We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrea Quintessa Curry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrea Quintessa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Throughout my life, I struggled to be comfortable in my own skin for many different reasons. I finally I reached a point in my life where I embraced that my skin is rich in melanin and sought out ways to better manage my natural curl pattern. My natural hair journey not only changed my perspective on the beauty industry, it also gave me permission to be my most authentic self, feel free to express myself and to take up space. During this transition, I gained knowledge about the benefit of using natural products on my skin and hair instead of exposing myself to harmful chemicals and carcinogens. I learned that being curly, curvy, melanin rich and spiritual is not a hindrance to my life but my super power. Thus, Curly Quintessa was born. My goal is to continue to create natural oils to provide nourishment and jewelry made with crystals or stones to help us to have peace while navigating this journey we call life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I graduated from University of Louisville in 2008 with my a Bachelor degree in Nursing. I have been practicing as a RN for over 13 years now and I received my masters in Healthcare Administration in 2017. I have one more year left in the Doctorate Nurse Practitioner program, however I have taken a break to purse my other passions. I have been working in the hospice field for almost 3 years and I think I have found my home. The amount of love and support I am able to share with my patients and caregivers keeps my cup full. In this environment, I am able to engage in holistic care and discuss homeopathic treatments that are the foundation for my passion that continues to drive Curly Quintessa. Curly Quintessa was born in 2018 and as my company continues to grow, my goal is to open an Apothecary where my oils, tinctures, essential oil blends, herb blends and jewelry can be available in one physical location. This site would also serve as a community center where people can receive healing through divination, meditation, yoga and reiki sessions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lived in Atlanta for almost 3 years and I love to explore new areas. Let me to you, honey… I love to eat. Brunch me, please! My favorite spots for Brunch are Flying Biscuit, STK and Another Broken Egg. Since, I am a part time vegetarian/pescatarian take me to Juicy Crab, Slutty Vegan or Tasillis Raw Reality Cafe. For live music and spoken word, I love going to Apache Cafe. When I am feeling artistic and I would to be around other creatives, I visit the High Musuem or Little 5 Points. On Sundays, let’s go to Piedmont park and listen to music and chill.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My life would never be the same without the encouragement and the unconditional love I receive from my niece, Alexus Levingston and my bestfriend for over 20 years, Krishanda Potter. I give a special thanks to my mentor, Phyllis Dove Edwin, RN who shows me everyday how to be strong leader while being compassionate. I also want to give a special shout out to my Godmother Asia Rainey aka Iya Ifatola who encourages me to focus on my passion and reminds me that every part of my success is created by doing the “work”.

Website: www.curlyquintessa.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curly_quintessa/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakeupArtistryByAdreaQuintessa/

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