We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaleia Hardeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kaleia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I do consider myself a risk taker! Getting into the beauty industry was a big risk. No one in my immediate family was in the beauty industry nor at the time running their own business so me taking that leap of faith (risk) was big! When I told my family that I was going to take a lash class (I had to borrow some of the money from my Grandma Minnie which I paid her back in full) and eventually would quite my job, some of them laughed, said I was crazy but that didn’t deter me. It was my vision, not theirs so I didn’t expect them to understand! I was thankful to my Mom who was by my side and encouraged me from day one! I feel that taking risks are all a part of life and growing. Yes, being a risk taker is risky but it has paid off for me in a major way. I made sure to surround myself with wise mentors along the way. One of my best mentors then as well as now is Joan Bell Carol! She’s a giant in the beauty industry. She opened the 1st Brow salon (Browz) in Dekalb county. Joan helped me and countless others navigate through this ever-changing industry! If you don’t take risks, I don’t know how far you’ll go in life especially in business! We take a risk every day leaving our homes not knowing if that’ll be the last time we’ll see our loved ones so we all take risks some bigger than others but we all take risks. I risked leaving my comfortable, decent-paying job with benefits to work for myself and if I had to do it all over again, I would JUMP at the opportunity!
our business, can you tell us more?
Hello, I’m Kaleia a native of Atlanta…Grady Baby! I’m the 4th generation of women on my mother’s side raised in the great city of Atlanta. I got my start in the beauty industry in late 2011 by getting lash extensions (9/2011). From there, a spark was ignited. I google lash extensions and saw that it was a billion-dollar industry! I was blown away! I then prayed about it… “asking God if this was the path for me and if so to please let his will be done!” I found a local lash trainer and took a two days class in November 2011. In December 2011 I was enrolled in esthetics school. I attended esthetics school in the evening while having a full-time job (I was a Treatment Coordinator at an orthodontic office). I started my lash extensions business out of my Atlanta loft. Eye Magic International was born in November 2011! I was a busy bee. Working a full-time job, making A’s in esthetic school, and building a thriving lash business out of my home! After I graduated from esthetics school in November I pushed the gas…Once I was a licensed esthetician, I opened the first lash salon in Houston county, Warner Robins, Georgia! It was exciting and middle Georgia welcome Eye Magic International with open arms. Robbins Air Force base played a huge part in our success because I got to service clients from all over the globe! I was still seeing my Atlanta clients Monday-Thursdays and my middle Georgia clients Friday-Saturday.
Feb. 2014, I resigned from the Otho job and it was up from there lol. In November 2014, I finally moved my Atlanta business out of my home to make room for the arrival of my Royal Twins(Khloe’ & Robert). Our new location was on Cheshire Bridge Road. Shortly after giving birth to my babies, I knew that traveling back in forth wasn’t going to work so I said my goodbyes to all my amazing clients and focused on motherhood and Atlanta full-time! In November 2017 we relocated just up the street to our current location 1790 Cheshire Bridge Road #107 Atlanta, Georgia. Now, I won’t lie and say that things have been a cakewalk because it hasn’t however, I lean not to my understanding…I’ve stayed down, praying and simply trusting the process! I’ve had my share of trials and tribulations but it’s all been worth it. I continue to learn, investing in myself and my business with continued education. Every year I take a new class(es) and attend beauty shows/conferences (NYC, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angles, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, London, Colombia, and Mexico just to name a few). I never want to get left behind in this ever-changing fast-moving beauty business therefore I’m always a student. I’m always learning! I have trained over 300 lash stylists from all over the USA, about five countries, and three US territories. My goal for all my students is to supersede me in business and I couldn’t be more proud of some of my lash students who are doing big and great things in the beauty industry!
I’m happy with the progress my business has and is currently making. We have come a long way from just offering lash extensions! Now we offer full esthetics… Advanced skincare specializing in Microneedling with Exosomes, non-invasive body sculpting, pre & post-op care, vaginal rejuvenation, and mole (DPN) removal plus more! As of this year, we rebranded from as Pure Magic Aesthetics from Eye Magic International.
Pure Magic Aesthetics is a rejuvenation and age-dying spa in Atlanta, Ga. Providing both men and women with the latest anti-age technology. Our highly trained licensed professional team provides all treatments. Our clients receive fast dramatic yet lasting results we combined FDA cleared machines with clinically proven treatments such as corrective and rejuvenating advanced skincare, Body Sculpting/weight loss management, pre & post-op care, skin tag/mole removal, vaginal rejuvenation plus more. All treatments are customized and result-driven to help our clients look and feel their best. Guests who frequent Pure Magic Aesthetics experience relaxation and results. Our guests love Pure Magic Aesthetics. We strive to deliver a great guest experience.
This Nov. is our 11th anniversary! I’m proud to still be standing, thriving, and continually growing in this ever-evolving aesthetics industry. I’m excited about Pure Magic Aesthetics’ future transitioning into a Medspa!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Favorite spots in the great city of Atlanta…. Monday- Bike ride the belt line and stop along the ride to get something to eat at some of the dope restaurants.
Tuesday- Visit the King Center, The Atlanta University Center then lunch at the best Soul Food spot in the city The Busy Bee.
Wednesday-The Pizza Spot the vibe on Wednesday is dope and fun plus their twice-baked wings and pizza are delicious.
Thursday- Lunch at Irie Mon Cafe and adult skate night at Pratt-Pullman Yard
Friday-Karaoke at Vangy’s Bahamian Kitchen! Their cracked lobster and lobster tacos are a MUST!!!!
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with y
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a big shoutout to my newly released book “The Ultimate Cosmetic Surgery Planner” a comprehensive pre and post-op guide to cosmetic/plastic surgery. It’s my first book, and it’s intended to help men and women make informed decisions about plastic and cosmetic surgery. In the end, we want to save lives one planner at a time. In addition, I would like to thank all our wonderful clients over the years, along with anyone that has ever supported Pure Magic Aesthetics! Thank you very much!
Website: www.PureMagicAesthetics.com
Instagram: @PureMagicAesthetics
Linkedin: Kaleia Hardeman
Facebook: Pure Magic Aesthetics
Youtube: Pure Magic Aesthetics
Image Credits
The professional headshots Giles Williams @gwcreatives The other pics Greg Thomas @