Check Out Ikiya Fletcher’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ikiya Fletcher. 

Hi Ikiya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started as a student-athlete at Fisk University, where I struggled to keep one major. I was the campus lash and brow lady and I even braided hair in the dorms pretty often. Despite being told hairstylists and makeup artists don’t make that much money, I left Fisk, during what should have been my senior year, to pursue my passion. I started my journey in the beauty industry at Paul Mitchell the School Nashville. I can remember working at my first salon and feeling like I wasn’t enough or being told my work wasn’t good enough, so I branched out and started taking classes to develop my own identity. Then I began teaching classes to other people in the beauty industry to help boost their skills and confidence. Not only do I run my own skincare business but I am now known as an educator “The BeautyBeast”. My goal is to pass down all the knowledge I have about how to achieve healthy skin to my students and clients. I find that so many people are teaching “lash classes” or “permanent makeup courses” but they don’t have the right licensure or certifications themselves. I want to preserve the integrity of our industry through education. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been the smoothest road for me. When I decided to start my journey as a student at Paul Mitchell, I had three-month-old twins. Trying to learn how to be a mom and balance your dreams was definitely not an easy task. As a career-driven woman, I still struggle giving my kids the time they deserve. I now also have a two-year-old along with 8-year-old twins (all boys by the way). Often time I see my students as my children and they need me just as much as my own children do. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a dual licensed cosmetologist and esthetician as well as a licensed cosmetology instructor. I specialize in advanced chemical exfoliation and permanent cosmetic makeup. I’ve worked on sets for films, plays, reality tv shows, and even the BET honors as a makeup artist. I’ve worked with some amazing artists like Vivian Green. I created an educational platform where I teach certification courses for beauty students and professionals and I will say that is my greatest accomplishment. It makes me happy to know that the generation of professionals after me, has the tools they need to keep this industry alive. What sets me apart from others is definitely my passion. I’m surrounded by beauty professionals almost every day and to some people, this is just a job and some days they dread coming to work or can’t wait for a client to cancel but that’s not me. This is my life; this is what keeps me going. I’m excited to go to work, I love seeing my clients, I love educating my students. I just can’t see myself doing anything else. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I just want to share with everyone that there is no time like now. Don’t wait, just get up and do it. Whatever makes you happy is what you should be doing. You don’t have to be a nurse, doctor, or lawyer if that’s not what you want to do. I listened to family and other people for 4 years before I started my journey and I’ll tell you I could have been happier during those four years if I would’ve followed my own heart. To all the moms balancing your career and home I just want to say I hear you, I love you and I support you! And thank you Voyager for giving people like me a chance for our voices to be heard! 

Pricing:

• Microblading $375
• Permanent Eyeliner $275
• Lip Blushing $485
• Marketing & Business Course $250
• Beauty Courses start at $750

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: AestheticLiskinnash.com
• Instagram: Nashville_beautybeast

Image Credits
Motelewa Smith