world what it means to be classy, tasteful, sophisticated and exclusive. Before my brand came to life, I’ve been a traveling, freelance makeup artist, also working for a high-end cosmetic brand as an artist. I also have a B.A in Biology from the University of North Texas.
My brand is genuine, it was created by someone who has a heart to serve others, it’s exquisite, daring and just impossible to forget. I create an experience for my clients, one in which they feel comfortable to express themselves and feel their absolute best. GIÁVA is literally my child and it’s surreal watching it flourish and gain clientele who’ve also become lifelong friends is what I cherish the most. As a business owner, I’ve mastered the concept of patience, empathizing with my clients and building relationships with them and I feel that’s very vital.
GIÁVA offers services that include: hair extensions/hair care, makeup application and lessons. Ultimately, I want to take my brand to the next level by launching a medspa that will include hair, makeup, esthetics and cosmetic procedures. It’ll be a one-stop shop for all things beauty!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means mastering my craft with a true passion behind it. Success to me is turning an obstacle into an advantage and owning it even under pressure. From a business standpoint, success means truly being in tune with your client’s needs, making a lasting impression, being influential as well as developing honest relationships with your clients and not just looking at them as another “sale.” I feel as though customer service has really lost the meaning of “service.” People become too focused on the revenue and aren’t very personable, nor do they genuinely care about the client. Aside from those factors, success is having a peace of mind, doing what you love, being impactful and creating a legacy.
Pricing:
- Makeup Services: $50.00+ (depending on selected service)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.experiencegiava.com
- Phone: 4695718383
- Email: experiencegiava@gmail.com
- Instagram: @experiencegiava
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/experiencegiava
Image Credit:
Korynne Colvin Instagram: @kaytheproducer; Bria Whitaker Instagram: @iambriacharlise
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