I believe pretty is not about the outer appearance, but instead what is deep within you~ Feleshia Sams
Feleshia was considered the “go-to-girl” for make-up in college. Now she is the CEO of the Atlanta-based Academy of Advanced cosmetics (AAC,) a cosmetic training academy and hub for beauty technicians and artists. Feleshia is also the CEO of Coz Tat, a mobile app created with cosmetic artists and consumers in mind and 365 Greens, a holistic brand that boasts a green superfood powder that has proven to strengthen weakened immune systems and energy.
Patrice: What motivated/inspired you to start a business?
Feleshia: From the age of 5 I was saying that I told myself that I wanted to be the boss. At that time I had no idea of what I was going to do all I knew was that I wanted to run my own business. Growing up as an only child with only my mom and I. I saw how she was able to build her own business and that inspired me to want to do the same one day.
Patrice: What makes you a pretty woman that hustle?
Feleshia: I believe pretty is not about the outer appearance but instead what is deep within you. You can have a pretty face, body, and gorgeous hair but a ugly heart. Physical appearances fade and who we truly are resides within us forever. Being pretty is what do we do for our families, communities, those around us. How we live, work, and give back. Its my mission to be that “pretty” example for both my children and those that may look up to me and want to do what I’m doing today.
Patrice: What is the name of your business(es) and what does it intel?
Feleshia: I have 3 businesses. 2 are cosmetic related and 1 is health and nutrition.
Academy of Advanced Cosmetics is a cosmetic training academy that trains, mentors, supplies our very own cosmetic tattoo products to students in the industry.
CozTat is my app that connects cosmetic tattoo artist and clients together. We provide a complete business system for our artist to manage their calendars, take payments, send electronic consent forms, and showcase their work. The app is free to clients where they can check out reviews, artist pictures, check certification / licensing credentials, schedule, and pay all within the app.
365 Greens is my green superfood powder. This is a superfood powder that is a daily powder that can be mixed in water or your favorite drink to provide you all the multi vitamins and nutrients you need. It’s simple to mix and taste really good unlike most powders on the market.
Patrice: Have you faced any challenges in your business?
Feleshia: Being in business has a lot of ups and downs. Some recent challenges that I had to face was finding the right contractors and support for some of my businesses. For example, when I see that someone or company is not providing me what I need I have learned to move on, but before I do I always have a backup. When I initially started my app I started with one developer and then found that I was not getting what I wanted. As a result, I left and moved on the next. Yes, it was costly but in the long run I feel as though it was going to save me a lot in the long run. The same with my superfoods brand. Having my own vision of what I want and what others say they can do can sometimes cause you to redirect your vision to what they can do. So just as with the app I found myself moving to another manufacture that was able to give me exactly what I was looking for. Bottom line I have to trust my gut and stick to my guns and know that this is my vision. Sometimes others can’t see it and that’s okay but I know at the end of the day if I’m paying I need to get what I’m paying for.
Patrice: Are you currently working on any current projects right now?
Feleshia: I have a new project coming out that is an online business course. It’s called PMU Resources make 6 figures while working 3 days a week or less. This is through my Academy and will be available to all permanent makeup artist. I wanted to layout the blue print on how I did this my first year in and how they can do this to. Also, I am coming out with a green superfood for kids in May 2021. This is through 365 Greens and will be specifically for kids.
Patrice: How do you face diversity as a woman/man entrepreneur/author?
Feleshia: I would say while developing my app it was sometimes a challenge. Being that the tech field is so male dominant. Also, I was creating something as a woman for mainly women and they knew nothing about it. It was huge challenge. In the development phase we would have weekly conference calls and it would be all these men and then me. I knew from the first meeting that if I wanted my app to be a certain way I was going to have to drive my point across and let them know that yes this woman has voice. Despite the fact I was spending my money I always felt that I had to defend my view on why I didn’t like their ideas. This was part of why I switched developers. I’m still with a bunch of guys but I find this new group is way more respectful and inclusive.
Patrice: Is balancing your personal life, work life and business life difficult for you at times?
Feleshia: Yes, yes, and yes! Lately it has been a lot but I feel that once I get through these next few months I’ll be able to get more balance. I consider myself to be an extremely organized person so this helps tremendously along with a terrific staff.
Patrice: Do you have any new projects or events coming up?
Feleshia: At the Academy we use to do an annual PMU and Micro blading event. Due to COVID-19 we delayed it so the plan is to do it again March 2022.
Patrice: What does being an entrepreneur or business owner mean to you?
Feleshia: Being an entrepreneur means that I have no limits on what I can do in my career. As an entrepreneur there’s no glass ceilings and no climbing that corporate ladder. This is so rewarding to me and I am so blessed to be where I am today. It’s hard-work but I wouldn’t trade it for any 9-5.
Connect with Feleshia:
Instagram: feleshiasams
Website: http://www.aactraining.com
Instagram: aac_training
Facebook: Academy of Advanced Cosmetics
Website: http://www.coztat.app
Instagram: cozTat
Facebook: cozTat
Website: http://www.shop365greens.com
Instagram: shop365greens
Facebook: shop 365greens
PRETTY WOMEN HUSTLE ONLINE 