Meet Nicole Fae

We recently connected with Nicole Fae and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

It’s been a journey—one that didn’t begin with confidence. I was never the loudest in the room. I didn’t walk in with unshakable belief in myself. I was the person behind the scenes, helping others feel beautiful and empowered, while quietly trying to figure out what that meant for me.
Over time, through the work I’ve done as a makeup artist and educator, I began to see something deeper. The way a woman carries herself after a transformation—when she sees herself with new eyes—is incredibly powerful. Helping others feel confident gave me the foundation to begin building my own.

Pageantry was a turning point. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone. It challenged me to define my purpose and my voice. It wasn’t about the crown—it was about finally asking, What do I want to say to the world? That clarity became the root of my confidence. I still get nervous. I still feel fear. But now I lean into it, because the things that scare me most are usually signs of growth.

That same growth is now what I offer to others. As President of The Annex, I mentor beauty professionals to not only develop their craft—but to own their value. Through Dress for Success, I work with women rebuilding their lives, reminding them that confidence is the first step toward independence. And with She Owns It, my book and upcoming workshop series, I’m reaching for something bigger—a way to speak to women who have forgotten their power and give them tools to reclaim it.

Confidence isn’t a destination. It’s something I practice every day—and now, I get to help other women do the same.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey started with a makeup brush—but it quickly became something much deeper. For over 20 years, I’ve worked as a professional makeup artist, hairstylist, and educator, helping women feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. What began as a creative career grew into a mission: to empower women from the outside in and the inside out.
As I worked closely with clients—especially women preparing for milestones like weddings, career transitions, or public appearances—I saw how powerful confidence could be. That realization inspired me to expand my reach beyond beauty services.

Today, I serve as President of The Annex, a nonprofit supporting beauty professionals through mentorship, continuing education, and community. I also volunteer with Dress for Success, helping women prepare for the workforce by building self-worth and personal presentation skills during pivotal moments in their lives.

All of these experiences inspired me to create She Owns It—a platform dedicated to helping women step into their power, own their worth, and pursue financial independence. I recently released my first book, She Owns It, which is now available on Amazon and my website. I’m also developing a series of online guides and courses to support women in building their own businesses with confidence and clarity.

Whether I’m behind the scenes at a photo shoot or on stage speaking to a room full of women, my focus remains the same: to uplift, educate, and inspire. Because I truly believe that when a woman owns her confidence—she can own anything.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding people—how they feel, what they need, and how to make them feel seen—is the foundation of everything I do. Whether I’m working with a beauty client, mentoring a stylist, or speaking on a stage, emotional intelligence helps me connect with authenticity. For anyone early in their career, my advice is: listen more than you speak. Be present. Learn to read energy and body language. This will not only help you serve others better but also build trust, which is the heart of lasting relationships and successful businesses.
2. Adaptability
In 20+ years of business, things have constantly changed—trends, platforms, clients, even entire industries. The ability to pivot, learn new tools, and shift your mindset is what keeps you relevant and resilient. Early in your career, focus less on being perfect and more on being flexible. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow if you’re willing to embrace change.

3. Confidence in Communication
Your talent will get you noticed, but your words will open doors. From pitching your services to leading a team or speaking at an event, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently is vital. Practice by speaking up more often, asking questions, and getting comfortable telling your story. People can’t say yes to you if they don’t understand what you offer or what you stand for.

Bonus Advice:
Be kind, be consistent, and never underestimate the power of small steps. Everything great in my career has come from showing up—even when I didn’t feel ready.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always open to collaborating—especially when it supports women, builds confidence, or creates meaningful impact.
I love partnering with individuals and organizations who are values-driven and purpose-led. That could mean podcast hosts looking for an engaging guest, brands or nonprofits focused on empowerment and education, or event organizers seeking a dynamic speaker or panelist.
And of course, my roots are in beauty. With over 20 years of experience as a makeup artist and educator, I’m always excited to talk about makeup and skincare—especially when the conversation ties into confidence, self-image, and personal transformation.
Through my platform She Owns It, I’m building online guides, courses, and workshops to help women pursue both confidence and financial independence. I also lead The Annex, a nonprofit providing mentorship and education for beauty professionals. So whether it’s a campaign, panel, or podcast, I’m open to meaningful collaborations that align with those values.
If you’re reading this and feel a connection, I’d love to hear from you. The best way to connect is through my website nicolefae.com.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Noah’s Ark Photography

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