Success Stories Profile: How Julia Kerly worked her way up from beauty school to business owner!

Julia Kerly taught herself how to market herself and her business, Skye. Hundreds of Instagram followers later, Skye has taken off and keeps on growing. Julia’s confidence and persistence stayed with her through beauty school and continue with her as she dreams of opening her own salon.

Time management, patience and dedication are all traits that Julia possesses and uses to grow her brand. Her Instagram is filled with examples of her work, advice, tips for good skin, and even more. Follow her @_.sky.e_ to see it all, and keep reading to learn more about Julia and Skye!

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do for a living. 

- My name is Julia Kerly (also known as J.kerly on Instagram). I’m a single mom of a beautiful daughter, a lash tech and an esthetician.

What’s your background? What drew you to start your own business? 

- I’m the type of person that doesn’t ask for help at all. I never got any handouts. I never like to be dependent on anybody. So after my research, I saved about $100, got my supplies and taught myself how to do lashes.

What were some things you did in order to get your company/s started? 

- I read a lot. I started reading about how to use Instagram to promote my business and effectively use their marketing techniques. I read blogs and different kind of manuals. I also looked at other business to get an idea on how they promoted and went about their days.

How long did it take you to be where you are today?

- It took me about 2-3 years to get it together and be where I’m at today.

What are your biggest accomplishments since you started your company/s?

- Getting certified and licensed.

What has been the biggest risks you’ve taken with your company/s?

- I think honestly putting myself out there. Maybe the slight fear of rejection and not knowing whether people will support you.

What are you most proud of since starting your business?

- Honestly, how it progressed and how I learned about other tasks, not just being a lash tech.

How did you get over mindset hurdles and propel yourself through tough moments as an entrepreneur?

- It was hard. Over the years you learn that things take time and it doesn’t just happen overnight. As much as I wanted to be up and be successful quickly, it really does take patience. I pray a lot to God to just get me through things that I thought I wouldn’t get through.

As a business owner, What does your typical day look like?

- I wake up, get my lemon water ready for the day and clean my work section. Usually I start my work day by 8 a.m. depending on my when first client is. Then I have a 2 hour lunch break and I’ll go back to lashing. I do get walk-in clients in addition to my clients by appointment and I usually stay up till 12 a.m. working.

What are some practical things you do to manage your time effectively?

- The clock on my phone became my best friend and throughout the years I learned time management very well.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever followed through with?

- "Patience. Be patient “

What was a major moment of transformation for you in your life since you started your business?

- I spent 3 years lashing and I finally went through school and graduated in November and now I expanded where I can do facials and waxing and body sculpting.

What would you say is your motto to keep things flowing?

- I’m a woman of my word for everything. Everything I said I would, I do.

What’s one thing people would be surprised you do in your role?

- People are actually surprised that this is the only thing I do. I’m blessed to say that I’ve been financially stable where I can just do this.

We know starting a business can sometimes be stressful and take a lot of your personal time, What are your top 3 ways to deal with the stress and/or practice self-care?

- I listen to music a lot. It literally keeps me sane! I make a playlist by the end of the night to play during my services for the next day. I also try to get ready. Usually when you get ready, you feel good and refreshed to start your day. I also have a favorite cup that I have with me while I work. I don’t know why, but it’s my favorite cup and I just drink water with lemon or teas in it .

What would you say is your superpower?

- I’m not too sure if it’s a superpower but I bring peace. I’m a highly sensitive empath so I feel like I attract different energies. So when people come it’s always like a therapy session. We listen to music, vibe out, talk about life and everything is confidential.

What’s next for you and your business?

- Hopefully open up a salon and have people rent a spot. I want it to be a place where solo entrepreneurs can branch out.

What is some advice you’d give to someone who is interested in starting a new business opportunity or someone whom just started their journey?

- The only thing I would say is do what you want to do! And if you do it, make sure you’re motivated! Pretty much live what you do and don’t just do it because it’s quick easy money. Also, if you are working a 9-5 job, continue to do so. A lot of entrepreneurs downplay people that work but I never thought that was bad. Work your 9-5 and always invest. Different streams of income are super good especially with what we just went through with this pandemic.

There you go! Julia’s inspiring story from beauty school to business owner really highlights her success and shows what it takes to be a boss. If you want to learn more about her and get updates on Skye, follow @_.sky.e_ on Instagram and visit their website, https://www.skyesthetics.com/.