Today we’d like to introduce you to Miah Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m originally from Dallas, TX moved to LA I’m February 2015 to pursue music and the Beauty industry. Growing up, I was always singing around the house dressing up or performing for my family. I knew I loved music at a very young age. As well as makeup, even though I didn’t really take a serious interest in makeup until my senior year in high school. Up until I moved to LA, I had worked in the mortgage corporate world(good money but soooo boring) and eventually left that to bartend (which I really enjoyed) it was a change In scenery with work for me. But I was still longing to do more fulfilling and creative things. When I moved to LA, I didn’t anticipate the hardships I would have to face. My first 1 year/half was what I consider pretty rough. It took me a minute to really acclimate myself in both my personal and professional life. I went to Aveda to get my Esthetician license and started freelancing/networking meeting other beauty artists and eventually landed an artist position with Urban Decay. That position really heightened my skill set and has allowed me to get some good gigs because Urban Decay is a very well known and recognized Beauty Brand. I eventually parted ways to pursue my freelancing and I’m currently working on building my YouTube and social media presence in pursuit to become a full-time beauty influencer.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a very rocky transition in my first year and a half were very uncertain. I moved 3 times during that time frame because of uncomfortable living situations. Some advice I can give is it’s ok to step out on faith but also do have some sort of plan on what you want to do and how you want to get there and then be willing to adjust your plan and stay flexible as certain situations arise so that your not stuck with all your eggs in one basket. If possible, have some rainy day funds stashed just in case.
what should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a creative. I specialize in making people feel good about themselves. whether that’s s through makeup/skincare services I provide that make women feel beautiful and encouraging them to follow their dreams like I’m doing or when I’m making music and thinking of how many people will be able to relate and feel something once they hear what I’ve been working on.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I’m naturally a social person so it wasn’t hard for me to meet other creatives. I knew a few people prior to moving out here and they also helped me form new connections with other artists and working creatives. Be open to meeting different people with different backgrounds than you, as well as staying authentic to who you are and what you bring to the table.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: MsMiahd
Image Credit:
Yajdiel Zamora (@yajdielalfonso)
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