Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Andre Dixon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Andre, 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 is a trait that I’ve had to cultivate, layer by layer, through many storms I’ve been through in my life. My childhood was a prickly maze. I grew up in a home overshadowed by the unpredictability and cruelty of an abusive mother. Meant to be my refuge and source of love, my mother became my harshest critic. The times that I found peace, were through art. Drawing, writing, painting, singing….all became a way to foster beauty in my reality. As I grew older, these challenges didn’t ease. I went through some traumatic experiences at the hands of others. Through the constant act of putting myself back together, I learned vigilance, despite how deeply these experiences affected me. There were moments where it felt easier to give up, but there was always a fire that led me to keep going. I clung to the idea that I could create a life that celebrated beauty and passion, a life where I could turn the raw, jagged edges of my experiences into something radiant.
Through the many passions I have, I didn’t know that my fascination for rocks & crystals would one day bloom into my business. The idea for this business was fostered by the desire to work in a business that would make me feel fulfilled. This was during a time where it was cemented that I was the only person who can keep me afloat when circumstances become difficult.
My business, Mirror Of Beauty Atelier, isn’t just about crafting luxury nails or decor. It is a testament to my resilience. Every piece I create is a reminder that even the most fractured pieces can be reshaped into something brilliant. Through this work, I’m spreading beauty, both in a physical and poetic sense. I want others to find an artistic sense of self love, and love for the life they are creating for themselves. Resilience is the thread that weaves through my story, and it’s what enables me to keep building, dreaming, and creating despite it all.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Mirror Of Beauty Atelier, I bring a unique vision to life by creating luxury crystal press-on nail sets and soon, crystal decor pieces. My work is a fusion of artistry, craftsmanship, and passion, inspired by a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of gemstones and the transformative power of art.
Mirror Of Beauty was born from my passion for gemology and minerology, a love that began when I was a child and has grown into a thriving business. This is combined with my love and fascination with baroque, renaissance and pre-Raphaelite art and their avid displays of self love & adoration. What sets my brand apart is the precision, care, and artistry that goes into each creation. I craft pieces that tell stories & celebrate individuality, luxury, and timeless beauty.
What excites me the most about Mirror Of Beauty Atelier is the opportunity to merge technical expertise with artistic expression. Each nail set takes between 30 – 80 hours to design, sculpt, and perfect. I use high-quality materials like crystals and natural minerals, & specialized tools like Dremel’s and sanding equipment to ensure every detail is flawless. For bridal clients, I offer exclusive packages that include consultations and personalized designs, creating one-of-a-kind sets for their special day.
In addition to nails, I plan to host a crystal decor line featuring pieces that transform everyday spaces into luxurious sanctuaries. From small vanity mirrors to statement items, these pieces are meant to combine elegance with functionality, making them perfect for those who appreciate artistic home accessories.
Professionally, my focus is expansion and innovation. I recently showcased my work at the Great Bridal Expo in Atlanta and Dallas, where I received tremendous positive feedback. Looking ahead, I’m preparing to launch new seasonal collections, including the Golden Harvest and Terra Lux lines, which highlight the interplay between natural elements and decadent design.
I’m also planning on attending more bridal expos and gem shows to connect with clients and showcase the quality and artistry that Mirror Of Beauty embodies. With an eye toward growth, I’m exploring opportunities to expand production capabilities & enhance customer experiences. I have a vision to work with celebrities, like Megan The Stallion and Sha’Carri Richardson, who advocate for self-love and determination.
At its core, Mirror Of Beauty is about more than just products- it’s about creating moments of luxury and self-expression that resonate with clients on a personal level. My journey has been shaped by perseverance and passion, and I’m excited to continue sharing the beauty I see in the world through my work.
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?
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, three qualities & skills that stand out as the most transformative for me would be resilience, craftsmanship and strategic vision. Each has maintained an active role in how continue to shape my business and my plans to sustain its growth, especially in an industry where artistry and precision are meant to meet the demands of luxury clientele. Resilience has been the backbone of my journey. Starting and growing a business, particularly one as niche and labor intensive as handcrafting luxury crystal nails and decor, has required navigating challenges with unwavering determination. The quality of my work is rooted in an intimate understanding of materials like gemstones, crystals & minerals, and mastery of use of specialized chemicals and equipment. My background in gemology & minerology provide a strong foundation for my business, but the dedication to refining my craft is what distinguishes my products today. Building my business, Mirror Of Beauty Atelier, hasn’t been strictly about creating beautiful products, it has required a clear vision of how to position my brand in a competitive market. Understanding my target market, pricing strategy, and expansion opportunities has been essential.
As someone who is still relatively in the earlier stages of my business journey, my advice is simple, but powerful:
– Take time to embrace the process! Success takes time and the journey itself is where you’ll develop the skills you desire to flourish.
– Invest in yourself. Whether its taking time to master a vital skill or building up your industry knowledge, the effort that you put into self-improvement will directly impact your success.
– Build a support system! The journey through entrepreneurship can be frustrating and lonely at times, but having mentors, friends, or communities to share experiences with and push you forward will provide stability in your foundation.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! I would love to collaborate with like-minded individuals and businesses who share my passion for artistry, luxury, and innovation. I would love to collaborate with event planners and bridal professionals, as my luxury crystal press-on nails and bridal packages can be a unique offering for their clients seeking unforgettable, personalized touches to their special day. I’m also interested in collaborating with other artisans, artists, and creative designers who would be interested in blending unique perspectives and skills to create exclusive & timeless looks. Artists, such as painters, who would like to display their artworks in product photoshoots for marketing. Of course! Lets not forget bloggers and influencers. I would love to partner together to share my story and further showcase my products!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mbatelier.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirrorofbeautyatelier
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mirrorofbeautyatelier
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mirrorofbeautyatelier
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