Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Hill.
Michele, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a self-taught makeup artist and Dallas, Texas native. My journey with makeup began in 2013 with a simple eyeshadow palette (Naked from Urban Decay) I received as a gift. After this, I discovered Youtube and stumbled across makeup tutorials, not realizing I stumbled upon her passion. Watching video after video I thought “Hey! I want to make videos too!”. I uploaded my first YouTube video in the fall of 2014, where I showcased my growing passion for everything beauty.
Although making videos was fun, I found it wasn’t fulfilling; I wanted more. I was missing the face to face contact and human connection. At the requests of friends and family to do their makeup, I began freelancing in late 2014 while attending the University of North Texas and working for a life insurance company.
From the first brush stroke, I finally recognized this as my calling – not the makeup itself, but connecting and helping every woman feel beautiful. Sitting in my chair can be a therapy session, most people just want to be heard. I believe beauty starts within and I love leaving my clients happy.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“Faith without works is dead.” -James 2:17
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but what great journey is easy. One of my earliest obstacles was building my makeup artistry kit. Makeup is expensive and when I first started doing makeup I was in college and I had a job. That is when I learned skin prepping is essential. Another struggle for me was having confidence in myself and in my work. As time passed, my confidence grew and it showed in my portfolio. It’s very important to be confident in your brand.
My advice to young women would not give up on your dreams! Have a positive mindset and see every rejection as a learning experience, don’t let that stop you. Also, write your ideas down and keep them close. Ideas turn into visions, vision turns into reality. Success doesn’t happen overnight but I promise you, you’ll get there!
Please tell us about Paint’d By Michele.
I’ve been doing makeup for 5 years now and I’ve come to love doing creativity makeup where I can show my talent and express myself. But I also love doing clean beauty which focuses more on the skin with more simple looks. I’ve done photo shoots, video shoots, weddings and prom, along with other projects.
I’m very proud of my customer service skills. I love to connect with everyone who sits in my chair, it’s an experience. I believe my listening and learning skills set me apart. I listen to what my client wants and I work with them through the entire process.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Today, I believe the opportunities for women are growing. There are more women who are going to the predominantly male industry today. It’s very ironic that women wear makeup the most yet the industry professionals are mostly men but that is changing. Yes, women are great leaders and role models, not just for other women but for men as well. There are a lot of opportunities where women can affect change.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.paintdbymichele.com
- Phone: 214-886-3018
- Email: michele.hill91@yahoo.com
- Instagram: makeupwithmichele
- Facebook: Makeup By Michele
Image Credit:
Arnelle Ballard, Jameela, Shandiz Sharif, Kalham Amor, Ava Wayland
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