We had the good fortune of connecting with Amara Nicole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amara, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As an entrepreneur, you’re continuously fighting and pursuing a dream that 9x out of 10 nobody can see but you. You can easily lose yourself in performing any kind of work that will take your business to the next level. I am married to my husband of 9+ years with our 2 beautiful children and a puppy. I have found that when I fully engage myself into work, I can end up missing out on little moments that mean the most to me. My family IS my reason for doing all that I do. And since realizing this, I have started to incorporate them more into my world. I don’t want to be the “Mom is busy, Mom is always working” kind of mom. They know I always have a lot to do, but it fills my cup when they want to do it with me. Wearing my brand, telling their friends and family members. My 3-year-old wants to learn eyebrows, my son wants to learn how to tattoo, as well as my husband! It creates a different kind of bond that is inexplainable, and I truly enjoy being able to have that balance between the two.

 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love the beauty industry because like many other forms of art it allows you to truly express who you are. While doing eyebrows or tattooing, I feel calm, at ease and in control. All of my worries and stressors go silent and I’m able to fully be in the moment. It’s therapeutic. In more ways and one. On one hand, you’re creating a part of someone’s story, self-confidence and self-love. That part is beautiful within itself because all of my clients leave a happier version of themselves and that’s such a fulfilling feeling. On the other hand, the amount of focus it takes to create the perfect look becomes soothing. It takes continuous practice, research and study of different techniques to find which style works best for you. Brow work can be extremely tedious, but the challenge with them is what attracts me because it keeps me on my toes! Journey to Her began with me navigating my own self-love, healing, anxiety, and depression. I named it the home of The Ultimate Beauty Therapy because I wanted to be able to help each of my clients with their journey too. It began to flourish off building genuine connections with any and everyone I’ve had the pleasure of servicing or working with. I fell in love helping others see the beauty in life and in themselves. Journey to Her continues to grow by helping others on their journey too!

 

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My bestfriend visiting for a week would be a dream! She’d most likely have my Godson, Joel, with her so we’d do a lot of fun, mom & kiddo activities! We’d have breakfast dates at home or out to eat at Another Broken Egg or The Flying Biscuit. Then hit up a day activity like the marbles kids museum, natural history museum, icecream. Then come back in for dinner, baths, and bedtime while me and her stayed up watching our faorite reality TV shows or podcasts. She’s going to hair school soon so I’d most likely have her practice on me and my daughters hair! Sh’ed also probably want to have me tattoo her and do her eyebrows so we’d spend some time at my shop. We’d go a lot of exercising like Yoga and going on walks with our kids! Plan a self love day of mani/pedis & massages. Find some cute bars to go to at night like KillJoy or Peace & Saint in downtown Raleigh. My bestfriend is like a sister so we’d enjoy eachother’s time and company at a random park just walking around observing the scenery. That’s one of my favorite things about our friendship!

 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my husband, Shyheim Bonner, for always loving me, supporting me and rooting for me down every avenue as well as keeping me grounded. Our two children, Jayden & Samina, for always hyping me up and supporting mommy’s brand. I absolutely would love to shoutout my mother, Jan Estes. The GOAT. The original boss. The woman that made me who I am today and still is making moves and inspiring not only me, but thousands of other women in the beauty industry. Love you girl! My father, Sam Stovall, who continuously sends signs from heaven that he’s watching over and protecting me. My sister, Asia Vernon, for being my best friend since 4th grade, and loving me through all of my changes and helping me navigate healing & self-love! And all of my people. My clients, my friends, my family, my clients that turned to friends that turned into family. There are so many of you that have lifted me and kept pushing me in moments of doubt, I cannot thank you guys enough. You know who you are, I could fill this entre page with your names. Thank you for always believing in me.

 

Website: www.journeytoherllc.com

Instagram: @journeytoherllc

Facebook: Journey to Her LLC

Tiktok: journeytoherllc

Image Credits
Photographs: @charmantstidos

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