We had the good fortune of connecting with Todria Wiggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Todria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest, I never thought about owning my own business. I didn’t know anything about it. I was actually scared to start a business. I just knew that I loved expressing myself through Makeup Artistry. As the time grew and after I took my first paid client that is when my feelings changed. It went from being “scared” to “wow, I can make money from creating. My work actually make women happy.” I wanted to keep that feeling with me forever.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe what sets me apart from others would be how I stand out. I stand out in a way where I share but still keep a mystery. I’m not afraid to stand alone but when others do have the chance to meet me, they’re left with great energy.
I’m most proud of the way that I have carried myself. From my darkest moment in life to seeing God’s goodness he promised me. Through it all, I could have done some terrible things to the people that have done terrible things to me but I chose to stand still and endure what was sent to break me many times. I show up for myself & others with a smile on my face (most times haha) and face everyday knowing that it always gets better. I’m excited to see my expansion now. In my business, family, and community.
I am where I am today by making the necessary decisions for my life. I started out working regular 9-5 jobs since the age of 17, fast forward COVID hit. Only then was I forced to sit with myself. And that was hard for me. I found out that for a very long time I had an addiction to working and not knowing it. Literally working just to run away from internal problems. I’ve done the work on myself and gave myself a second chance at life. To do it all over again. I rebranded myself and I am now working as and for “Amari”. The schooling, jobs, creative opportunities were done to help push Amari. I haven’t looked back since then.
I’ve learned in life to do what makes you happy, work to earn the things that you want out of life, be happy for yourself and by yourself first. Everything that you want out of life wants you too but it comes with sacrifice, discipline, and obedience. It’s never easy but it gets easier.
I want the world to know that once you find your voice you need to stand up for yourself, ask for what you want, and respect yourself. That’s when life will be worth living, I promise.
My brand is about providing a special feeling within my community that I do see reaching across the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well for one, I’m answering this while football is in season now so I would catch a Miami Dolphins game first. Then, we would head over to Bayside for drinks at Fat Tuesday’s. I would also recommend a nice hot stone massage at the Diplomat Resort and sit poolside for the evening soaking up the sun and enjoying the amenities. We would take a walk down the Fort Lauderdale Marina in the newly built area to enjoy some great food and drinks there and enjoy the beach (hopefully it’s a nice day out haha). For some fun we would either hop on jet skis, or do a night ride on ATVs in Miami.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to @itshotchiick (Ashley). She’s one of many well known makeup artists in Ft. Lauderdale. She gave me my push to start my career actually. Another person that I would like to give recognition to would be to God first, because he’s the one who has given me the gift to create with my hands. Secondly, to my best friend who’s basically been the backbone emotionally and physically. And last, to all of my supporters whether they’re outside, inside, and close to me. From the start of everything up until this very moment. They’ve given me the drive to keep it going.

Website: http://amarisfaces-101177-109317.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaris_faces?igsh=ZXk3dXU5dXFic2Y4&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todria-wiggins-49a56a168?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmariHere

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