Dear Beauties,
To say 2018 has been a game changer year for me would be an understatement. As I reflect on this past year there were times when I felt like I went from being at the top of my game to the bottom. I started the year married, self-employed and in pursuit of my cosmetology license. 2019 is just a few days a way and all of this has changed. I’ve experienced triumphs, tribulations and trials I never saw coming but I’m so grateful that my father in heaven has kept me and provided in ways I cannot explain.
At the beginning of the year I was in the process of completing my third beauty license at Dudley Beauty College, a school that is near and dear to my heart. The administrators and teachers granted me a scholarship so I could complete the cosmetology program and even allowed my daughters to occasionally attend classes with me. This was extremely helpful for my family and as a result my girls have all developed a love for the beauty industry. Ryleigh loves doing nails and Kennedy and Zoie love doing hair. More importantly two of my teachers have now become adopted aunties and have provided listening ears for me when marriage and parenting got tough.
While enrolled in the cosmetology program, many of my followers and members of the natural beauty meetup group I started 7 years ago came in for services. I even had people who drove as far as an hour to come see me at Dudley’s, that blew me away. In fact, 95% of my clients found me on social media and trusted me to cut, color, and style their hair. For this I am so grateful!
With just a few short months left before graduation, a major brand hired me to do an educational video for a social media campaign. I was ecstatic because it was exactly the kind of work I want to do. My good friend and fellow instructor training classmate, Melica Collier, assisted me on set.
Another highlight of my year was attending an influencer trip in the Dominican Republic with CURLS. That 5 -star vacation was something I will never forget! I want to thank Maheisha and Janelle of CURLS for being continued supporters of my brand. CURLS chose to work with me from the very beginning of my influencer career. They also embraced and shared my vision of empowering women of color. I also got the chance to work with CURLS at the Black Women’s Expo and America’s Beauty Show.
Triumphs are great because they allow us to see how God has uniquely gifted each person with talents that inspire others and help to make the world a more beautiful place.
Unfortunately toward the end of this year some big trials came; I filed for divorce after being married for 18 years. I was in a relationship with my husband for half of my adult life. The pain from the separation was excruciating and many days I did not get out of the bed. I felt like I was in a black hole that I could not get out of. Thankfully as time has passed, my children’s father and I have worked on our relationship and are now great co-parents going through the divorce process. He has remained very involved in our kids’ life and that is all I can ask for at this point. It was hard learning that sometimes love means letting go.
Going through a separation meant I had to re-think my business and after 14 years of being self-employed I had to go from entrepreneur to employee. This trial was hard to accept, in fact if I’m to be totally honest I’m still struggling with it. I asked God to please let me find something creative and in my field. Perhaps in a future post I’ll share how I was almost rejected twice by the company I currently work for. However, I am happy to say I am now a hairstylist in Hyde Park with Ulta Beauty and the possibilities are beautiful and endless. Click here to come see me!
As the year comes to a close there are still many uncertainties but my motto is don’t worry about tomorrow, God is already there. From the bottom of my heart I want to thank you for subscribing to my YouTube channel and blog. I wouldn’t have been successful without your love and support.
Thank you to @HerGivenHair for the opportunity to represent your brand as texture expert.
Although I am uncertain about many things including what 2019 will bring, I am grateful I know who holds the future and I am so blessed he is still writing my story.
Unfortunately with my current lifestyle changes I may not be able to blog or post videos as often but lucky for you Instagram is my jam and I do plan to post regular updates @RachelOBeauty if you aren’t following me what are you waiting for?! Click here
Thank you for prayers and don’t be sad for me, I am incredibly blessed and despite it all I am excited for this new chapter in life, career, love and beyond.
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You Are Covered! Keep Moving Forward! 🙏❤
thank you, yes I am!
Love this blog. I passed your info onto 2 friends in Hyde Pk.
Bless you my sister. All God’s blessings to you on your new chapter.
thank you!
You are amazing. I wish you nothing but success in this new journey.
thanks so much!
Hi Rachel!
What a great blessing of you transparently sharing your highs and lows of 2018. Having and keeping God in your corner is your saving grace for your life. I’m praying for you, and following along to witness your journey and future endeavors come to life.
God Bless, Jeff!
thanks so much Jeff!
God bless you Rachel. I passed your salon info onto 2 friends on the southside.
thank you I appreciate it.
So glad to hear that you’re doing well Rachel . Very happy for you. May God continue to bless you in your new normal and surround you always with his presence. You’re in my prayers daily. 🙏🙏🙏
thanks so much!
I love, respect and appreciate your transparency. Its all in Divine Order♥️♥️♥️
I love and respect you more, I learned from the best!
Your transparency is the next extension of your journey. Because you’ve shared others will be blessed & their lives have been enriched! I am so godly proud & I applaud your strength! Moreover your character. Stay the course… the race has really just begun!!!
Love you O, thanks so much for always being a listening ear.
I am so proud of you Rachel! You are brave, courageous, and fierce. All things work together for good … Give yourself permission to be great , and remember that Life is for you! I love you 💕 I’m getting on your calendar ASAP!
AWWW that was so sweet! Love you too.
I love you Rachel and 1 thing for sure I know you know God! You were my friend when no one accepted me as the new girl! He will cover and comfort you on this journey it will only make you stronger! Many Blessings to you and your family.
Love you! Thanks Danielle, hope to see you soon.
Very well said…
I am happy that you are pushing through this trying time! You give me hope. I have been married 21 years and I am feeling like divorce is knocking at the door, Hard and Loud!
I understand the feeling, however please do ALL you can before you call it quits, I truly wish now wish this on my worst enemy. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Prayers for you Tara and your spouse. Give it to God and let him guide you.
Love you girlfriend and you will always have my prayers and support.
love you my action Angie!
I love your testimony…and will always be a fan of yours. I am also going through a divorce with someone who I married twice (I already know my error) and it’s hard to deal with. So glad to know you are closer to me now and I can come and get beautified by you. Merry Christmas to you and your girls! May the Lord continue to bless you.
aweeee thanks so much, God’s blessings on you. Hope to see you soon.
Wow! This is very touching, thank you for sharing when you didn’t have to! You are a strong and courageous beautiful black woman raising beautiful black daughters. God has got you in his covenants and by his grace you will win!
IG @barikibodycare and
@aishamakesbariki
thank you
Best wishes to you!!!!❤
Your motto of “don’t worry about tomorrow; God is already there” is one to live by! Thanks for sharing, Rachel. You’ve consistently stayed focused on your goals, and you’ve constantly moved forward throughout the ten or so years I’ve known you. I’m excited to keep watching your journey unfold! Cheers to you!
Thanks for stopping by and reading. Hope to see you soon.
I love and respect your transparency. You already have one of the best things a Mom needs, support. Salute sis.🙏🏾