Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Green.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mia. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I am originally from South Florida, and I started my creative journey in the beauty industry as a makeup artist. I absolutely love using cosmetics to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. When I was 17 years old, I was asked to do makeup for a wedding when I had no clue about the wedding or beauty industry. I was so excited at the thought of doing an actual bride’s makeup that I, without thinking, jumped at the opportunity, said yes, and the rest is history.
A few years later I ended up working in the administrative office of a makeup school which allowed me the opportunity to take their makeup artistry classes at night. It was there that I learned the art, beauty, and longevity of airbrush makeup, and I incorporated that skill set into my beauty services.
After I left the makeup school, I created Les Fleur Cosmetics and ran a small boutique selling my cosmetics and offering beauty services inside of a local beauty salon. I did editorial makeup for a local magazine as well as various personal and corporate photo shoots and weddings, I was in my element, and I loved it.
In 2009, my husband and I packed up and relocated to Dallas, Texas. Having no family or friends here, I knew it would be difficult to establish myself as a makeup artist in a brand new state that I knew nothing about without having a following there, but I was up for the challenge. The plan was to lease a small storefront and open a boutique here in Dallas, but shortly after settling in here I became pregnant with my daughter, and then again with my son. I found myself being a stay home mom focused on raising my oldest son (who lived in Florida with his father and is 13 years older than my daughter) and my two little ones. My dreams were temporarily on hold.
As my little ones got older, I slowly began moving around the Dallas beauty scene. I did a couple of photo shoots here and there, did a couple of weddings, and took on a few client referrals. As I was doing this, I noticed that because I had gained weight from dealing with fibroids and two c-sections I wasn’t able to dress in the manner that I was accustomed to since the garments that I wanted to wear wasn’t flattering to my new figure. I was in between sizes and thought that frumpy oversized clothing was all I’d be able to wear.
My girlfriend introduced me to a popular sewing blog where the creator used high fashion runway shows as inspiration to re-create her own handmade knock-off of the designer looks she saw going down the runway. The looks she re-created were absolutely incredible, and they were totally my style. I followed that blog for a year and then decided that I wanted to try my hand at sewing garments for myself that reflected who I am as an individual — garments where my voice could clearly be heard chic, sassy, fun, sophisticated, and elegant.
So I taught myself how to sew and fell in love with the freedom that it gave me. The confidence that I had when I wore a garment that I created, that beautifully fit my figure and allowed my voice to be heard through its design was addicting for me. I was hooked. I wanted to teach every woman who had a desire to find her voice in fashion and create one of a kind garments that fit her body type how to sew. That desire is what led me to join the team of amazing quilting instructors at Watt A Find quilt shop in Mesquite Texas. I teach Garment Construction 101 and 102 there as well as a basic serging course, and I enjoy every single minute of it.
That’s the history of Les Fleur Cosmetics and how it evolved into becoming Les Fleur Cosmetics & Style.
Great, 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?
No matter what you choose to do in life, the road is never completely smooth. There’s always going to be some type of bump in the road or “struggle” which I like to call an opportunity for growth and development. It’s all about perspective. So I’ve learned to look at my business from a different set of lenses. I had to learn the beauty scene here in Dallas because it’s quite different than it was in Florida.
I’ve had to research and find quality photographers and makeup artist over the years to network and build relationships with and that takes time because it’s an ongoing process and you’ve got to weed out the good from the bad. I’ve had to be patient as I learned (and am still learning) the art of sewing. Throwing away garments time and time again that were just really beautiful examples of what NOT to do. So yeah I’ve experienced a whole lot of growth and development.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Les Fleur Cosmetics & Style – what should we know?
My company is Les Fleur Cosmetics & Style which is an e-Boutique specializing in cosmetics but currently expanding to carry RTW (ready to wear) custom-made clothing pieces.
I offer on-location beauty services such as makeup artistry for weddings, photo shoots, and special occasions, and teach beginners Garment Construction, children’s sewing classes, and sewing with serger classes at Watt A Find quilt shop in Mesquite.
I am called to uplift, inspire, and encourage women to present the best version of themselves to the world. To be bold and fearless, and to use cosmetics and fashion to enhance their natural beauty so that when they look in the mirror, they see an accurate reflection of who they truly are. That is what sets me apart from others.
Every time a sewing class is booked, a bride is made over, or a made to measure garment is sold a portion of the sale goes to an organization that specializes in women’s issues. So anyone who makes a purchase from Les Fleur Cosmetics & Style in any way is also touching the life of a woman in need.
From the days, that I did free monthly makeovers on the women in the domestic violence shelter in Miami, Florida to now that has always been and will always be a part of who we are, and I am most proud of that.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For me, a relationship with God is key. There is no way that I could make the transition, hard decisions, or build a successful business without His guidance. I don’t know it all, but receiving guidance and direction from The One who does makes the journey a little less scary.
Honesty and integrity in business are also extremely important to me. You can’t have one without the other, and you can’t be truly successful in business without them both.
Lastly, patience and flexibility. As I stated earlier, there were, and still are many opportunities for growth and development, and you need patience and flexibility when you’re navigating through difficult times in business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lesfleurcosmetics.com or www.lesfleurstyle.com
- Phone: 469-443-8319
- Email: info@lesfleurcosmetics.com
Image Credit:
Butch McCrakin Photography
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