Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamecka Adell.
Hi Tamecka, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Believe it or not, growing up, my first love was the art of styling hair. I used to create unique braided styles, up-dos, and half up/half down styles on myself and anyone that would allow me to create styles on them. My only interest in beauty was centered around wanting to have beautiful skin because I struggled with my own skin challenges. I admired my friends who wore makeup on a regular basis. I dabbled every now and then, but I had no idea what I was doing, or how to choose the best products for my skin type and skin tone.
It wasn’t until I was in college in Philadelphia, PA when I signed with a modeling agency as a promotional and athletic model, that I learned some basic techniques. So I guess you could say that’s where it all began. I practiced on myself mostly and every now and then a few friends. I later relocated to Atlanta, GA, and was offered an opportunity to serve as the Key Makeup Artist for a local beauty pageant, where I started a more serious approach to doing makeup on other people and offering mini-workshops on product education and makeup lessons. Interestingly enough, the pageant was featured for a couple of seasons on a reality tv show. From there, I realized the transformative power of makeup and how it made my [already beautiful] clients feel confident and empowered.
As my artistry continued to evolve, in 2018, I was offered a new opportunity for Men’s Grooming for a tv client, whom I still work with today. Realizing I wanted to build on my existing foundation, I began investing in my craft by attending masterclasses hosted by other beauty pros, going to beauty school, and investing in my first beauty business coach, Tiyanna Robinson based out of Washington, D.C. I became equally passionate about teaching clients how to design a beauty routine that was unique to their lifestyle.
Today, I continue to invest in my business, brand, and artistry. If you had told a younger Tamecka that she’d trade her running shoes in to become a published makeup artist, I wouldn’t believe you. However, my clientele has definitely evolved over the years and I’m excited to offer on-location makeup services for weddings, special events, and corporate headshots. I also continue to offer makeup masterclasses and workshops to empower clients to look and feel their best on camera and in real life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every obstacle and challenge has helped me grow and become a better artist and business owner. Some of the struggles along the way have included being strategic when building my professional kit and understanding that less is really more. Next, I wanted to design my marketing plan to attract my dream clients based on my aesthetic, and service offerings. A key struggle for me was learning how to manage a busy schedule as a mom, and avoiding the feeling of burnout. I have to say the latter was the most challenging since I had to learn what “booked and busy” needed to look like for me while being a mompreneur. Lastly, the transition from makeup being a hobby and really being a CEO alongside my current 9-to-5 forced me to get clear on my purpose and beauty-business philosophy going forward.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In 2020, I decided to refine my aesthetic and rebrand my business. In doing so, my aesthetic continues to cater to clients who desire a no-makeup look. Alongside that, I have added an aesthetic for those requesting my Signature Smokey Eye Collection of looks. I believe a smokey eye can give you a polished and professional look for the boardroom and transition into a sexy, sultry look for weddings, a night on the town, or special events. Paired with the right outfit, hair design, and accessories…my Signature Smokey Eye looks to create a vibe that gives clients a beautiful look that makes them feel amazing.
The refinement didn’t stop at the aesthetic changes. I studied what I wanted the client experience to look like. I wanted clients to have an elevated, luxurious experience but simple. After taking the time to step back and really hone in on the next chapter of Tamecka Adell Luxury Beauty, I’m excited to offer both a curated Signature Smokey Eye Collection of looks coupled with an elevated client experience for weddings, red carpet events, and corporate headshots. My service offerings are designed for modern clients who desire a makeup look that leaves them feeling amazing, sexy, and empowered.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m always on the hunt for a good mindset book/ebook or podcast. I currently start my day with my Alexa telling me the weather and turning on my Smooth Jazz playlist from Spotify. This sets the tone for my morning mindset routine, where I listen to “Awakenings with Iyanla Vanzant – Daily Spiritual Coaching”, which is an app, to set the tone for my day. Overall, I have many, many apps that I tap into for different things.
Equally, I have a pretty extensive Podcast list, for beauty, business, mindset, and just for fun. A shortlist:
“The Modern Hairstylist Podcast” – by Hunter Donia
“Brand It, Build It Podcast” – by With Grace and Gold
“The Dr. Daf Show” – by Dr. Michelle Daf
When I’m on a plane I like to read books from the same genre as my Podcasts. However, my preference is to listen to ebooks on Audible. A few faves from my [hard copy and digital] library:
“Double Down: Bet on Yourself and Succeed on Your Terms” – by Antoinette M. Clarke, Tricia Clarke-Stone,
“168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think” – by Laura Vanderkam,
“Fine Beauty” – by Sam Fine
“Assisting Rules!” – by DeShawn Hatcher
“Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro” – by Bobbi Brown, Debra Bergsma Otte, Sally Wadyka
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tameckaadell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tameckaadellbeauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tameckaadellbeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tameckaadellbeauty
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tameckaadellbeauty
Image Credits
CTabPhotography
