We recently connected with Matilda Marie and have shared our conversation below.
Matilda, 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?
Perseverance is not given, it is born out of necessity. You will not know how to persevere unless you are in a situation where it is needed. I have been in these situations my entire life… Especially when it came to navigating my health and career. I persevered because there was no other choice but to fight. I never wanted to be in a situation of regret where I did not at least try. I knew that I needed a license in esthetics to solidify my place in pursuing my career as a Professional Makeup Artist. I did not have the room to be self-taught. I was suffering from an autoimmune disease, the license would be an anchor, so when I could work, I would have the credentials.
My goal was preparing for my successful future because facing death dropped in my lap, even though my health said, “not now.” I ignored the reality of my circumstance, kept my faith, and moved accordingly. I finished the esthetician course, took makeup classes, continued to study, ask questions, and I knew it would pay off.
That was my thought process. As of today, after 2 kidney transplants with the addition of a specialty cosmetology license in natural hair and wig making, the seeds I have planted are blooming and it is amazing. I am grateful to God and the people who support me.
My resilience derives from a non-conventional sense of hope, but from the profound belief that my destiny is already fulfilled. I am simply navigating the path to its realization.
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 are working on?
As a beauty professional. I enjoy sharing my expertise and talents, collaborating with both local and global brands, whether as an independent practitioner or a valuable team member, amazing visuals are the goal.
The Matilda Marie brand is the foundation of beauty and wellness. As a natural hair stylist and esthetician, I used the knowledge to craft products for my family; they suffer from certain food allergies. Traditional cosmetics often contain by-products of these allergens, prompting an impassioned response to officially launch a flagship product 2024! I am excited about the product; we are rebranding and getting ready for its launch!
Donating my time is a purpose project. As an educator, I provide hygiene and selfcare educational services to young adults with disabilities.
Building and expanding is the forever goal. Networking has become extremely exciting. I will show up to events unrelated to work knowing I will meet new and interesting people. Showing up his half the battle.
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’ve embraced the role of a constant student of my craft. The commitment to learning is an unchanging factor in my journey, with emphasis on asking questions. Engaging with peers, discussing techniques from what works to what can be done differently has been vital to the aspect of my approach. I remain committed to the idea that there is always more to learn and that assuming I know best is a mindset I strive to avoid.
The advice I would give to anyone, no matter where they are on their journey, is to focus on what is important. One task at a time is ok, each task reaches larger goals. Research and read credible sources related to your business. A mentor will also be essential and finding like-minded people who do what you. Remember to relax, trust your skills, everything is working out because you seek it.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
In the last 365 days, I have become a better communicator. It has been essential to my growth, professionally and personally. Giving and receiving clear instructions removes the assumption for any grey areas; or just allowing myself to be heard.
Overcoming the obstacle of asking for help was a transformative experience for me. I made a conscious decision to embrace the potential fear associated with seeking help, refusing to be complicit in avoiding it. In the final quarter of 2023, I chose to confront my business-related fears head-on, deliberately stepping out of my comfort zone. While as an artist, I cherish the solitude of my thoughts for creative purposes, I recognized that this mindset does not always translate when interacting with clients and peers.
In 2024, I am declaring it the year of purposely being uncomfortable. My business will thrive because of it. The current changes I have made have shown it to be true.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.matildamarie.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/matidamariem
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/matildamariem
- Other: Tiktok: @matildamariem
Image Credits
@matildamariem @creativewrks777 @juengephotos @dwsnapshot
