Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharnique J.
Hi Sharnique, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing makeup on myself freshman year of college just by watching YouTube videos in my dorm. I started practicing on friends and family in 2015 and finally put myself out there March 2016. It’s been an up-and-down battle with my makeup artistry. Different things I was dealing with personally created this doubt of “am I doing what I was intended to be doing” or “is this something I really love to do?” So, I took about 18 solid months off of literally not doing makeup at all. 2020 happened and oddly enough with all that was going on in our world, things were transforming and shifting in my life- in a good way. I was coming out of old things/people in my life. Started praying for vision and a creative space again. I wanted to love and find peace in what I did. And before I knew it, this desire for makeup and skin was reawakened. I thank God every day for spinning the block on something I thought was over with for me. Now I’m back, better, consistent, growing, and ultimately- Reclaiming My Time.
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?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all. When I first started taking clients, things took off for me pretty quickly. I was on a college campus, there were lots of graduation photoshoots, graduations, birthdays, and just young women who wanted to look good when they were out. I was a black girl who knew how to work on black skin that was easily accessible in an area that didn’t have that available. It was fast. I was consistent, loving what I was doing, making money (plus I was a server) so all was beautiful. Then I hit my first slow season and that was summer for me. Finances were almost cut in half during those months- which was bummer. And later that year, I entered an unhealthy relationship and ultimately lost all things ME- including my love for makeup and beauty. Very up and down battle from there with doing makeup and taking clients, then not. Then posting a lot, then not, to eventually deactivating my account for almost a year. The hardships in my personal life was my biggest struggle for my business. I came to a complete halt on what God had predestined for me all along due to the environment I was in and my state of mind.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business name is SkinSoSHēk and I am a makeup artist, esthetician, and permanent makeup artist specializing in women of color. – black women specifically. I am known for my makeup artistry in Dallas, TX. What sets my business apart from others is literally me as a person. We have so many bomb makeup artist in the DFW metroplex but what brings clients to me, keeps them coming back, and referring me to others are what they receive from me as the artist. Not only do I get to share my craft with them and enhance what’s within them with my artistry, but they have a safe space. An environment that is unbiased, private, honest, and judgment-free. That is truly one of the best benefits of doing makeup for me. I have been poured into and have poured into MANY women over the years. Sound advice given and received from women that I believe God aligned me with. Friendships that developed. Life-long supporters. I have people who have been rocking with me since the beginning when my name was “inCHan(t)iNG by Shar”. I’m most proud of me for pulling myself out the mud, getting back on track, and coming back harder than ever. Rebranding with a name and a purpose behind it that’s way bigger than me.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
For those just starting out, stay consistent with practicing and posting. Write down your goals and make sure it’s for more things than just making money. Make sure you love what you do so this is sustainable and you can keep leveling up as you go. Always be willing and open to learning more and more about your craft. INVEST IN YOURSELF. Practice practice practice. Always sharpen your skills and techniques- it’ll only make you a stronger artist. Life is going to happen, but don’t let circumstances or obstacles turn you away from your passion. One thing I wish I’d known is the importance of having my systems working for me. Like a booking site, a business banking account, an emailing list, etc. These things will help relieve stress and keep you organized and professional. I firmly believe in starting how your finish. If you want to have a professional business that people respect, show up as that and treat your business as such from the start. Future boss babe, YOU will be very proud of implementing those early on.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @skinsoshek
Image Credits
Anton Dudley
