Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra Smith.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like.
Going into my first year as a cosmetology teacher at a private college without much guidance was challenging for me. I’d obtained my cosmetology instructor’s license, but I lacked self-confidence in the classroom setting. I was hired and thrown into the classroom without many resources and found myself having to create every lesson, quiz, rubric, activity, and game from scratch all while still trying to study and refresh on each subject area so I could be as knowledgeable as possible for my students. To top it off, I was 22 years old and the majority of my students were older than me so there were times I struggled with being the authority figure in the classroom. My first year teaching was the most stressful time in my career, but it also brought so many life lessons and helped develop me into the woman and teacher that I am today.
I’ve now transitioned to teaching in the public school where I have been for 6 years. I have had the privilege of being mentored by a wonderful cosmetology instructor who has become a great friend of mine and has truly impacted my life. I have learned and grown so much over the years and wanted to give back to cosmetologists and cosmetology Instructors, rather they be new in the industry or veterans. There are not many resources available specifically for cosmetology instructors in search of fun and engaging lessons/activities to incorporate in the classrooms. Because I saw so many teachers searching for support, CosmetologyUnited was born. The mission of CosmetologyUnited is to empower, educate, inspire, support, and provide educational tips and strategies that encourage self and professional development, confidence, and success while uniting cosmetologist and cosmetology instructors everywhere along their journey in the industry. I want to use my platform to give back to cosmetologists, cosmetology instructors, and all teachers in general!!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Although I survived the beginning challenges of my teaching career, I have new challenges to face as I attempt to give back, help, and inspire other cosmetologists, instructors, and any teacher around the world who may be struggling as I once was. I created CosmetologyUnited from scratch. I don’t consider myself to be a very tech savvy person, however, everything that has been used to develop and bring awareness to the brand has involved technology and social media. I hired Khalia Smith, the owner of Tru Grphx Studio to create my website. Now I not only have the responsibility of managing my website, but I must also write my blogs, record, edit, and upload content for my YouTube channel, as well as manage all other social media accounts to promote the brand. Juggling all of of these duties, along with writing and publishing my first upcoming book, (My book, Manage your classroom like a Boss serves as a classroom management guide for new or established teachers who would like to improve their classroom management system.), and preparing for the launch of my new store that will be available on my website (The store will offer t-shirts for cosmetologists, instructors, and teachers that promote our profession), you can say that life has gotten extremely busy for me. I’ve spent countless hours preparing content and learning how to work and manage my social media sites so that I can put out my best work. Lastly, managing a website, publishing a book, and starting a store, along with every other adventure that I plan to take with CosmetologyUnited costs money!! I have invested a lot to give back, and even had to ask for donations to support my efforts, but I’m so grateful for the opportunity.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a proud licensed cosmetologist, instructor, and the founder of CosmetologyUnited, a brand that I want to be recognized worldwide for promoting unity and supporting cosmetologists and cosmetology instructors. Through my blog, YouTube channel, and all the CosmetologyUnited social media sites, I provide educational tips and strategies, engaging lessons and activities, tutorial videos, as well as encouragement, and inspiration. It is my hope that CosmetologyUnited will help industry professionals unite and network together for the greatness and continued growth of our Industry!!!
What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck; however, God has been incredibly good to me during my entire life journey and is still very present during this new adventure of my life. I realize now that every challenging experience was preparation for what God has prepared for me in this season. He has continued to lead and direct my path in every area, always showing up when I am in need! Since I launched CosmetologyUnited in July 2022, my website has had daily traffic, resulting in less than 5 days showing 0 visitors. I have also received a countless amount of positive feedback and words of appreciation. Although I have invested a lot of money into building the brand, I have also received so much support and many donations as gifts of appreciation and for assistance with publishing my book. Even though I must spend so much time writing and managing my website I have found myself writing with ease. While I knew nothing about recording and editing videos or managing social media accounts, I was quickly able to learn how to create decent videos and post good content that represents what CosmetologyUnited stands for. I also have access to immediate help from my sister who majored in RTF (radio, television, film) and is very knowledgeable in this area. I know that I am walking in my purpose and God continues to bless me in everything that I do! I am so grateful to be able to help, educate, inspire, and encourage so many cosmetologists, cosmetology instructors, and teachers in any subject. Luck is not needed when you have God on your side, passion to accomplish your goals, a good support system rooting you on, and a community of great individuals to unite and network with!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cosmetologyunited.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cosmetologyunited
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cosmetologyunited/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cosmetologyunited
