Today we’d like to introduce you to Rabria Carter.
Hi Rabria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Looking back, beauty has always been a part of who I am. As a little girl, I was always doing my dolls’ hair, creating imaginary salon appointments, taking photos of my dolls as if they were models in a magazine and playing in makeup. Long before I knew it would become my career, I was already creating, styling, and telling stories through beauty.
That passion continued into my teenage years, where I enrolled in a cosmetology course through a technical program offered in high school and I began working in a salon as a shampoo assistant. While attending college, I found myself drawn back to the world of beauty and entertainment which ultimately led me to move to Atlanta to follow my passions. While pursuing that dream, I continued working in salons, assisting stylists, and freelancing as a makeup artist to support myself. During that time, I had opportunities to model, dance and do makeup for photoshoots, fashion shows, red carpets, stage productions, and editorial projects.
In the early days of freelancing as a makeup artist, I created a brand called Beauty Within, because I believe beauty begins on the inside. When I became a mother, I gained an even deeper sense of purpose and what was once just a creative passion became something I wanted to build into a lasting legacy. As I evolved, so did my vision and brand. Beauty Within eventually evolved into Biyu Beauty. BIYU is pronounced (be·ü), meaning to be unapologetically you. With the mission of helping women discover and express the most authentic version of themselves through hair, beauty and wellness.
Now, what excites me the most is that I still feel like I’m just getting started. This latest chapter feels like a new era of an even bigger vision, this time with clarity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, the journey hasn’t always been easy. There have been times of uncertainty, lack, moments where I’ve had to pivot, and times when I had nothing to hold onto but faith, knowing that I had a baby girl depending upon me.
During one of the most difficult seasons of my life, I found myself back in Atlanta as a single mother where I was forced to start over from scratch. I had lost nearly everything and had to make a decision about what direction my life would take. Rather than give up, I enrolled at Paul Mitchell the School Atlanta and committed to creating a new future for myself and my daughter. While attending Paul Mitchell the School Atlanta, I didn’t have reliable transportation, so I would wake up around 4:00 a.m. to take multiple buses and trains just to make it to school. After school, I would travel across the city to work at a salon then make the long journey back home, sometimes in freezing temperatures and the pouring rain. I would also freelance as a makeup artist, doing everything I could to make ends meet. I even remember walking from salon to salon trying to sell Mary Kay products because it was all I had.
Eventually, the school schedule became unsustainable, and I had to make a difficult decision about how to move forward. I moved back to my hometown of Birmingham, AL and started over yet again, but never losing sight of my goals. I entered a salon apprenticeship and spent several years working towards earning my cosmetology license. Shortly after earning my license, another major challenge came when the salon owner unexpectedly terminated me. It was a painful experience because I had invested so much into making that my salon home. But looking back, it was one of the best things that could’ve ever happened to me because it forced me to bet on myself. While at the salon, I was also working part time at a hotel and as a promotional model leading brand activations. I was able to seamlessly transition into management at the hotel and open my own salon suite.
Today, when people see Biyu Beauty, they see the success. They don’t see the woman taking buses before sunrise or walking salon to salon trying to make enough money to keep going. But all of those things helped shape the woman and entrepreneur I am today. Every obstacle taught me something about resilience and if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that obstacles don’t always mean you’re on the wrong path. Many of the setbacks that felt devastating at the time ultimately redirected me toward opportunities that were better aligned with who I was becoming all along.
I’ve most recently received my dream car that was once a symbol of success to me during my most challenging times. Now it serves as a reminder of how far I’ve come from the woman riding buses across Atlanta with a dream and determination.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed cosmetologist, makeup artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Biyu Beauty. My work blends beauty, creativity, and personal transformation. Throughout my career, I’ve had opportunities to work in beauty, fashion, entertainment, and live events, which have shaped the way I approach both artistry and the client experience. I specialize in luxury hair services, including custom color, hair extensions, bridal and healthy hair care, while creating personalized experiences that help women feel confident and empowered.
What sets me apart is that my work is rooted in authenticity. BIYU (be·ü) means “to be unapologetically you,” and that philosophy guides everything I create. My goal has never been to change who someone is, but to help them express the best and most authentic version of themselves.
The thing I’m most proud of is building a brand from a deeply personal journey. What began as a passion for beauty evolved into a purpose-driven business centered on confidence, self-expression, and wellness. As Biyu Beauty continues to grow, I’m excited to expand that vision through beauty experiences, education, and opportunities that encourage women to invest in themselves from the inside out.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people are surprised to learn that beauty isn’t my only career. While I’ve built Biyu Beauty, I’ve also spent years building a career in the hospitality industry. Today, I serve as the Senior Sales Manager in Birmingham, AL at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, which includes the Convention Center, Stadium, and Arena.
Creating memorable experiences, building relationships, leading teams, and understanding what exceptional service truly feels like through hospitality has directly influenced the way I approach beauty and the client experience at Biyu Beauty. In many ways, the two careers have simultaneously shaped one another.
It’s a beautiful thing when passion and a career collide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Biyubeauty.com
- Instagram: @biyubeauty and @rabria_
- Facebook: @biyubeauty
