Today we’d like to introduce you to LaChelle Harris.
LaChelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was always an artsy kid. I loved to draw, paint, sculpt, etc. You name it! As long as it was art, I never had a problem with it. It gave me an outlet of expression where I felt like an independent woman from an early age because I can look at something and say, “Hey! I did that! My creative mind constructed that.”
In high school, I was even in a commercial art class that taught me about color theory, sketching, and graphic design. I thought that was going to be my main focus in life once I was enrolled in college. But, that all changed with a normal high school threshold event, PROM!
On prom, I didn’t know how to wear make-up. I didn’t know if the person who put it on me did it right. I didn’t know anything….YET! But, after high school, I continued to try and learn. It interested me so much. At that time, I met one of my best friends, Brittany, and she used to always do my makeup or give me tips on how to do it. All I could do was practice and try to get better from there. She definitely encouraged me to pursue it. Plus, every time I did my makeup I posted online and people always inquired about it. This was back when YouTube tutorials were brand new and unknown.
I am self-taught. I learned from trial and error, YouTube tutorials, taking tips and watching other people.
I LOVE what I do now! I make women feel even better about themselves by enhancing their beauty. I couldn’t ask for a better calling. Today, I’ve turned my artsy curiosity into a prominent freelance makeup business that I can’t wait to take to the top.
Has it been a smooth road?
My career has never been a smooth journey. Of course, you run into obstacles. With makeup artistry, you have to spend money to make money. Sometimes you may not have enough money to get what you want or need and have to make do with what you have. Also, starting out, you may not have a book filled with clients. I’ve been at this for almost 6 years now and my clientele started to be consistent about 2 years ago. You may also have naysayers who think you can’t do it and people who think makeup artistry is a waste of time because it just washes off when the person is done with it. But, I wouldn’t change anything about the obstacles I’ve overcame so far.
My advice to any young women who wants to be in the makeup industry, just go for it and jump out on faith. Trust your skill and know that it only takes practice. The more you practice, the greater you will be. And, remember, when you look at how you do makeup a month from now won’t even look like the makeup you did last month. Keep moving forward.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Make-Up Addicts – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in enhancing natural beauty and features. I like to focus on my client and have them pick everything because they have to wear it. I want them to be comfortable with the coverage of makeup I put on them. I don’t want them to feel transformed into another person. I want them to be the best version of themselves.
Also, I’m most proud of the conversations I get to have with my clients. Build a relationship where it feels more like a friendship and not a business transaction.
And, I believe that my incredible customer service skills and my joke cracking sets me apart from most and keeps first timers as regulars.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
The way I grew up, we didn’t have much. I had what I needed, not what I always wanted. That taught me, even in my adulthood, to work with what I have. It challenged me to be creative. It taught me to always think outside the box and never be like the next person. You’re an individual, a boss, a leader. Not a follower.
Pricing:
- Full Face (includes STRIP lashes)-$75
- 1 on 1 Makeup Lesson-$150
- Photoshoot (price per hour needed)-$75
Contact Info:
- Address: Blue Island, IL
- Website: https://muaddicts.wixsite.com/muaddicts
- Phone: 7085174293
- Email: bookmuaddicts@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/make_up_addicts_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MUAddict/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LaChelle_MUA
- Other: Snapchat: lachelle_mua
Image Credit:
LaChelle Harris
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