We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shay Mechelle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shay Mechelle , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I overcame imposter syndrome by conquering my self self doubt. Knowing I already possess the skills to be in the position I am in as a Professional Makeup Artist. I also started believing in myself more. It was a time, even though I knew I was great at my artistry, I would always feel it wasn’t good enough. I had to start believing in ME more. I feel I stand out from others with the skills I have because of my customer service, engaging with my clients and their needs and concerns. I also feel I conquered my self doubt by enhancing my skills and being able to educate myself, as well as do my own research in my profession, which has allowed me to LEVEL UP to where I want to be.
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?
I’ve always loved EVERYTHING beauty. During my high school years, to urban modeling, and being a promoter, I always put myself in that light to step out in my most beautiful form, ALL GLAMMED UP! So I started my brand “Faces by Shay Mechelle” and my career as a pro makeup artist 3yrs ago. It was a little after I started my cosmetic brand Shay Mechelle Cosmetics (which is currently under construction). Becoming an entrepreneur in the beauty industry pushed me to be more broad with my skills which I sought out learning techniques from attending makeup school & being self taught. It just made sense to mesh it all together since I’ve already had my cosmetics brand. Ive always valued my interactions not only with my customers but my clients as well. I can’t stress enough how important customer service (shout out to the call center jobs I had) is when working with your clients as well as building a rapport. I’ve came a long way from doubting myself and skills! My clients tell me all the time I should be charging more and that they love my work and the person I am. My clients are like my family! Although, the road into the beauty industry, for me, wasn’t easy, I can honestly say it was worth NOT giving up on. I faced a lot of trials while attending makeup school. Most of the challenges were allowing others to feel like they are capable of stopping your dream. And trust, it can happen….if you allow it! The lessons I’ve learned along the way is that YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF YOUR OWN DESTINY! Which is why I stand firm on believing in my craft and I’m myself and never giving up! Faces by Shay Mechelle is growing rapidly and I’m recognized globally for my skills, expertise, and professionalism. I plan to continue to grow my brand with helping others pursue their dream as a makeup artist, teaching my way of techniques, and also showing them they TOO can be a successful professional makeup artist. I love what I do! Making people feel beautiful, makes me feel beautiful……inside!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I feel the three qualities, skills, and areas that were most impactful in my journey were customer service, skincare/product knowledge and sanitation. As stated previously, customer service is always key when doing any business. You want the best customer experience from your clients so that they would want to come back as well as spreading the word. Word of mouth is everything! It can impact your business either in a good or bad way. Skincare/product knowledge is important because you want to educate your customer on either products your using and what they can or can’t use when it comes to allergic reactions. And lastly, sanitation is definitely the most important factor because there are so many bacteria, germs, diseases you can expose your clients to and you want to have safe practices when being a makeup artist.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would love to work with other makeup artist and perhaps with producers for tv shows/runway/movies, etc. Continue to take different classes from MASTER makeup artist who I can gain knowledge from and learn different skills. I would also like to collaborate with any nonprofit organizations who wouldn’t mind me providing services to either battered woman, homeless women, or children who have disabilities and like the idea of all the glitz and glam of the makeup world! I’d love that! I feel, it’s great to make money and be an asset to others, big I also want to be impactful when it comes to what’s on my heart and that is being of service to others in a way or form, no money can buy!
Contact Info:
- Website: StyleSeat.com/facesbyshaymechelle
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/facesbyshaymechelle?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/facesbyshaymechellemua?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: Fscesbyshaymec1
