Meet Cris E. Vera | Independent Exclusive Makeup & Nail Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cris E. Vera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cris E., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest, I have always had a dream of owning a business that I had a true passion for; that I did all on my own with my creative spirit. As a little girl, I was always selling something; from baked goods to gift baskets. I loved making my own money. It felt great knowing that I created something and people got to enjoy them as well. When I got older and became a teen mom. I had no idea who I was and how I was going to do it. What I did know is I had these two beautiful girls that needed me and I needed them. What started my path was some unsolicited advice; it was this memory that in reality changed the course of my future. A family member was trying to pressure me to find an older man with money to take care of me because I was a single mom with twin girls. I remember replying back, “Why? Am I damaged goods”? I also said, “I don’t need a man to take care of me and my twins. I can make my own money”. Their reply (in Spanish) was, “you’re crazy”! Laughed and walked away. Right at that moment, I knew I was going to start something big and change my path for not only myself, but for my daughters. I wanted to show my daughters that they can do anything in life. That they can dream; they can have a purpose. That they can build a future they want.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Who I am and what my brand is, go hand in hand. My understanding of owning a business was only counting numbers and not having a relationship with customers. That was not what I wanted professionally. I am a creator! I am an artist! I express who I am in nail art and makeup. As a professional I am an independent exclusive nail and makeup artist. What keeps me busy is having a true understanding on quality over quantity. I want each and every one of my clients to feel welcomed, comfortable, safe, and be themselves. Every day I wake up loving what I do, it’s not a job! I love to be creative. I get to run my business the way it works for me.

The hard challenge I had to learn was not having the best support system.  There was a form of support, but nowhere near what I needed. My first successful business did not stay thriving. When unforeseen family struggles happened, we did not have the support we needed, and it reflected in my business; we closed down. When this happened it was the worst period in my life not only for me, but for my husband. This was the first time I had really built something. But behind to scenes, there were greater struggles that took our time away from the business. This was the first time we really sought out moral support and got rejected. There was no constructive criticism or a helping hand.

Fast forward. I made it very clear that we were going to get through this heartache together and get past the pain and move forward.

I never stopped dreaming. I continued to learn, and create.  I could hear my inner eighteen year old self telling me, “Don’t give up. Don’t lose your passion, your motivation, your drive and your love for creating”.

This time around, I have learned my lesson. I keep my circle very small. I do my part and encourage other women. I tell myself every day, “Never stop dreaming. Never stop creating.  Love, be grateful, stay motivated. Stay positive. Have purpose”.

I know now that life will have challenges. I will continue to move forward. Continue to create. And, continue to stay passionate personally and professionally.

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?

1. Food: Nic and Norman’s Chattanooga

2. Drinks: State of Confusion

3. Festival: Cornbread Festival

4. Taking Pictures for Instagram: Bluff View Art District and 8 Hunter Museum of American Art

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?

To my loving, strong and supportive husband, you are the map keeper to my vision and heart.

To my beautiful eldest twin daughters, you both became my lessons that needed to be learned so that I could be a better person.

To my youngest courageous son, you became the light and strength that guides me in my journey as we continue to move forward.

Website: foxtalebeauty.com

Instagram: instagram.com/foxtalebeauty

Facebook: facebook.com/foxtalebeauty