“You have to be dedicated to doing it. You can’t just do a face mask once a month and you can’t just drink two glasses of water every four days expecting results…” -S.G.

According to a 2016 Beauty Industry Analysis Report, just last year the beauty industry generated 56 billion dollars in revenue. It is no secret that Americans are obsessed with beauty and quite honestly I have no shame in admitting – I, too, am obsessed and I am here for it!

In honor of my obsession I would like to shout out my two favorite tools in beauty: YouTube and the Instagram community. With these two outlets, you are only one click away from a fierce contour and a couple seconds away from a flawless eyelash application. You might be laughing but I am sure if you check your search history you too have stalked the big names in make-up to learn how to apply BEN NYE banana powder without looking dusty. It is okay, we all have!

But, have you ever noticed that the majority of these make-up artists already have perfect skin? I get so frustrated when I am watching Ms. AaliyahJay lay her foundation on a smooth canvas and I am looking into my magnified mirror at pimples galore. I’m supposed to get those exact results after watching your tutorial? How sway?

But have no fear, esthetician Samara George of SKYNbySamara aka the “skin whisper” is taking beauty to a deeper level.  I linked up with her this past Friday to discuss her skin regimen, her new business, and how she is making her mark in the beauty industry. Below you will find our in depth conversation. Enjoy.

(Side note: If you are not sure what an esthetician is – it is your lord and savior in beauty heaven. They are professionals who specialize in skin and skin care.)

[Q] What is your full name?

[A] My name is Samara George and I am the owner of SKYNbySamara.

[Q] How did you come up with the name SKYNbySamara?

[A] I’m an esthetician, so I am all about skin care, and I wanted people to know of the jump what my brand deals with. I, also, included my name so that people would know the person behind the brand and I spelled skin with a y instead of an I (SKYN) so that I could invite people to ask about it and learn more about what I have to offer.

[Q] How did you get into skin care? Did you have formal education or training in the field?

[A] I got into skin care because both of my parents own a beauty school. It offers cosmetology, nails, and an esthetician program, etc. and I just really took to skin care. I started reading into it, getting to know the ins and outs of it, and I fell in love with it. I just want to be able to help both men and women know how to take care of what is underneath before they put anything else on top of it. As far as my formal education, I attended Morgan State University and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Television Production. So, I have a background of being in front of and behind the camera as well as a background in PR/marketing which has helped build my brand (through YouTube and Instagram) as I know how to market myself and to get my name out there.

[Q] How has social media impacted your start-up?

[A] Social media has definitely helped get my name out there. I already had a semi-good following on IG but by using hashtags that people can click on daily, I’ve noticed an increase in my followers from different skincare companies to different spas and salons from Arizona to Korea. It’s amazing how one social media outlet can get my name around the world without me having to put money out there or travel anywhere.

[Q] As far as brands, Sephora and MAC are dominating the beauty industry and women and men are spending tons and tons of money on the latest and greatest. Do you have any recommendations for people who are interested in achieving better skin? Are there things people should be looking out for before spending money?

[A] I would recommend getting a consultation with an esthetician or visiting a dermatologist. It is important you know and understand your skin. Everyones’ genetics is built different so, what works for one person will not always work for the next. A lot of products are being endorsed by make-up artists who already have flawless skin and they probably don’t even use the products they endorse or know what is in the products themselves. With that said, I like to stay on the natural side of skin care.

[Q] You mentioned you are a fan of natural products, is that something we should be expecting from SKYNbySamara in the near future?

[A] Yes! I am in the process of creating 100% natural products. Everything from coconut oil, Shea Butter, to other pulled oils…I am actually working with someone right now to make this happen. I want people to know they don’t have to spend 1,000 of dollars to achieve amazing skin and that they literally can use everyday things around your house.

[Interview Break and transition to audio. We apologize about the background noise.]

Want to meet the fabulous Samara George and learn more about SKYNbySamara? 

Instagram: SKYNbySamara | Website: SKYNbySamara  | YouTube: SKYNbySamara

She will be officially launching SKYNbySamara April 30, 2016 at BAR 7 located on 1015 1/2 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 from 5 to 8.  You won’t want to miss this event and tell her Astu sent ya.

RSVP HERE

Wondering what to expect, click here to hear: 

Stay Down Blaze Up,

Astu Mengesha