Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Landriault.
Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a plus size blogger who started out in the business as a Makeup Artist. Since then I’ve been modeling, blogging and writing content for other online magazines, and now have recently branched off into weight loss. I am talking about everything on my blog!
From Plus Fashion, to Makeup looks, and now eating disorders and obese weight loss. I’m somewhere between body positivity & confidence and loving yourself enough to know that changes need to be made. I feel like now people are almost idolizing a “fat girl” lifestyle which I love, however, I don’t know at what point are we promoting unhealthy lifestyles?
I’m all about loving yourself and giving you the tools to be the best and most powerful you, but I think in order for you to be the best version of yourself recognizing issues and dealing with them is the most courageous thing you can do.
I want to inspire people to do better, to make changes, and also to look good while doing it! I’m the mecca for the plus size gal. I’ll show you some cute clothes, help you with your makeup, and give you the encouragement and tools to make a weightloss change if you want to!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been difficult. People will always say no… I’ve heard no more than I’ve heard yes in my career for sure. Some brands don’t want to work with you because you don’t have enough followers regardless of your content, and others just don’t want to work with you because you don’t fit the mold and look of their brand. How many fat girls have you seen as a brand icon?
Our world now is about followers, and what you look like… and that’s hard when you’re competing in a saturated market, who isn’t super open about plus size. I know we’ve come a long way with the plus size stigma’s that are out there, but believe it or not there are still so many haters.
I also feel like I have some extra haters because since I’ve decided to lose weight and get healthy, some of the plus followers I’ve gained feel somewhat betrayed. Even though I’m losing the weight, I’m still going to be plus size, and my blog will not change. My goals are not to be skinny or even driven by what I look like…
I just can’t be this unhealthy anymore. I also have been honest with myself about what got me into this mess. Having an eating disorder and over-eating made me have an unhealthy lifestyle, and using the “eff your beauty standards movement” as an excuse/crutch to stay unhealthy was not a good idea anymore.
MICHELLE SWOONS BEAUTY – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Michelle Swoons Beauty is my makeup artistry business. I teach makeup artistry to the general public and also to other artists who need to develop their skill-set. I still do makeup on the side freelancing but I specialize in classes and certifications.
I know in the business for my abilities to make products work for you, they used to call me the mixologist! I am going to making my own makeup line this year, I’m finally living my dreams of making my own line, so, I think that is what makes me the proudest.
I’ve accomplished so much in 2018 already, I cannot wait to see what the future holds! I think what sets me apart from others is my abilities as an artist and my abilities of people. I can work with anyone, and I help them!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I would have to say right now. I’m so proud of my new line coming up, I cannot wait to launch my first product!
Pricing:
- Classes range from $120 and up, but it’s awesome because they can sit down and finally learn everything they need to know about their skin. What products work best for them, and how to apply them.
- I offer my product discount as well to my students! So if you like something you see in class I can get it for you with my discount!
Contact Info:
- Website: MichelleSwoons.com
- Phone: 6304331512
- Email: MichelleSwoons@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/michelleswoons
- Facebook: Facebook.com/michelleresi82
- Twitter: @MichelleSwoons
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michelle-swoons-geneva
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/affairsmagmichelle
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
