Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy-Theresa Billups.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amy-Theresa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
10 years ago, I took an interest in makeup while consulting for Mary Kay. Growing up, I had sensitive skin, so using their products gave me more insight on makeup products and how women gravitated to all things beauty. I started wearing the products and received compliments. Over time, those compliments grew to requests of close friends and acquaintances asking me to do their makeup. After a few amazing experiences doing makeup for friends and family, I would do makeup outside of working my regular job. I really enjoyed the process because I was able to create in a way like never before. I had no idea the journey ahead of me then. In 2012, a good friend of mine reached out to me to work with her and a few friends on a collaborative project where we got to work our magic for a photo shoot. This was my first time on set working. The atmosphere was fast and ever changing. Creativity was at an all time high and I was like a kid at Disney world! I knew that day makeup was going to be a part of my life forever. From that day forward, word of mouth, marketing via social media and personal communication have paved the way for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey has certainly not been easy! I am a single mother to a now 13-year-old son. When I 1st started my makeup career as Amy-T Makeup Artistry he was a 1st grader. I was working 2 part-time jobs trying to juggle everything. It was very hard and I honestly thought that working my jobs would keep me, and makeup would be my bonus money. I was in for a rude awakening. I worked for a major retail chain and they completely changed the way I looked at being employed by someone else. I was disrespected, betrayed, and heartbroken by the events that took place. I was forced to take charge of my situation. My journey has not been easy, but over time it has developed such an amazing testimony!! It was not overnight. It wasn’t instant. However, to speak about it is what makes it so beautiful! So if so could give any advice, I’d say be patient, and remember that nothing worth having comes easy. Trust the process!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Amy-T Makeup Artistry – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
So, I am a full-time Certified Freelance Makeup Artist. I am one of few who does makeup on a full-time basis here in the Chicago area and will be celebrating 6 years in business this October. I specialize in glamorous makeup, image consulting, as well as photography & wedding makeup application. I am known for soft, and natural makeup looks. I am proud to be a familiar name to a vast majority of those looking for makeup applications in my area. I love being the go-to for some of my favorite clients. Being known for my professionalism, and my therapeutic sessions are definitely one thing that I am proud of. People love to get in my chair not just for the makeup!
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
Honestly, I’m not sure that I would say that there are barriers to female leadership in the beauty industry. Beauty and women go hand-in-hand! We are in a time where female leadership is actually on a rise. There are more independent female business owners now than it has ever been. I know from personal experience, that the beauty industry has grown exponentially due to social media, and the rise of people visiting there ambitious side and stepping into a more glamorous lifestyle. Being fabulous makes people feel good! It’s an amazing time for female leadership and I am proud to be a part of the growth that is taking place!
Contact Info:
- Address: 15525 South Park Avenue
Suite 101 (Glamming 101)
South Holland, IL 60473 - Website: http://amytmakeupartistry.wixsite.com/amytmakeupartistry
- Phone: (219) 554-9064
- Email: amytmakeupartistry@gmail.com
- Instagram: Amytmakeupartistry
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amytmakeupartistry
- Other: http://bookamyt.as.me
Image Credit:
Erin Sedalia of Dope Haüs, Him Over There Studios, Brian Flynn Photography, Qi Photography, Andrea Pascalau of Corsei
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