Today we’d like to introduce you to Lester Bailey Jr.
Lester, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I come from a background of artists from musicians to visual artists, so growing up learning various forms of art was second nature. I always saw myself as an actor, singer or fashion designer, but image-wise I never thought I fit the mold of what I saw on television. With great supportive friends and family, I started off styling those closest to me. I would create looks from head to toe, including makeup and hair. My first, business was MY Closet, L.L.C., which focused around image consulting/wardrobe styling. Many clients would ask if I planned to expand my services to cosmetology and I reneged several times, not knowing my potential. One day I asked my best friend if I could actually do her makeup, to see if I could do it. What a disaster!!! L.O.L.!!! Time, patience and confidence taught me that the sky is the limit. I’ve been doing makeup now for a little over a decade. I still provide my wardrobe skills whenever it is necessary, but my passion is making people look and feel gorgeous, along with educating them on great skincare though my natural/vegan skincare brand Ladie Mae Cosmetics. My Fashion and Makeup Artistry background has to lead me to many opportunities, such as working with Tyler Perry Studios, Sean John, New York Fashion Week and hosting my own exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art. I give a huge thanks to God and my Alma Maters, Morgan State University, Savannah College of Art and Design and Gwynnis Mosby’s Training Center for connecting me to all of my opportunities.
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?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, L.O.L.!!! I believe being an Entrepreneur in the Arts is like a double edged sword because you have to make it work. You’re ALWAYS selling yourself as a brand. Most investors won’t take risks on the artist because it doesn’t have consistent growth. So a lot of funding comes from self funding or taking financial risks to get ahead. Another hurdle is staying consistent. There are dry spells in entrepreneurship and even in art, so you have to keep creating and thinking. One thing I can say about my circle is that they always keep me going. When I fall short on creativity, they’re there to uplift me and give me fresh ideas. Getting adequate rest is another challenge. As creatives, we burnout due to lack of rest. It’s important to get rest, exercise, eat well, drink water and don’t forget to treat yourself. Self care cannot be ignored as a creative.
Please tell us about your business.
Ladie Mae Cosmetics is a natural/organic cosmetic line that specializes in making your beauty personal. Everyone has a beauty regiment, whether it is only using two items or ten items. Ladie Mae Cosmetics has something for everyone. Currently, we offer body butter, lip scrubs, lip balms, lipsticks, face serums, hair and beard oil/butter. As I mentioned, everything is natural, handcrafted and packaged by hand, so that makes it even more personal from businessmen to the consumer. What sets me apart from others as a makeup artist/entrepreneur is the time I use to humbly educate my clients on my products and services while remaining patient for those that don’t quite understand the importance of how skincare and makeup work hand in hand.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future is to open a full service style house that offers hair, makeup, wardrobe services, along with providing exclusive products that can’t be found anywhere else. As business is growing, I am making sure that my overall goal is to stay on track to fulfill my dreams and consult other aspiring artists to build their empire, while building together.
Pricing:
- Lipsticks $18
- Temple “Body” Butter $20
- Lip Exfoliators $12
- 24K Beard/Hair Butter $15
- 24K Beard/Hair Oil $15
- Lip Pencils $18
- Liquid Mattes $18
- Lip Balms $5
- Body Wash $15
- Odette Bar Soaps $10
- Goat Milk Bar $10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.LadieMaeCosmetics.com
- Phone: 4104937674
- Email: ladiemaecosmetics@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladiemaecosmetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LadieMaeCosmetics
Image Credit:
Lee Jones
Antionne Duane Jones
Andrew Michael Phillips
Kevin Goolsby
Stephanie Eley
Brian Christian
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