Meet Ciara TheSlimc” Parker | Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ciara “TheSlimc” Parker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ciara “TheSlimc”, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Alexandria, Virginia and have lived in numerous cities there before relocating to North Carolina. My background and foundation was built upon a Christian upbringing as I attended private school until the 5th grade. I learned basic principles, how to write in cursive and always to respect my elders. Transitioning to public schools were quite different and there was a lot more freedom of speech but less structure, at times I felt it was hard to stay focused. Moving to a new state, I found myself eager to explore different places and types of people and cultures. Being raised by a single mother, she did everything she could to keep me in the safest neighborhoods as possible at all times. Though I was no longer in a strict environment my family and grandparents did not let up on their expectations of excellence. I was told from a young age that I was beautiful, smart and would attend college. I faced many adversities growing up socially and financially but was encouraged to be humble and utilize help and resources, I had to let go of pride. The person I am today has moments of doubt because I am human, but am for the most part fearless. There are no limits to where I feel I can go. My mother always made me try on my own first, she taught me to be prepared in case anything to were happen and I didn’t have the support of others. That has molded the woman I am today to never give up, and to keep my faith. I want to be a example for African American people, woman of all cultures and children that they can do whatever they’re heart desires. Faith, resilience and hard work will carry them through, and to remember there are multiple routes to the same end goal.

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 started painting in college, I was depressed and it became a outlet for me. I began to attract attention naturally at North Carolina A&T. People would ask me to paint Greek gifts, things for their children etc. I’d have a hard time declining and loved the reactions I’d receive. I looked at it as a less permanent tattoo for your home, something that would impact the aura of your space. I did weekly art events and eventually did a Art show in Charlotte, but I was falling out of love. The demand of custom pieces was discouraging me as I felt, I was not progressing fast enough for my liking. After I graduated college and had a hard time finding a job, I dealt with post grad depression, the accomplishment of school meant nothing If I could not support myself, again I went to a creative outlet which became nails. I enrolled in school to get my nail license and realized that in those moments of one on one time I was a stress reliever. People would just tell me about their day, their testimonies and I enjoyed encouraging and empowering women, By the time they left my chair they had more confidence, a smile and hope to carry them through their day. Building clientele that meshed with my values became hard, I cared about every detail of designs and wanted my art to be unique. Time went on, I practiced on myself when the seasons were dry. I started to fall in love with myself again, the art of me. People would ask me if I were a model, if not I should be. I did many fashion shows with my mother in D.C. as a child but was always so shy and goofy. I decided I’d try again as a adult, and do my own nails for every shoot. The vision of what I wanted for myself, my business and overall brand began to come to me effortlessly. I prayed about the impact I’d have on women, smaller women who weren’t fitting in societies new norms of curves and plastic surgery. Women who didn’t have perfect skin, and maybe had many tattoos. I locc’d my hair as a personal commitment to stay true to myself and live myself in every stage. I became more than a nail tech, but a brand. In high school people called me “skinny”, over time it annoyed me to no end. The grown me, decided I’d embrace it and be called “Slim”. That’s when “Theslimc” emerged. The Slim c now represents, “The Soul Chaser”. I pride myself on being aware of my emotions and never taking them out on other people. To acknowledge them and to adapt, so I can continue to share a positive outlook on life despite lifes challenges. I’ve learned no matter if the accomplishment seems small to others, to do it if it ignites something in your heart.

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 now live in Charlotte, North Carolina. I’ve been here roughly a year and my favorite places to go would be Camp North end. It’s a place were there’s something for everyone, to grab coffee, play games, roller skate and make a bond fire. It feels safe and relaxing. There’s endless restaurants to support but, one that hits every time is Lulu’s Maryland Style chicken and seafood. It gives me a taste of the DMV, everyone is always so nice!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout first and foremost to my family, they’ve supported any and everything I’ve wanted to do. I’d also like to give a huge shoutout to the Greensboro Boys and Girls Club. During my time working there, I learned a lot about myself as a growing adult and what it meant to be a true confidant and mentor to the youth.

Website: theslimc.com

Instagram: theslimc

Linkedin: Ciara Parker

Twitter: theslimc_

Facebook: Ciara Parker

Youtube: ThelifeofSlim

Image Credits
Dionna Bright Garrick Wes McFadden