We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaCreme. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaCreme below.
LaCreme, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Oddly, I never knew the term “imposter syndrome” was a thing until about 2 years ago. As a child, living in Queens, Ny, I always love art and self expression. Whether I was playing with makeup, hair or getting the dollar pack of pressons from the bodega, I always liked to be creative. Definitely enjoyed having my friends allow me be creative on them for nail and makeup ideas. I always felt like had the “it” factor. As I got older, things changed, life is constantly “life’n” there are times that I’ve questioned myself and my work. I pride my self on paying attention to detail. I’ve created some of the most incredible nail sets and I always feel like they could be better. That feeling never goes away. I don’t think it ever will and I don’t know if it’s imposter syndrome, being a perfectionist, just insanity on my part. There are times that I’m on the most incredible set and i have a moment of do I deserve this? Or why me? Those who love me and know me, say I have imposter syndrome. For me, it doesn’t matter, I keep pushing past the occasional self doubt. Because in life, there is only one you. So I make sure to bring my A game, my standard, to any project..no matter the size or second guessing. I trust that my talents were blessed upon me for a reason. Overcoming imposter syndrome comes with giving yourself grace and knowing your worth. Knowing the value you add to anything placed in your path. I’ll never compare myself to any other artist because I could never be them and they could never be me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Mother of two beautiful daughters, wife to my loving husband, a multipotentialite, a creative beast, from Queens, NY. Art has always been my escape, my sanctuary. My parents divorced when I was 10 years old, which left me questioning a lot about life, I understood early, that life is always changing and nothing is permanent. When I got into the beauty/fashion industry, it was really just off the strength of knowing that I may not be great at all things but I’m damn good with my hands. I worked in a hair salon and honestly, it was depressing for me. Going to the same place everyday, working with people who were often miserable,
feeling stagnant was not for me. Misery loves company. I don’t. I wanted freedom. So I quit the industry for a few years to focus on my family life.
I still created in my free time while working with my husband for our pest control company.
Clawed by LaCreme & LaCreme Faces were created when I woke up one day and ordered supplies. I decided I would create nails and allow the world to see my makeup. I had no idea it would lead to magazines and branded deals. I had no idea I would meet so many celebrities, I would get to hear singers I grew up listening to, sing in person. I’ve had some incredible experiences..simply because I chose to count on myself, to believe in me. I could give my sob origin story but we all have a sob story. I want people to know that whatever they want to accomplish in life, it’s going to take hard work and one hell of a belief that you can do it. No matter how crazy it seems. You CAN do it. Just put in the effort. Do no harm but take no ish. There will be times you feel stagnant and unmotivated, that’s okay. Give yourself grace. No one knows what it takes to be you. I am unapologetically me. Those who get me, get me. Those who don’t, that’s ok. I’m still dope. I’m learning everyday. Always evolving. I am the master at what I do, the Créme DeLa Créme.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Understanding that people remember how you made them feel is most impactful on my journey. It’s what makes me handle every one I come in contact with, with care. Not being afraid to try something new and even if I’m scared, do it anyway. You’d be surprised and so impressed with yourself. That’s how you build your self esteem.
Lastly, do what you do because you love it. The money is a bonus. I’ve done jobs that have a budget and no budget. Through both, I’ve gotten many jobs because people like my work and my personality. So push through with your chin up. Live.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Both. I think we should master our strengths and work on improving other areas. Why limit yourself? Everyday we learn. If you’re really paying attention, it’ll stick with you. Everyone has a gift. Some people are just lucky to have discovered it early and others rather dwell on the “why not me?”
Everything in life is an opportunity to learn and grow, evolve. We ask god for patience and then get frustrated when we are put in a situation that we can apply patience for a better outcome. I like to work on myself daily and my crafts. I like to analyze ways to simply tasks that usually in the beginning feel so difficult. I am a multipotentialite. Only creatives understand this. I draw, paint, craft, do nails, make killer press on nails, build, am also an exterminator. I do it all. Some people think you need to focus on one thing. Maybe that works for them, but not for me. I like to know a little about everything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Clawedbylacreme @lacremefaces
- Email: Clawedbylacreme@gmail.com and Lacremefaces@gmail.com
