Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Wilson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Courtney. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I have had a passion for makeup and beauty since before I can remember- even when I wasn’t technically allowed to be using it was a child. There was something about it that made me feel confident and empowered, so to me, it was worth it. I decided it would be one of the only rebellious things I would ever do.
That passion grew from there, as I found myself freelancing on the weekends as a makeup artist in 2014. During the week, I worked at my digital marketing office job, and during the weekends, I lived my dream. Weddings, photo shoots, and special occasions/events took up all of my free time, and I could not be happier about it.
A good portion of it was unpaid, and I bought all my makeup kit myself, but who cares?! I was a WORKING PROFESSIONAL. It took years of pep talks and support from my loved ones before I decided enough was enough, and I was ready to go to school for esthetics, where I would learn skincare treatments, waxing, makeup, and eyelash extensions.
Going back to school was terrifying at first because I was so used to just working for a living. But my passion kept me optimistic every day and drove me to discover a new love: lash extensions. They became (for lack of a better word) an extension of my love for makeup application, and I didn’t plan on turning back.
After finishing school and becoming licensed a month early, I went to look for work doing makeup application and lash extensions. I knew that a comfy nine-five job was not part of my future, but that’s exactly the life I was leaving behind. I signed up for an adventure fueled by passion, and the only way to succeed was by jumping head first into it with no hesitation.
That’s when I met and interviewed with the owner of LashUp BrowDown, Natetisha McIntosh. I’d applied to a few other lash studios before I found Natetisha, and let me tell you, there is only one Natetisha. Other studios wanted employees to figure it out on their own and do what they needed to bring in a check. But not this woman!
She wanted me to rent a room in her building doing lash extensions and makeup, but she also aimed to provide industry knowledge to help me truly prosper. I’ve always thought that as women, we should help each other rise. Natetisha is not only helping my business and clientele grow but helping me in my growth as a person as well.
Every day is an uphill battle when you’re starting your business from scratch, but when you have friends, loved ones, and a mentor to lean on, there is no limit to what you’re capable of. I hope to make my beauty career flourish into my main source of income and to meet many more industry leaders along the way.
And for now, my daily goal is to keep empowering the people I meet daily. I hope you’ll be one of them!
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?
Every journey has its ups and downs! The most challenging thing I find sometimes is remaining optimistic. When you’re starting your career over, it’s exciting at first, then you see all of those bills that are due, and it can be hard to stay focused. You always think to yourself that it’ll be easier just to go back to that office job and make a regular paycheck, but will the easiest option always make you the happiest?
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Rebel Artistry & Aesthetics story. Tell us more about the business.
My brand, Rebel Artistry & Aesthetics, is all about embracing differences and empowering individuals. My makeup artistry and lash services are extended to any individual that wants them, whether they be men or women, as I believe everyone deserves to feel beautiful.
When you’re in my chair or on my lash table, you’re in a safe space, free to be your most authentic self. Being apart of LashUp BrowDown has allowed me to be my accepting, creative, and individualistic self by teaching me that the most important work I’ll do is not being a true queen, but by fixing the crown of those around me.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t think there’s a business owner out there that can say “luck” has played a huge part in their success. Sweat, Education, Tears, and Failure maybe, but definitely not luck! Instead, I have family, loved ones, and my determination to thank. Without all of those factors, I’d be stagnant.
Pricing:
- Makeup Artistry Special (Until 1/1/19) $45
- Classic Lash Set Special (Until 1/1/19) $79
- Volume Lash Set Special (Until 1/1/19) $89
Contact Info:
- Address: 519 S. Carroll Blvd Suite 100 Denton, TX 76201
- Website: squareup.com/appointments/book/6PFEKW24EMYJB
- Phone: 469-815-9889
- Email: rebelmakeupartistry2187@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/rebelartistryandaesthetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelmakeupartistry2187
Image Credit:
Stephanie Goddard
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