Ketoria Aransevia

CEO, Payeton’s Place of Beauty Studio & Decor

Style Observer (SO): Share a few things about yourself.

Ketoria Aransevia (KA): I consider myself a beautician who delves deeply into the beauty industry and as many aspects of it that I can. Also a businesswoman who expresses herself in architecture, art, events, and detailing.

SO: Do you see your profession as a calling or something that you worked towards and continue to work at?

KA: I see my profession as a calling, rooted in lifelong creativity, coupled with persistent efforts towards improvement.

SO: What are you most passionate about?

KA: I’m most passionate about self-betterment and guiding my daughter to become an even better businesswoman.

SO: Share with us a few career highlights.

KA: The opening of my studio, for sure, as well as attaining my NCIDQ certification in Washington. However, being able to do what I love every day gives me a chance for a new career highlight.

SO: How far would you say women have come in the beauty industry?

KA: Women have significantly raised the standard across various fields in not just beauty, but also other areas like construction, art and more. Women now more than ever are showing their incredible versatility and resilience. We’re owning beauty brands and commanding attention in the space and I’m happy to be a part of the statistics.

SO: What developing trends are you most excited about?

KA: I tend to shy away from trends at their outset but I will evaluate them once I see them becoming entrenched. Outside of beauty or fashion trends I’m most excited about the push to promote work-life balance (self-confessed workaholic), cultural education, and enhancing personal experiences.

SO: What is top of mind for you when clients step into your studio?

KA: What is top of mind is the cleanliness, ambience and pleasant aromas. These are paramount for creating a welcoming experience for clients.

SO: Which three women (locally or internationally) inspire you? And why?

KA: Three women I admire are

1) Huda Kattan — for her transformation of personal insecurities into a beauty/make-up brand (HUDA) that empowers others. A brand that I use often.

2) Debbie Bissoon — a fashionable lookalike personality who inspires admiration and relates to my own journey.

3) Lisa Hanna — for her grace and awareness, blending beauty with eloquence and social advocacy.

SO: How would you describe Samantha in a few sentences?

KA: I am an unyielding spirit that faces challenges head-on, never backing down from adversities, and demonstrating tenacity that inspires others. I’m a bold inventor who is never afraid to think outside the box and challenge the status quo by paving my own path with creativity and determination. I’m a visionary who sees challenges as an opportunity for growth. A resilient optimist who has an innate ability to maintain a positive outlook, turning obstacles into stepping stones.

SO: Which song is currently playing on repeat in your head?

KA: … Definitely, Who Fi Stop We by Masicka as it symbolises determination.

SO: What’s something that you have overcome and is now firmly behind you?

KA: An adversity that I have overcome that no longer bothers me is a past marked by domestic violence which fuels my desire to give back and be a voice of change.

SO: How would you describe your style?

KA: I would describe my personal style as uniquely curated and labelled as “edited design” as I will alter designs to reflect my mood and intention, rather than following trends.

SO: What’s your must-have fashion essentials?

KA: My fashion essentials are shoes and fragrance faves from Yves Saint Laurent and Prada.

SO: And your make-up essentials?

KA: A light foundation, like Too Faced Born This Way and a Fenty Beauty or Huda Beauty lipgloss.

SO: How important is what you wear and how you look?

KA: What I wear and how I look is very important. The approach to my appearance is very intentional as I’m aiming to create impact and opportunities.

SO: An evening in or out?

KA: More so an evening in, as this is for personal reflection and family time. Strengthening the relationship with my daughter is paramount; we cook together and are creative together. Outings are not often but are considered valuable opportunities for networking, resetting, and creating experiences.

SO: What rum cocktail are you enjoying today?

KA: Today I’m having a Pimento Piñata.

SO: What would your advice be to a graduating class of beauticians?

KA: To my graduating class: Give yourself grace to grow, plan with intention, and be courageous in your pursuits. Always ask God for guidance.

SO: If you could go to the past or the future, which would you choose and why?

KA: If I had an opportunity to go back to the past I definitely would decline. I value past experiences for the wisdom they offer that shape my preferences now. But if I should be given the chance to visit the future I’d also decline that, as well. The future is a mystery that’s meant to unfold.

SO: Finally, what’s your philosophy?

KA: Focus on producing quality over monetary gains, great products will naturally attract customers.

Appleton Pimento Piñata 1 oz pimento-infused Appleton rum Splash of coconut cream Splash of pineapple juice (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Bartender Odean Stephens serves Appleton Pimento Piñata. (Photo: Aceion Cunningham)

Ketoria Aransevia has Who Fi Stop We by Masicka on repeat.

 

Aransevia says she is inspired by: (from left) media personality Debbie Bissoon, politico Lisa Hanna; and Huda Beauty founder & CEO Huda Kattan. 

YSL Libre Eau De Parfum Intense is one of Aransevia’s fragrance faves.