Beauty standards and trends are constantly changing at rapid rates. Harlem native Ciara “CCVant-Garde” Smith understands the rapid evolution of beauty sectors and styles. As an expert in the industry, she knows how crucial it is to keep up with the latest advancements and expansions in the field. In March 2023, Smith relaunched and enhanced her cosmetic businesses while catering to the changing demands of beauty enthusiasts.
Smith was born and raised in Harlem, “where trends and looking your best is the motivation of it all.” She grew up with her mother and was influenced by the beauty world at a young age. She used to watch her aunt and cousin transform their clients with beautiful hairstyles, motivating her to start practicing her own at nine years old. “Watching, studying, and continuously learning to do new things, I became a young unlicensed stylist at a very young age,” said Smith.
As an adolescent, Smith noticed her aunt and mother experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions. She began customizing wigs for them, as well as other women, until she had an epiphany: It was time to pursue a professional career in hair. “I had to make a change in career and create an intimate setting for my clients,” said Smith.
Smith’s company, Hairtastique Mobile Salon Systems Inc., is a one-stop-shop traveling salon and spa concierge, originated in 2015, that provides a unique engagement for clients at the locations of their choice. The mobile salon also offers incentives from personal referrals. “The main goal is to make sure our clients are satisfied and feel fabulous once they have received our services,” said Smith. She said the business benefits the Black community because its pampered services are designed for individuals and groups who need remote care for safety reasons, busy schedules, or medical dilemmas.
Smith, along with her partner Karen Vanderburg, are also revamping the HairMadness Foundation Inc., founded in 2017, and HairMadness: The Ultimate Hair Competition, founded in 2012. The HairMadness Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to give human and synthetic wigs to individuals who suffer hair loss from the effects of alopecia, cancer treatments, aging, and other hair disorders. HairMadness: The Ultimate Hair Competition gives individuals a platform to showcase their hair creativity. This type of event is typically held in the South. “This event was designed to bring something special to NYC,” said Smith. “This is something that isn’t normally done often in the city.”
Smith enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to her beauty concepts. Pieces of Hairtastique is one of her distinctive notions: making wigs that resemble cakes.
“We need our women to bring life to the world; we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for,” said Smith. She credits Women’s History Month as a reminder for women to be fearless in accomplishing all their aspirations and never feel defeated while gaining success. “We are standing in a world that is considered to be a man’s world,” said Smith. “This is why it’s important for me to make sure that all of my endeavors are successful, and I can make a change for legacies to come.”
Making the American Dream a reality is Smith’s biggest goal, aside from raising her one-year-old son. She wants to convey a great example for him of believing that dreaming is the first step to a big break. She credits her struggles as lessons that taught her true survival and faith in God. “I’m proud to be a Black woman from Harlem while showing others they too can achieve the American Dream and make it their reality,” said Smith.
Smith’s HairMadness Foundation Inc. has partnered with Raymour & Flanigan, in addition to hosting upcoming makeover extravaganzas for Mother’s and Father’s Day, as well as Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness makeovers.
Smith’s dreams are big, with aspirations to accomplish plenty in life. “I’m a dreamer and I need to wake up into my reality.”For more information, visit https://vantgarde.myshopify.com.