Today we’d like to introduce you to Shante Coleman.
Hi Shante, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It’s funny thinking about how I got started in makeup because no way did I ever imagine it would be such a huge part of my life. I was just a teenage girl with severe acne in high school, I didn’t know what I was doing, I put every concoction I could google on my face if it promised clear skin. I looked like a hot mess, lol. But over the years through LOTS of trial and error, I managed to learn some new skills that would change my life forever. Eventually, it was kind of my “thing” and people started asking me for makeup tips and skincare product recommendations. I started really getting into skincare/makeup even more during my college years and decided to pursue a career in Esthetics. I got a job working a MAC cosmetics in West town mall and graduated from Douglas J Aveda Institute in 2014.
After a few years in retail, I left to work in the medical esthetics field. Although I loved working with clients and loved the type of work I was doing I wasn’t happy. I wanted to be my own boss and create my own schedule. It took a long time to finally make the switch to full-time beauty entrepreneur but thanks to Covid-19, I finally took the leap of faith!
I have over 8 years of experience in the beauty industry including print, bridal, corporate, film, head-shots, and other special events. I was recently awarded one of Wedding Wire’s best wedding professionals of 2021 and I had two nominations for City View magazines Best of 2021, Best Makeup Artist & Best Esthetician.
Today, I am happily married with a 3 years old son. I work full-time as Professional Makeup Artist & Licensed Esthetician. It’s amazing stepping back and looking at my journey to this stage in my career, I’m so proud of myself and finally taking the chance to follow my dreams. And I’m
Just getting started! I plan to start offering group and one-on-one classes for permanent makeup, airbrush makeup, and traditional makeup in spring 2022.
Alright, 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?
No, it hasn’t been an easy road for me but the main obstacle that I have faced is my own self-doubt. For so long I did not consider being a make-up artist a “real job” and forced myself to fit into a box of what is considered a safe job.
For years, I wanted to be my own boss and go full-time with makeup but I prioritized working for other people. If Covid-19 and the entire year of 2020 have taught me anything it is that there is no such thing as a safe job. Whatever you want to do you need to do it. I grew up very poor, so I struggled with a scarcity mindset for a long time. It’s not easy to snap out of that. But eventually, you will have enough sleeping on your own potential.
Eventually, you will be so tired of being tired you made the changes necessary to get where you want to go. I hope my journey inspires someone else to believe in themself. I truly believe that with a positive mindset and determination you can’t lose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional makeup artist, certified tattoo artist, and licensed esthetician.
I specialize in all things makeup! Airbrush makeup, wedding makeup, prom makeup, permanent makeup (powder brows, eyeliner, lip blush), special FX makeup and so much more. If it’s makeup-related, I’m your girl!!!
As corny as this sounds, me being myself is what sets me apart from others. I take a lot of pride in how I treat my clients and their experience with me. I always aim to create a welcoming and friendly experience for everyone.—All ages, all races, and all genders. I’m most proud of being a mom but creating a brighter future for my son makes me pretty darn proud too.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Not taking a risk is a bigger risk for me. As a business owner, you don’t have the luxury of not taking risks. I can’t imagine where I would be if I never decided to invest in myself or take any risk for myself.
At one point in my life switching jobs was a major risk for me and too scary to even think about! I was afraid to go from one dead job to another dead-end job for the risk of “job security”. It makes me sad to see so many other people who want more but are just afraid to go for it.
I’ve managed to make 3xs more working for myself than working for someone else. I’m so happy I decided to take that risk only a few months ago!
Pricing:
- Traditional Makeup Application $65
- Airbrush Makeup Application $100
- Ombré Powder Brows $500
- Nano Brows (Digital Mircroblading) $600
- Henna Brows $45
Contact Info:
- Email: Shanteyuslay@gmail.com
- Website: www.Shanteyuslay.com
- Instagram: Www.Instaram.com/shanteyuslay
- Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/shanteyuslay
- Youtube: YouTube.com/shanteyuslay
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/BgUOdpR5ojb
