Today we’d like to introduce you to Imogene Dent.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I never grew up wearing makeup. In fact, I wasn’t allowed to wear it.
Back in 2010, I was sitting in church and my bestie who was playing in makeup asked if I wanted to attend a Pageant she was doing makeup for and I said yes. Once I have seen how the women reacted to getting her makeup done, I instantly wanted to do it so I can have people like him and react to the after effect of me once I’ve done it.
Instantly, when I left there, I googled how to become a makeup artist, google said go to school and enroll in esthetician school. One month later, I found a school, quit my job three months later and went to school.
I got my esthetician license one year later.
I never was inspired to do makeup before, nor at the time knew my calling. It took one time to be inspired and I ran full speed into doing it. That’s why I truly believe that it was my calling.
I got my license in 2011, worked at Mac cosmetics for three months and was blacklisted from working there because an employee did not like me. It was my dream to work at Mac because at that time of you worked at Mac, it meant you were a great artist. Once I couldn’t work there anymore, I was depressed and upset. October 2012, I decided to go full time in business and never work for anyone again.
Since then, I have never been back in corporate America.
In 2015, I had the honor of doing Phaedra Parks from the real housewives of ATL, 2016 Vivica A Fox,
2018 Worked on the movie Tales. There are still some accomplishments but I’m under NDA until the project is released.
In 2016, I started my own cosmetic line Fontella Cosmetics after almost being paralyzed from medication. My cosmetics line focuses on think positive, speak positive, be positive! Being in a negative space due to the medical complication made me want to do something for women to remind them despite what obstacles we face, we always have control to think positive and affirm ourselves. My lipsticks are called “Lip-Powerments which are the characteristics of women… like ambitious, determined, courageous, passionate etc and the Lip Glosses are called “LipSpires which are the looks of women… example, alluring, elegant, ravishing, etc.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it hasn’t. In the Artistry side, when I was blacklisted from Mac, I was really sad because honestly, I spoke that job into existence. In February 2011, I already had my resume done, knew the mangers and sat up there all the time because I wanted to be in the environment. I always said I was going to work there, then finally turned the application/resume in six months later and got hired on the spot. So to speak, it into existence and being innocent and someone not liking me causing me to lose what I prayed for sucked and hurt.
2016 when I was almost paralyzed, I lost $6,000+ in one month and had to refer my clients to other artists in mid bridal season, it was very scary. Being down for 3 months, I really had to recover. That’s when I realized I needed a product.
In general, the road hasn’t been easy due to ideas getting stolen, artist to artist drama, slow seasons but I still
Manage to continue.
Please tell us more about your business, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Imogene Dent Beauty & Artistry which is evolving to just Imogene Dent LLC has been an awesome makeup Artistry service. We are known for having the largest makeup classes in Oklahoma City. Also, it has evolved into a speaking platform. We are set apart from others because we apply makeup in a way that enhances your beauty and not make you look crazy! DENTED is our way of saying beat but I’m a better way, LOL.
Fontella Cosmetics is a Cosmetic company that focuses on being positive. If you are going to wear lipstick or cosmetics, we believe doing it with purpose.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that my city is calm not super fast paced but I wish that it was faster. I dislike that the art world here is divided.
I filled this out before and this question is different from the other one.
Pricing:
- Lippowerment $16
- LipSpire $15
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.fontellacosmetics.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/fontellacosmetics
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/fontellacosmetics
- Other: Www.imogenedent.com
Image Credit:
Photographer: Carrie Strong, Hair Stylist: Artist of Faith /Sequoya Benton, Stylist/Wardrobe: L145 Boutique /Lakiesha Braggs
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.
