KéNisha Ruff believes that beauty should be simple. Meet her in our latest DirectHERy Dozen.

Give us a little background about yourself and your business.

I began my beauty career as a licensed cosmetologist about 10 years ago after graduating from VICI Aveda Institute in Madison. My passion for skincare and cosmetics led me through a professional journey in retail cosmetics, then to high end salons and spas, and now to my current role as a Professional Makeup Artist and Creative Director of Marie Hunter Beauty. I later wanted to my education to learn more about the entire process of cosmetics formulation - from product development to package design. In doing so, I received a certificate from the Fashion Institute of New York for Product Development & Packaging Design for Cosmetics/Fragrances; Marketing & Merchandising and Media. Marie Hunter Beauty boldly empowers women with beauty, confidence and class with a highly curated line of beauty and fragrance products.

Is this your first business venture?

I first dabbled into entrepreneurship by working as a Freelance Makeup Artist about 10 years ago. After getting a feel of what it was like to be my own boss I knew I wanted to explore my options and dabble into other areas of the beauty and fashion industry.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, what was the event that changed your mind about becoming an entrepreneur?

Yes. I tend to get bored easily so I've always known in the back of my mind that a traditional 9-5 was not the lifestyle I wanted. I prefer to be challenged everyday and have control over my life, so becoming an entrepreneur was a no brainer.

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge has been funding and having limited funds available for marketing. This means that word of mouth is really big for helping Marie Hunter Beauty to grow.

What has been a success?

My biggest success has been remaining true to myself and not giving up. Reminding myself daily that not only do I get to do what I love full time, I also get to inspire and help women across the world by developing products to make them feel bolder.

Did you have a business mentor or was there a woman/women in your life that you could rely on for guidance while navigating entrepreneurship?

Social media is been great in connecting me with like minded women who are making waves in their industry. Being able to have these women in my circle to vent to and bounce ideas with has been essential in my growth lately. When women come together to collaborate, great things happen!

How do you stay focused and motivated during a time when being a business owner can feel overwhelming?

Self care is extremely important, you cannot serve others well when you're not taking care of yourself. Once a day I like to try to take an hour for myself to do something I enjoy, it could be reading a book with a glass a wine or getting a mani. Taking time to reflect and enjoy a moment to yourself is key. Once I've had time to myself, I have a clearer mind and can set new goals and ways to execute meeting my goals.

How do you choose the people you surround yourself with within your business?

As a creative, I tend to gravitate towards other creatives and people who excel in areas that I may lack. There's always something you can learn and I chose to surround myself with positive creatives who are always looking to grow.

What is your biggest piece of advice for women starting a business?

My biggest piece of advice would be to make sure you have a strong support system. Being an entrepreneur is an emotional rollercoaster and you want to surround yourself around people who will support you through the good and bad days.

As women business owners, we are often tasked with “doing it all” in regards to work life and our personal lives; do you think this is a realistic expectation?

Absolutely not. I like to believe as women that we can "have it all", but having it all means learning how to balance work and your personal life; learning to say no to things that do not serve you well and making sacrifices. At the end of the day, all you really can do is do your best.

Favorite quote, song or poem?

I have a TON of favorite quotes, I pretty much live for quotes. Some of my favorites are:

"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence". -Confucius

"Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher". -Oprah Winfrey

"Nothing will work unless you do". -Maya Angelou