Beauty, Business, and Confidence with Branding Mogul Charde Smith
Updated: Sep 6, 2022
Charde Smith is no newcomer to the beauty industry. Before founding Triple Eight Consulting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, she was the co-owner of a successful beauty bar in Manhattan. Rather than give up when social distancing took effect, Charde took the downtime to do some self reflection and think about what she really wanted as a woman, entrepreneur, and professional in the beauty industry. During a two-week hiatus, Charde realized that her next business venture was one that she was already doing--giving strategic brand advice to professionals in the beauty industry and beyond. Here’s a few things we talked about during our time together:
Sometimes you have to create your own space. At the end of the day, you have to be the change you want to see and make space for yourself. The industry you’re working in may not be made for you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for you. It’s time to take charge.
Step back, take a break. It’s easy for our minds to run wild but sometimes you have to force yourself to sit down and take a break. Some of your best ideas come when your brain is well-rested.
Journaling is key for any entrepreneur. If you're anything like me or Charde, you get some of your best ideas when you’re relaxed. In order to make sure those ideas don’t fall by the wayside, Charde recommends keeping a journal in every room in your house so that you can document your ideas as they come to you without having to pull out your computer.
You have to lead with your “why.” Every entrepreneur has a reason they do the work that they do. Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing to be successful, be clear on your focus and why you started your business in the first place. Focusing on your why will not only keep you grounded, but will also set you apart from your competition and help ensure that your work pursuing your passion never actually feels like work.
Being on trend isn’t trendy. One of the common mistakes business owners make is changing their brand to identify with the popular trend. Charde warns against this--when you ride the trend wave, you can be in one second and out the next. Instead, it’s important to stick to your core values and serve your niche. When you do a good job in your niche, word of mouth marketing will work it’s magic for you and you won’t have to worry about being trendy.
Alignment is key. We’ve already talked about the importance of leading with your “why”, and this extends to the clients you work with as well. You have to do work that’s meaningful to you, and that means making sure that the clients and brands you bring on board align with your purpose.
The answer to a better business is right in front of you. Your customers tell you everything you need to know about how to improve and be a better business. Sure, it’s important to conduct market research, but to get really personal and understand what you can do in your own business you have to listen to your clients and solicit feedback from them.
Celebrate your small wins. You have to give yourself a lot more credit. When it comes to compliments and acknowledgement, chances are you’re giving yourself the bare minimum. As you go through your journey of confidence and success, you have to be your own cheerleader and root for yourself in a world that may feel like it’s against you.
Talking about your accomplishments isn’t bragging. If you’re in a circle that belittles you when you want to share your achievements, you may want to reevaluate their true intentions. When you’re building your own success story and paving your own way, people may not understand what you’re doing, but don’t let naysayers get you down or set you off course. Share your wins and stand in your power.
When you stop playing small, you start getting results. It can be intimidating to put yourself out there or break past the barrier of imposter syndrome, but sometimes you have to put yourself in vulnerable positions in order to see growth.
Want to work with Charde? Use code CC20 to get 20% off her membership plan.
