We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheraton Gatlin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sheraton, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience can be taught and learned. I see resiliency as a skillset acquired as you go and grow throughout life. We are often teaching others around us through our actions, although we don’t realize it. My understanding of resilience comes from my upbringing, my backgroud, and the way my parents displayed resiliency to me. I always watched them. It was demonstrated in my home to always “keep going”. Overtime, through lifes experiences, both good and bad, I have learned how to cope, adapt to change, rebuild confidence, and be confident that I will not be a victim to my circumstances . My mother always told me “If I can’t teach you, life will.” Life will teach you through experiences what to do, what not to do, and reveal just how strong we really are.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve consistently held a position on the corporate ladder, valuing stability above all else. Currently, I serve as a Senior IT Analyst in a banking organization, contributing to the creation, development, and implementation of processes aimed at enhancing business efficiencies.
While my professional life revolves around corporate responsibilities, my creative spirit led me to establish VoirBelle LLC. in 2017. Following my certification in makeup artistry from the Gwynnis Mosby Makeup Academy (GMMA) in Atlanta, GA, I embraced a multifaceted role as a freelance makeup artist, author, and master-certified life coach.
Embarking on the path of a makeup artist has proven to be a rewarding journey. It has not only introduced me to remarkable individuals and exciting projects but also allowed me to connect with inspiring people. As a makeup artist, I’ve had the privilege of working with survivors—those who have overcome challenges like cancer and domestic abuse. Additionally, I’ve provided my services to everyday individuals who rarely indulge in self-care.
Witnessing the genuine joy and tears of happiness from clients, especially survivors, is a source of immense fulfillment. I take pride in contributing to their sense of visibility, acknowledgment, love, support, empowerment, and beauty. Whether it’s cancer survivors, those who have faced domestic abuse, or the ordinary person treating themselves to a rare luxury, the transformation through makeup brings warmth to my heart. My passion lies in making both men and women feel good about themselves. I’ve been fortunate to delve into the film industry and take on exciting opportunities to travel internationally and provide makeup application for A-list speakers and entrepreneurs,
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Throughout my journey, possessing qualities such as reliability, a great personality, collaborative skills, and a willingness to assist with tasks outside my designated responsibilities has been instrumental. Embracing flexibility and openness to change has proven essential in navigating and sustaining this fulfilling journey. For those embarking on the early stages of their journey, my advice is simple: pursue what you love, and you’ll find love in what you do. Choose a path aligned with your passion, something that fuels your drive and motivation, even during challenging times. Personally, I find immense fulfillment in the act of creation and take pleasure in motivating and empowering others to feel confident about themselves and pursue their individual or professional aspirations.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
The most significant challenge I’ve been grappling with is a period of transition that brought about substantial changes in both my personal and professional life. Following the 2020 pandemic, I transitioned to working from home, initially feeling content with my corporate job. However, during my parental leave, I faced the unexpected setback of a layoff, witnessing the elimination of my role. This was particularly disheartening as my job had been a crucial resource supporting my business.
The timing couldn’t have been more challenging—amid a global pandemic, business slowed down, and I not only lost my job but also clients. To compound matters, I was navigating the demands of new motherhood. The confluence of these challenges left me uncertain about how to regain momentum, stay consistent in my craft, fulfill my role as a mother, and navigate the complexities of the pandemic.
Gratefully, I persevered through those trying times, secured a new job to inject funds into my business, and now find myself at a juncture focused on achieving balance and engaging in a rebranding process. Despite the initial hardships, this journey has proven to be immensely rewarding. I’ve relished the opportunity to invest in my personal development, nurture my career, attend to my children, and now, I can embark on pouring my energy back into my business, elevating it to new heights.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/SGatlin
- Instagram: @voirbelle, @b.tchgrabthewine, @sher_is_voirbelle_
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sheratongatlin
Image Credits
@barrybrownphotography @twrphotography
