We recently connected with Andrea Peay and have shared our conversation below.
Andrea , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
You would be surprised at the times I’ve laid in bed and cried, feeling overwhelmed, defeated and of inadequacy. But with a praying grandmother and my faith in God. I was able to gain a strength that i never thought i had! Suffering from depression and anxiety there were moments where I didn’t even want to get out of bed but i made a vow to myself to get the help needed as well as pushing myself to the highest level. This made me an even better makeup artist because it puts me in such a zone of peace. When i have that brush in my hand all weight is lifted and nothing else matters. As a makeup artist you encounter amazing people who pour into you and vice versa. If it had not been for my clients I would have thrown in the towel as well. I became so resilient and ready to take on anything the world has to offer!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
My name is Andrea Peay I am a professional makeup artist from NYC
I come from one of the most dangerous areas of Brooklyn. Despite of where i come from it never defined me as a person. Introduced to many amazing things growing up i also saw other things and with many nights of partying lol I admit that makeup artistry was never in my deck of cards! To be honest It Snuck Up on me like a thief in the night I must admit lol. As much as a shock it was to everyone and myself I truly fell in love with it!. My brand is called Andrea Peay Beauty (A.P Beauty for short) After 12 years and many fashion shows under my belt, a few celebrity clientele and a feature on a billboard in Times Square i STILL remain humble. What excites me the most is the reaction of my clients. Making them feel beautiful. Its an instant boost of confidence that spills from their soul that keeps me going. Some of my bookings become therapeutic and encouraging. Building friendships into family keeps me motivated to never give up on what i love to do. Every one of my clients are MY personal celebrities. Expansion is definitely the goal stay tuned for new adventures with A.P Beauty
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities I’ve learned along this journey is Patience, Dedication and Commitment! My advice for any aspiring artists is never lose hope!!! Your passion will take you far whatever you do don’t quit. You will get frustrated i will admit but patience is virtue and focus on growth. Study your craft even if it takes you all night and day, weeks or months keep going! find a mentor, do plenty of research. Never compare yourself to anyone we all have our own path to go through. You definitely have something unique to bring into this industry and that’s what makes you different from the next! Stay positive as well!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When i am overwhelmed i sit down by myself and i pray. I ask for peace. I ask for a calmness. My faith in God surpasses any and everything! Without Him i am nothing so I remain faithful. I definitely feel that sometimes we need a moment of clarity. My advice for others is to just breathe. Focus on what’s overwhelming you and work on releasing that negative energy into the atmosphere.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_a.p_beauty_
