Harriet Sims

I attribute my success to my faith in God, who I believe guides and sustains everything I do. I rely on daily affirmations, declarations, and scripture—especially Jeremiah 29:11—to stay grounded in purpose, resilience, and confidence that I am called to serve others. I see this work in beauty and wellness as more than aesthetics; it is also about inner healing, service, and helping clients feel whole. My upbringing in a strong Christian household, shaped by my grandfather who was an AME minister, deeply influenced my values, perseverance, and spiritual foundation, which have carried me through personal challenges, including chronic illness.

The best career advice I’ve received is to know my numbers. During the pandemic, my business coach emphasized understanding my income, expenses, and the true value of my services. She taught me to consistently review my finances, charge my worth confidently, and avoid undervaluing my work through free services. This shifted my mindset from people-pleasing to recognizing my value and running my business with clarity and sustainability.

I would advise young women entering this industry to be confident in your choice and understand that it is a viable and valuable career. Success starts with knowing your numbers, managing your budget, and treating your work as a business where you also pay yourself first. Strong communication is also essential—responding to clients promptly and professionally builds trust and helps you manage your time effectively. I would also encourage them to stay focused, remain disciplined, and not limit their possibilities, because this industry offers many opportunities for growth and creativity across different settings.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is adapting to technology, especially for women my age and older who are navigating social media and digital platforms to grow their client base. While technology is important, I still believe word of mouth remains one of the strongest forms of marketing, and in many ways it has evolved into digital conversations between real people. At the same time, there are significant opportunities in television and film, where I’ve been fortunate to work on productions like They Cloned Tyrone alongside Jamie Foxx, which opened doors to meaningful collaborations and new career paths. The rise of AI has also changed the industry, but it has reinforced the need for real, skilled professionals, creating space again for authentic, hands-on talent in beauty and hairstyling.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are compassion, understanding, and grace for others as they navigate their own challenges. I also place a strong emphasis on communication, whether that means responding to clients promptly or guiding them honestly and respectfully about what is best for their needs. Being a good listener is essential in my work, as many clients simply want to feel heard and understood, especially those dealing with sensitive concerns like hair loss or alopecia. Overall, I strive to lead with empathy while building trust and confidence in every interaction.