Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Davis.
Nia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was a classically trained dancer specializing in various styles of dance. I have always had a very creative spirit and enjoyed other hobbies. One of my childhood dreams was to be a part of the industry I just didn’t know what category I would be right… As I grew as a dancer, I simultaneously found my love for makeup! I would prepare for my shows by applying stage makeup for myself and for some of the other dancers; it was this time when I became interested and focused on becoming better at applying makeup. I evolved to doing stage makeup for events like the following: local fashion shows, other dancers, and friends. Once I saw that doing makeup was something that I liked to do more than dancing, I started looking into it as a career. I moved to Atlanta, Georgia from Akron, Ohio and began my makeup career at Studio Crush.
From there, I began booking multiple photoshoots, photographed by talents from New York, with sought-after names in the industry. In November 2o21, I was published in internationally published magazines, Malvie Magazine and Shuba Magazine, Katana Kids Magazine which is my one of my proudest accomplishments. My work was featured on the cover and in various photo spreads. It was a challenge. I had to work in the industry for approximately a year before I landed my first magazine cover. I’m more into production work than anything but I still receive clientele.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There has definitely been struggles In when you’re starting In this industry. When you’re a freelance artist until you inducted into the union you’re responsible for your bookings, makeup kit and expenses. Most of the work you will receive will be unpaid until you prove yourself or create a relationship with you’re agency or photographers. I recommend If you’ve been given an opportunity paid or unpaid go! You never know what lessons or connections may come out of the opportunity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My company is called The Nani Glow and my slogan is called “Catch my Glow”, which means attaining the beautiful essence that my makeup highlights in every client. I am very skilled at working with diverse skin tones. I am a master foundation color corrector to accommodate my diverse models. I am most proud that my clientele consists of members from various gender, age, and cultural backgrounds. I’ve done everything to Movies, TV shows, Fashion shows, Photoshoots, Music Videos, and Weddings. My Proudest accomplishment so far In my career was been head of makeup on a TV show and been hired to do a movie only been three years in my career. My passion for makeup has also ushered in new business ventures that I am excited to share with everyone. I am teaming up with Beyond Clean for their new XOme products. When I’m not pursuing makeup I also have a role in party planning, promotion, modeling and hosting for nightclubs In Atlanta. I want the world to know that I worked very hard to be here. I sacrificed a lot of time and money to be in the place I am today. I am more than a makeup artist; I am a businesswoman. Practice and patience is what it took to really develop my own signature style and it is what I recommend to upcoming makeup artists.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I had to learn my craft during the height of COVID-19, the year 2020, which comes with a new set of challenges. I never realized how much satiation Is important and very needed when considering you and your client’s health. Learning to do makeup with a mask sometimes two a face shield and gloves was an obstacle in itself. I overcame it by staying diligent and resilient. The world was shut down in the height of my career. I was vigorously contacting photographers and models just to produce more work and create content since leaving school. I had to continuously rely on networking and hard work to accomplish in the past year. The lessons I have learned are, to be consistent, to have follow-through, a humble attitude, and standing on my word.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/thenaniglow
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaniglow/
Image Credits
D’Juan Poe “Shot by Marsell” Pedro ”Lateralusphoto”
