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

Hi Courtney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My grandparents and my mother were entrepreneurs; one thing that I observed in their journeys was that they absolutely loved what they did. They worked HARD, but they didn’t mind the work because it brought them joy, freedom, and the ability to express themselves in ways that would have otherwise been watered down by a standard 9-5. I am a 14 year veteran in the Insurance Industry as a workers compensation adjuster. While it was a pretty good career, I heard, on many occasions, my peers expressing that they felt like they were “stuck” in the industry and just overall unhappy because they failed to pursue their happiness, career wise, for whatever reasons at a younger age. I knew that I didn’t want that to be me. I knew that there had to be more to life and that I needed to do something that allowed me to be creative, innovative, and free to express my ideas and gifts in the way I wanted to.

Once I became inspired to pursue passion, I had to figure out what mine was! Sounds crazy, to know that you want to pursue something, and not know what it is! Initially I had no idea or plan to start my own business. I was a bit intimidated by the thought. Fast forward to discovering my love for makeup, I practiced on myself daily, and that grew to me doing makeup for friends, and then professionally! As a makeup artist, I knew that skin prep was key, but I also realized that after the makeup came off, my clients didn’t have much direction on how to care for their skin on a daily basis. That is what inspired me to attend Esthetics school. I birthed CLEW Beauty, while working full time and going to school at night

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.
CLEW Beauty is everything that I thought I could never achieve. CLEW beauty isn’t just an atmosphere of wellness but it’s tangible proof that God always has plans that supersede our own. CLEW beauty is unique in its esthetic, our skinlosophy, our overall approach to wellness, it’s simply a VIBE!

When it came to developing my brand identity and redirecting my career, I initially focused on trying to fit the typical aesthetic of a “spa” or “skincare studio”. But eventually I came to realize that one thing other companies didn’t have was ME! It took a while to get here but I can confidently say that My personality, my being, who I am, my presence, how I think, it can’t be duplicated. I absolutely LOVE what I do, it isn’t a fad/trend for me, and I know that this is the industry I belong in! Being confident in who I am and knowing that in a world of a million other estheticians, I can still add value, is KEY! There is room for new thoughts, ideas, suggestions, etc. ALWAYS!

Here at “The CLEW” we do specialize in skin of Color, but we’re a vibe fit for ALL! Skin is our passion and it’s our goal to not only provide clients with the services to get their skin to its best state, but to also educate our clients on the importance of skin care and proper maintenance. We are an Acne certified facility and we specialize in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. We also pride ourselves in shining a light into male care – skincare is for EVERYONE – and we love servicing our male clients and helping them understand that it’s a necessity for them as well.

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.
In Charlotte!? There is so much to do! I’m from here and I’m at times overwhelmed! But as far as food choices, Steak 48 is a staple, Beef ‘N Bottle, & Del Friscos is amazing as well! As far as hangouts, I’m a simple girl – I like to frequent different lounges, listen to live music, any live exhibitions at our local museums, and of course any live sporting events, especially the Charlotte Hornets, or Carolina Panthers! If you’re hanging with me, it will be chill, but we will have fun!

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?
WOW. This is a LOADED question! I also can’t just pick one person, so Y’all ready? * clears throat and Grabs Imaginary award for dramatic purposes*  First, shout out to God! He is THE reason I’m where I am today and he is the reason for the connections I’ve been blessed to have made! I’d like to thank my Family for always believing in me, they are my BIGGEST FANS! I don’t always show it or say it, but they really keep me going and I know that they want to see me win! I could name all of my family individually, but the support is so real, it would take too long! However, I have to specifically shout out the following: my mother Selma Berkley (Mark),  My grandparents, Eddie & Nellie Griffin, My Papa Jim, & My dad, James Martin (Venita); My sisters Erika, Sharon, Beatrice, Tanesha, Crystal & Sonya; My Brothers Tori, Jerome, & Corey;  My God daughter Jael; My nephews Jamal, Derrick, Donavan, and Marcus; my nieces Jamiah, Inchantis, Toya, Ashley and Porchea, and the list really goes on! This is my core, so I’d be remiss to not speak their names and acknowledge publicly that their support, in whatever fashion, means the world to me. I love you all endlessly.

Professionally – Tavia Jackson (Tavia J Beauty – Charlotte, NC) set the tone on what it was to be a professional in the beauty industry, she’s so solid – i’ve always looked up to her – she really set the standard in showing me how to be handle being true to my core, while still being able to dominate multiple industries and roles simultaneously.

Antinese Stinson (Glam Beauty Bar – Jacksonville, Fla) – She is special to my journey because – she really PUSHED ME! Antinese is like the Major Payne of skincare! She does not play when it comes to success personally, and she holds her mentees to the same standard. She can be tough – but man she really cares about our success and is genuinely happy when we let her know we are crushing our goals!  She helped me see that starting a new career at a “later” age was not impossible. She helped me see my vision and taught me how to walk it out – in faith- daily (because we manifest the life we live)! I could never thank her enough in words. I hope she knows that her voice is valued and needed in our industry.

Christal Brice (C2G Consulting -Charlotte, NC). If it involves money she knows how to get it! Christal is a client turned consultant for my business and I’m super grateful for her showing me different avenues of growing my business and thinking outside of the normal channels of securing funding for my business. She too, is very solid and she’s even challenged me in ways that inspired me to improve my professionalism and overall how I think about my business. Her business mind is ELITE! So if you haven’t tapped in with her – Do so!

My Business besties and friends in life, Shanique, Candace, Jamie, Keunta, Lashanna, Ebony, Jody, Ronnel, Yolanda, Bree, Ari Maquilón, Carmesha, Naomi, & Paige, Yall are my Business Besties, sounding boards, counselors, really whatever I need you to be when I need you – some of us work in the same industry while other of us work in different sectors, BUT YOU ALL keep me moving forward and help me to stay positive. I appreciate you guys so much, and I look forward to being able to celebrate all of our future accomplishments together!

Website: www.clewbeauty.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clewbeauty/

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

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