Meet Alexandria Dixon of Ms Painted Lady

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Dixon.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Alexandria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was 21. A single mom of a sweet little girl. I was low on funds or food but had a dream for our future. One could say when you’re fearful of providing life’s simple necessities, that it stokes a fire which flames ambition. So, I used my little girl as fuel and my love of the art as my flame.

My favorite form of expression has always been in studio shoots. I get to dream up a concept start to finish, lay it down, and watch my art come to life under all these magical lights. I could not be more thankful to my years of exposure to this world of fashion concept shoots. Two photographers in particular who really expanded my mind and always pushed the edge were Tim Bennett and Grace Hill. This was where I formed the basis of who I have become.

Around this time, I was waiting for a famous director to roll through and tell me about my big break as a movie special effects artist…. but my path was steered in a different direction.

I was contacted by a potential client via Myspace. These ladies loved my work that I featured online, and were interested in a trial. The bride flew in from Boston, and upon meeting I was informed that this was her 5th makeup trial, no pressure. I listened to what she wanted, I asked a few investigative questions, and just knew how to bring this look to life. From that point forward, I was starting to pick up a reputation as a makeup artist in the Pakistani/Indian community of Dallas.

Cut to about 3 years later, I have a bride who hires me for makeup, I flawlessly execute the job and leave upon client approval. She had to fire the hair stylist, and called me begging to save the day. Here I am! I do the up do (shaking in my boots of course as I’ve never messed with such thick hair in all my life) and it is successful. Next step, I have to pin the jewelry and 10 lb. veil. Is this for real? Fear, insecurity, doubt, and little bit of “you can do this, Alex” are on repeat in the back of my mind. All while I have this Indian Auntie telling me, “you’re not doing it right.” Ahhh!!! Freaking out inside. But after a little ingenuity and quick thinking, I make it work. This was one of my most intimidating yet rewarding occasions of my life. (*internal victory dance*) The word of mouth referral began to really pick up from here. I had arrived.

This road was not easy. Good things worth having take time and hard work or else it’s just not as meaningful. I started as a model in the beauty industry 20 years ago. After being signed as a model at age 12, I began dabbling in runway makeup and hair, as well as print which has led to by 16-year makeup career as a paid artist. I entered cosmetology in 2005 and received my degree with which I continually expand my knowledge and education to better myself.

In 16 years, my ego has gotten in the way. There were days that I wanted to quit the whole stressful wedding scene in general. But I was fortunate to be guided in the direction of connecting with my client. Filling the absence of intimacy while successfully conducting a business. I now coach people through some of the most stressful times of their lives. I get to give guidance on how to properly care for your body and skin in hopes that these changes lead to a lifestyle. I get to see my client off on a whole new chapter of her life. How cool is that?

This career could not be more epic. I could not have dreamt up anything better. Is it as glamorous as the Instagramers make this life out to be? -Absolutely not. Is it hard work and heavy lifting? -Better believe. But every stair climbed with my 100 lbs. of equipment, every sweat, every tear, every back ache was hard earned. I look back at my portfolio and smile at experiences I have been so fortunate to be a part of. I relish in how far I’ve come. I have a confidence that is planted within me. I am a better business woman given any struggle I’ve been pressed with. I am a better mother from witnessing such strong family bonds. I am grateful for the relationships I’ve formed because of this wonderful community who embraces me.

Being an artist is so much more than paint. I get the opportunity to have a lasting effect on people’s lives. And in return I feel so fulfilled. Gratitude.

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?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. I have had a plethora of situations arise over a 16-year course as a makeup artist. Cancellations, no shows, hours of wasted time sitting around waiting on brides, people treating me rudely. All of these experiences have led me to such a strong sense of full disclosure and an iron solid 7-page contract. I only look back at these challenges as growing opportunities.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ms Painted Lady – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I established Ms Painted Lady in 2009 after I quit a full-time artist position with Mac Cosmetics. I had ambitions to own my own business, a tiny and sad business plan, and just up and quit, after many years of trying to understand what my role was as a makeup artist, I settled into a position as a Desi Bridal expert. This was by way of demand and it just happened to be a perfect fit for me. I cater to the Pakistani and Indian bridal community as a hair and makeup artist. I also do jewelry and veil (dupatta) setting which is a signature that sets any artist apart if their execution is seamless. But what I am most proud of that differentiates me from any other artist is actually how I conduct my business from behind the scenes.

Ms Painted Lady excels at the pre-planning aspect. I could not have developed this level of excellence and organization without my all time, 6 yearlong friend, confident and right hand man, Holly Guerrero. She co-established this incredible system to which I, and all Ms Painted Lady brides are so eternally grateful.

Here is a nutshell of the service we provide in sequence:

1.) Client inquires via our website at MsPaintedLady.com click contact us and fill out the inquiry form.

2.) We respond within a 24-hour period with a pricing template, information on the phone consultation, trial, etc.

3.) If the pricing looks good with the bride, we then set up a phone consultation. This is an opportunity for us to go over venue and timing details. I give brides advice on vendors and timelines to ensure all runs smoothly for a stress-free wedding day.

4.) If all goes well, I send over the contract, the bride signs. I send a retainer invoice. She pays it, and this has her secured as an official Ms Painted Lady bride!!!

5.) As the bride needs to ask questions or vent, I am their ear. If a bride is shopping for clothing or jewelry and needs my advice on which I like best for her, I am her fashionista. There is a concierge aspect that comes along with the planning that no other artists provide as a service.

6.) Every bride gets a complimentary makeup and hair trial to test out a look of their choice. This gives me a good indication of if the bride needs any special circumstance (i.e. extensions, a certain type of primer or foundation, etc.) And this is really play time. It’s the opportunity to explore your comforts and perhaps I’ll take an opportunity to push you out of them.

7.) Enter the big days!!! I show up on location with enough time to find good lighting and set up. I have a professional ring light and makeup chair with arm stands to hold all of my equipment. My kit is all black vinyl, super professional; so needless to say, the bride always looks like she hired the boss lady to take care of business. (*lots of oohing and aahhing*)

8.) I ensure the pace of the experience feels relaxed and enjoyable. I remind my brides to eat and handle damage control as any potential stresses pop up.

9.) The bride looks wonderful, she is ready ON TIME and super satisfied that she selected Ms Painted Lady as her bridal artist to bring her full head to toe vision to life.

What aspect makes me most proud of my business? It’s hard to say. I think my favorite part is my client relationships. Not only are Ms Painted Lady brides notoriously known for their naturally charming beauty, but they are solid humans with hearts of gold.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have been developing a cosmetic line called MPL Cosmetics (Ms Painted Lady Cosmetics). It features incredible under eye concealers, stick foundations (that are BOSS for contouring) as well as the most bullet proof black gel liner for that signature Ms Painted Lady winged look!

I have my eyes set on that vision for the next 5-year goal. Despite that, I put the energy into the universe that I will be guided to the direction where Ms Painted Lady will land. I’ve trusted those vibes to this point and my job is to work hard, value my wonderful clients, and see where the good energy takes me.

I could not have built such an incredible business without the dedication of my amazing team. These ladies put in so many hours of training, and lugging equipment, and I am so honored to be represented by these women in and out of professional decorum. I hope that as opportunities present themselves, that I can allow these ladies to soar with me.

Contact Info:

• Address: 2695 Villa Creek #B130 Dallas, TX 75234
• Website: MsPaintedLady.com
• Phone: 214-779-2629
• Email: mspaintedlady@gmail.com
• Instagram: MsPaintedLady
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspaintedladyLLC/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mspaintedlady?lang=en
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ms-painted-lady-dallas
• Other: snapchat: MPLMakeupClass

Image Credit:
Nida Rehman
Grace Hill
Lauren Peele
William Bichara
A and A Photo

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.