By: Tanisha Robertson
Hey Beauties it's T again back with another HBCU Beauty who's truly about her business. I know it's been a good little minute but best believe I have a story for y'all. Today we are getting to know Ms. Marisa Baker of Albany State University.
Now could you introduce yourself to our readers?
I am Marisa Baker and I am from Savannah, Georgia. I attend Albany State University, and I am a 21 year old senior with two majors, Nursing & Psychology. I serve as a Resident Assistant on campus and I am also President of S.A.S.S. (Students Advocating for a Stronger Sisterhood). I just recently started my own business three months ago where I provide lash services to people who want to enhance their beauty.
Okay, now you said your services enhance beauty which leads into our next question. What does Self-Care mean to you being in the beauty business?
In the beauty business, it is often forgotten that you can love your natural self. With that being said, you can enhance your natural beauty as part of self-care. To me self care means that you are taking the appropriate amount of time for your mental, spiritual, and physical well being. It could be anything from taking yourself to get pampered to just sitting in the car to meditate. Self care is very important!
Could you tell us about your business and the services you provide ?
The name of my brand is “Envious Minks by MB”. I am a certified lash tech who specializes in mink eyelash extensions and I also sell mink strip lashes.
What inspired you to become a small business and do you have any aspirations towards expansion?
I honestly started this business for fun. I really enjoy doing my own lashes and people always ask me who does my lashes and if I could do theirs. I don’t plan on doing lashes once I start my career, but I do plan on starting my own lash line and selling lash products, lash trays, and other tools that lash techs need in the near future.
Do you have any advice to individuals hoping to follow in your steps?
Do not give up, EVER! Why give up today when tomorrow might be the day that you win? I know in the beginning it may be hard but you have to invest in yourself because you are worth it.
Who is your biggest inspiration ?
My biggest inspiration is both my mother, Ashley Frink, and my grandmother, Mary Anderson. My mother had me at the age of sixteen, defeated breast cancer, and has been through so many life challenges but she did not let any of these obstacles stop her from providing for her family and being the best that she could be. My mom has just recently graduated from Savannah State University this past fall with a Bachelors in Business Administration. While my mom just graduated, my grandmother has just decided to go back and continue her education at Savannah State this semester to receive her Bachelors in Social Work at the age of sixty-five! My grandmother has been a registered nurse for thirty-four years which gave me my interest in nursing. Both my grandmother and my mother have guided and will continue to guide me as I pursue my education and future endeavors.
Could you tell us about S.A.S.S and your role ?
S.A.S.S. stands for Students Advocating for a Stronger Sisterhood. We are very big on community service and building bonds with girls on campus. Some girls come to college and don’t have anyone to talk to. This organization is built to give girls on campus an outlet and bond with other girls that come from different types of backgrounds. I am currently the President of this organization and I truly love all my girls!
Besides, the fact ASU is my home as well. We'd like to end off by asking , Why did you choose Albany State University ?
I chose Albany State because my grandmother and her family were originally from Albany, GA. My uncle, Rev. Charlie Dillard, is very big on history and he always has a story to tell about “The Good Life City”. He is currently the president of Monroe High School Alumni Association. Just listening to my uncle stories when I was young made me want to get closer to my roots. I decided to further my education at Albany to learn more about the city, and I plan to buy the house my grandmother used to stay in when she was a child on the East Side of Albany.
Closing Remarks
I have known Marisa since Fall '18 and it has truly been a pleasure to share her story. So, I don't know about you all but I really enjoyed this story. Marisa is a living testament of simply following your dreams. Living in these uncertain times, means you have to take those leaps of faith. As a community, supporting black businesses will always be celebrated. So beauties, whether your thinking about starting a business or investing in one, DO IT!!! Point. Blank. Periodt. If anyone would like to be featured feel free to email me at tanisha.robertson00@gmail.com ! Till next time,
Stay beautiful
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