Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arjia Thomas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Arjia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I would say I got my work ethic from both my Mom and Dad. They were always both VERY hard workers and always consistent. They went above and beyond. I definitely pull a lot of my work ethics from them.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Professional Makeup Artist/Educator/Cosmetic Brand based out of Louisiana. I’ve been a Makeup Artist for 23 years. I provide Makeup services for ALL occasions and travel within the 50 states and out of the country upon request.
I am very known in my city (New Orleans) for the go to Bridal/Bridal Party Makeup Artist. Within a year, I do up to 50 weddings with headcount’s up to 20 faces. I do this all alone, 35 mins a face, completely flawless, impressive, right 😉 LOL!
Doing Weddings are always a honor and pleasure to be apart of such a huge and important day.
What I LOVE so much about my career is the ability to enhance beauty and self esteem. All women want to feel and look beautiful and be desirable. With the right products and myself, I bring it into fruition, flawlessly.
My FAVORITE to take under my magical brushes and talents are my ladies that are scared to wear Makeup due to past experiences . those ladies that has never worn Makeup before and my ALL TIME FAVORITE, the husband/boyfriend that HATE MakeUp. After only one, 35 minute session with me, my point is proven and minds are changed and open. I’ve landed so many loyal clients just from this, I’ve lost count.
To be able to show the client that Makeup can be soft, flawless and that you can still look like yourself/recognizable is such a satisfaction for me and my Brand💫
It is also great satisfaction to train an Artist and watch them flourish immediately then, out of no where, their clientele/business has taken off. AMAZING! I sit back humbly and say to myself “Dam I did that” LOL! I love it! It is so important to me that the new and upcoming Artist receive the best education, technique/skills and knowledge when trained under ATPMUA.
I also offer classes to those that would like to learn how to do their own Makeup on a daily, when traveling, when their Makeup Artist isn’t available etc.
Once a month on a Sunday, from 2-5pm, I offer a Makeup Mixture. I ask all attendees to bring in their makeup and brushes, if they have anything, if not I supply them with what’s needed. The mixer consist up to 10 attendees and what we do is have an hands on Makeup workshop. I assign a look (usually something using neural tones) and we all as a group work together, collectively, to achieve the assigned look on your own face. I walk you through it step by step. We do not move on until everyone has gotten the technique. Yes, I’m that type of teacher, LOL! But it’s really important to me that you get it☺️
The Mixers are really fun and informative. We have lite bits and wine/cocktails. What’s an event without being able to sip, right? LOL!
1 on 1 lessons are available in studio and via zoom.
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?
I would say my 3 best would be my work ethic, my passion (LOVE) for my craft and consistency.
Those 3 key qualities is what got me to where I am today, 23 years later.
My advice to those that are in the early stages of their journey, LOVE what you do, stay true to yourself and your brand, no matter what the situation is at the moment. There can be tests and challenges, this is only apart of your development, testing you on how bad you want it and are you strong enough to withstand it all IF times tough WHEN you are granted what you desire for your career, will you walk away? Will you give it all up because of one bad day? Have FAITH, always.
When you LOVE what you do your work ethic and the consistency comes natural, it just flows effortlessly.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a loyal client, a client that trust me without any doubts or hesitation when sitting in my chair, respectful, punctual, don’t try to negotiate rates, and pay on time.
Contact Info:
- Website: ATPMUA.com
- Instagram: ATPMUA_
- Facebook: Arjia Thomas, Pro Makeup Artistry
Image Credits
All That Jazz Photos Shot any Erv Alexander Cosey Photo Dell Shot Me
