I never thought I would be writing this post to announce the end of a career that I envisioned myself being in full pursuit of for many more years. If you have been following me for a while, then it should come as no surprise to you that I have been working as a makeup artist and esthetician since 1998. I’ve been in the Beauty Industry for a very long time, and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. Late last year while doing some freelance artistry work, however, I started to get the feeling that I wasn’t enjoying makeup as much. It was really strange to me because makeup isn’t just something I do; it is a part of who I am. I am an artist and makeup is how I express myself.

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I dreamed of seeing my work on magazine covers and of seeing my name in closing credits; I’ve spent lots of time and money to master my craft. Four years ago, I even went to beauty college to get my esthetics license. When I graduated, I planned to own and operate my own beauty studio. I started studying with some of the best estheticians in the business, and I can honestly say I can give a facial like nobody’s business! All of this led me to believe that I was at the start of what would become a long career.

On Set Asst Makeup Artist   for Chante Moore

On Set Asst Makeup Artist for Chante Moore

 

03_Duratran_Chante 22x28Then I started this blog and created the Chicago Natural Beauty Meetup. I did so with just one thought in mind: I want to have fun and to inspire others. Fast forward to 2014, the blog and meetup group have taken off beyond my imagination and they keep me up at night, dreaming of what’s next. So now what happens to my “dream job?”  Not to mention the fact that I am a wife and busy mother of three. What happens to my “dream deferred?” Well, I’m sure you’ve heard this quote before, “One must let go of the past to make room for the future.”

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I am so grateful that many of you have kept in touch and have continued to contact me for services. I must also thank Aeleise, of Hair Love Art Studio, for giving me the opportunity to provide services in her place of business. I met so many wonderful clients and made many new friends.

Aeleise Mitchell & I at Hair Love Art Studio

Aeleise Mitchell & I at Hair Love Art Studio

 

My Makeup Mentor Delissa Lee

My Makeup Mentor Delissa Lee

Last night, I was talking to God about transitioning to a focus on my brand fulltime, and he gave me a great example of being a player on a basketball team. For a season in life, you maybe on the court actually playing ball, but as you get older and more seasoned, you may one day become the coach or even better become the owner of a team/franchise. My favorite example of this is Magic Johnson. At this time in my life, my vision is to go beyond the pursuit of a career in makeup and continue to share my many years of experience through my current media platforms and events. To all of my clients and mentors, I thank you for everything–too much to put into words. The day has come, and I am excited to see what’s next!