Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra Fears.
Hi Kierra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?My name is Kierra Fears, founder of Vela Lash Bar. My journey began in Anchorage, Alaska, where finding salons that could serve people like me—and employers willing to hire a dark-skinned woman like me—was difficult. And “difficult” is an understatement.
I was tired of being placed in a box that told me I couldn’t look, act, speak, or show up authentically as a Black woman. In the early 2010s, every salon I visited or hoped to work for made me feel as though my natural hair—even when neatly pinned back—was considered unprofessional or did not fit their expectations. They wanted someone with straight hair or an appearance that matched their aesthetic.
After years of struggling to find employment in spaces that accepted me as I was, I decided to create my own opportunity. In 2019, I opened Vela Lash Bar in Anchorage, Alaska, with a vision to make beauty accessible, empowering, and inclusive for everyone.
As a licensed esthetician, educator, and entrepreneur, I built Vela Lash Bar around more than beauty services. I wanted to create a space where people could feel confident, supported, and valued—and I did just that.
My journey eventually brought me from Alaska to Jacksonville, Florida, where I continue to rebuild, grow, and expand my vision. Through challenges, setbacks, and new beginnings, I have remained committed to serving my community, educating others, and creating opportunities for aspiring beauty professionals. I strive to make Vela Lash Bar an open and welcoming space where estheticians can find career stability, engage in meaningful discussions, participate in business-focused open-mic events, continue their education, and give back to the community.
With the grace of God and the support of my sisters, my mission today is bigger than a business. I am building a legacy rooted in leadership, resilience, and equal access to beauty and education. I believe that where you start does not determine where you can go, and I am determined to keep opening doors for others as I continue building my own.
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?The Journey Was Never Smooth, but It Was Worth It!
Being where I am today has not been smooth. Educational? Absolutely. Smooth? Not at all.
When I started Vela Lash Bar in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2019, I had a vision to create a beauty space where people felt welcomed, valued, and accepted. But building a business came with roadblocks that taught me some of my hardest lessons. I realized that if I wanted to grow, I needed to be in a community where resources, training, and opportunities were more accessible. That realization eventually led me back home to Jacksonville, Florida.
In 2023, I returned to Jacksonville with my family, a mission, and the hope of recreating what I had built in Alaska. Unfortunately, my first attempt at purchasing a salon became one of the most difficult chapters of my entrepreneurial journey. I encountered what I believed to be a fraudulent sale, discrimination, racism, and circumstances involving the salon’s existing occupants and landlord that I had not been made aware of before the purchase. The experience was emotionally exhausting and left me questioning whether I wanted to own a business again.
At one point, I was ready to walk away. But people in my life encouraged me to pray, release my anger, and keep moving forward. That encouragement reminded me that one painful experience did not have to define my future.
I decided to return to what I knew best: esthetics and serving people. I wanted to work independently, create stability for my family, and rebuild on my own terms. However, even that journey came with challenges. I rented a room in Mandarin, only for the business to close after financial difficulties. I then moved to a salon on San Jose Boulevard, hoping to find a place where I could focus on my clients. Instead, I found myself taking on responsibilities far beyond my role as an esthetician, including cleaning, helping manage operations, and dealing with tenant-related issues. Concerns about the salon’s practices eventually convinced me that it was time to leave.
My next stop was Mosaic Salon Suites, where I met Jay and Shannon, two supportive owners who made it easier for me to focus on providing services. I am grateful for the encouragement they offered. However, as rental costs continued to rise, I began questioning whether remaining in a salon suite was the best path for my future. I knew I had more to offer than appointments and services, and I finally began giving myself permission to think bigger.
I spoke with Jay about expanding my vision, and his encouragement helped affirm what I had been feeling: it was time to step beyond being solely a service provider and begin building something greater.
After two years of navigating situations beyond my control, I was tired of feeling capable of more but constantly having to adjust to someone else’s circumstances. I wanted to create an environment where I could lead, grow, educate, and provide opportunities for others without losing sight of why I started in the first place.
In early 2026, I transitioned out of Mosaic Salon Suites on good terms and opened Vela Lash Bar’s third location in Baymeadows, Jacksonville, Florida—a cute, intimate office suite that represents a new chapter in my journey.
Every setback has taught me something valuable about leadership, boundaries, business, and resilience. I have learned that sometimes moving forward means starting over, and sometimes the very experiences that discourage you are the ones that clarify your purpose.
Today, my vision extends beyond providing beauty services. I want Vela Lash Bar to become a place where beauty professionals can connect, learn, grow their businesses, and find encouragement. I want to help create opportunities for people who may not have the resources, support, or access they need to pursue their dreams.
My journey has not been perfect, and I do not pretend to have everything figured out. But I am proud that I kept going.
For anyone navigating hardship, rebuilding after disappointment, or questioning whether they have what it takes to continue, I hope my story serves as a reminder that you are allowed to begin again. You can learn from what hurt you without allowing it to harden you. You can change direction without abandoning your purpose.
Vela Lash Bar is more than a business to me. It is proof that even after disappointment, you can choose to build again—with greater wisdom, a stronger foundation, and a heart that still wants to make a difference.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?Vela Lash Bar is a beauty and esthetics brand founded by Kierra Fears in 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska, and now based in Jacksonville, Florida. We specialize in lash extensions, lash lifts, brow services, facials, waxing, and customized skincare treatments designed to help every client feel confident and cared for.
What sets Vela Lash Bar apart is our commitment to inclusive beauty, education, and community. We believe beauty should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background, skin tone, or financial circumstances. Beyond providing services, our vision is to empower aspiring beauty professionals through education, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
What I am most proud of is the heart behind the brand. Vela Lash Bar was built on resilience, authenticity, and the belief that everyone deserves to feel welcomed and valued. We are more than a beauty business—we are building a community where beauty, confidence, and opportunity can grow together.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?We welcome everyone including the LGBTQ+ community and all religions. We do not discriminate. We love and show kindness and excellent customer service
Pricing:
- $99 Two Lash Refills Memberships
- Buy One, Get one free $199 for a bestie Glacē Facial
- $399 Holiday Facial and Lash Packages coming soom
- $199 New Lash Client Special
- 50% off Wednesdays
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.VelaLashBar.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/VelaLashBar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcuJAPrwd/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@velalashbar
credit: https://voyagejacksonville.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-kierra-fears-of-vela-lash-bar