Today we’d like to introduce you to Chays Love.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Most of my background is actually in finance and income tax working as an office manager, and district manager across the Gulf South (Louisiana, Mississippi, & Alabama). Growing up in small-town Mississippi there was not much of a market for Makeup Artists, so it was always something I did on the side, mostly for friends and family & the odd Mardi Gras or Military Ball.
When the finance company I worked for downsized (eliminating 1200 corporate field employees) I decided that I wanted to pursue my dream of becoming a professional in the cosmetics industry. I made a few calls and was able to find an opportunity almost immediately! I was recommended for a market sales and training position in Dallas, rented my house out in Mississippi, & was living in Bishop Arts a month later. Mind you, the only time I had ever been to Dallas was catching a connecting flight in the airport. My friends & family, although INCREDIBLY supportive, did think I was a little crazy.
Dallas has been such an amazing experience for me, especially being someone who looks different. There is so much diversity in this city & it still maintains its southern charm. In the few years that I have been here, my life & career have grown in incredible ways. I moved up from market trainer to a management position in cosmetics at a department store uptown and now work as a Regional Artist & Trainer for a large brand traveling around Texas, Oklahoma, & Arkansas supporting sales events & master classes. I’ve also grown an incredible network of creative minds all around DFW. We get together, play in makeup, & do mini photo shoots whenever we can. Not only are they fun, but it gives us practice and helps us to expand our craft.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many ups and downs along the way. After moving to Dallas, because of a lay-off, and getting my first market job that position was eliminated too! Being new to the area it was very scary because I didn’t have strong relationships within the industry yet. Luckily I had already built enough of a reputation for myself that I was recommended for another position that turned into an amazing opportunity for me to really grow!
This entire time I’ve been maintaining my house in Mississippi as a rental property and the city started a road expansion which put my house right in the way. They told my tenants, who moved out, and there I was having to support a now empty house as well as an apartment for myself! Suddenly I was having to hustle with my job & freelancing. Which, in the end, added to my network of contacts even more.
In January of 2019, I parted ways with my fiancee’ of four years. Naturally, it was pretty difficult to get through, but it has really given me a chance to hyper-focus on my artistry and career for the first time in a very long time. In the end, things always seem to work out. It is very true that what does not kill us makes us stronger. I am grateful for all of the lessons.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I work primarily as a freelance makeup artist and do contract work with brands as a sales & marketing consultant. You will often hear me say that my specialty is connecting brands & people through authentic experiences. Sometimes it’s building a training curriculum for a retail staff on how to present a product and truly understand when, how, & why they would recommend it. Sometimes it’s creating an experience for a client so that they walk away feeling good about themselves. I am most proud of the reputation I have earned as a dependable and fun person to work with. At the moment I have contracts with four brands, (and several others asking for my time) so having a day off is not something I typically have on a regular basis.
Your work is such a large part of your life, and loving what you do is so very important. I made two trips to Austin last month to help lead cosmetics events. This week I got off of a plane two days ago from traveling to Tulsa & Houston just to grab an Uber to an event in Uptown Dallas yesterday. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. What I believe really has set me apart is my easy-going and laid-back style of working. When you’re in fashion & cosmetics people tend to find you so intimidating. I always focus on being relatable and making sure everyone feels comfortable & has fun. People tell me they remember me because of the way I made them feel, and then they come back and see me again & again. I love making a true connection with a client while they are in my chair.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I am surrounded by supporters and cheerleaders every day! Every returning client is a cheerleader. Every teammate that tell me they learned something or I made them feel good is a supporter. Every boss I have that tells me how much they appreciate my work is a success. I have been so very fortunate in my life to have worked for so many truly inspiring people. People that take their time to make sure you are confident in yourself as well as your work are the best kinds of mentors. Always keep them close!
Contact Info:
- Email: ChaysLove@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chays_love
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/chayslove
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas 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.
