Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzette Bourgeois.
Suzette, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As a child, I always had a love for various art forms. The ability to capture the beauty of anything in any moment but from your own perspective is something that I was always passionate about. My Mother’s (Michele) side of the family is from New Orleans and everyone is pretty much talented in some art form or another. My Grandmother Lorraine was an artist and she had her own photo lab where she focused on photo restoration as well as oil paintings. One day while visiting my Grandmother at her Photo Lab, she gave me a disposable camera and from then on, I knew what God put me here to do. I went to school for Video Production at the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated with academic honors. The film industry is tough and cutthroat plus filled with men who don’t respect your position. It wasn’t easy at all and on top of that, I was the only woman to graduate in my field that semester so the pressure was on! Following that, I pursued my degree in Theatre Arts at Clark Atlanta University, which was a life-changing experience. When I graduated from the Art Institute, I knew how to work in my field. After attending Clark Atlanta, I knew who I was as a person as well as a professional. I received full support from my Professors and Department Chair. PANTHER PRIDE!
Now I know you’re thinking, how did that make you want to become a makeup artist. Or start working on your own cosmetic line? While attending school for both degrees, I was trained in every area so there isn’t a job you can’t do. I started doing a lot of costume makeup for plays and even some small productions. This made me want to perfect my craft and do more. I started working for Clinique in 2013 and from there, my love for cosmetics grew even stronger. I learned more about skin types, face mapping, skin treatments, etc. I also noticed very quickly how different brands do not focus on darker tones. I knew I wanted to start a cosmetic line but I kept getting distracted with life. I lost my brother Lance to Cancer, he was my right hand man for everything. A few years later, I was promoted to an upper management position in cosmetics. I was expecting, unfortunately I miscarried due to stress and other complications. I always said that I never wanted to have children without them having a good father. A few months later, I found the father of my children murdered.
Following that, I also lost my Grandmother Lorraine, she gave me my mustard seed. There’s no telling where I would be or how long it would’ve taken me to find my vision if it weren’t for her. The only way I was able to get through that was finding solace in knowing that God had a plan. After that, I became closed off and unavailable emotionally. I was tired of the people I loved being taken away from me, so I decided to focus on what couldn’t be taken away from me and that was God’s plan for me. I love to make others happy and feel good about themselves, makeup is my outlet. It’s not just a lipstick shade, it’s the confidence and how it makes my clients feel after they’ve had their application that keeps me going. To know that I can help others see the beauty I see within them and that the World should see within them is a beautiful thing. Going back to knowing that the cosmetic industry doesn’t focus on darker tones as it does fairer tones, I got sick of it! I got sick of mixing shades, finding alternatives and women with darker complexions having to spend more money because the right shade wasn’t available. That’s when Susie Que Cosmetics came into play. I’m currently working on the line now but due to Covid-19, we are postponing release for safety measures.
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?
There have most definitely been some huge potholes along the way. Production costs money and on top of that you still have to pay bills. Earlier last year, I was terminated from my position after being sexually assaulted. They tried to silence me but I did not go peacefully. Then I had to figure out how to maintain my bills and focus on this dream-the goal at hand. It’s crazy because being terminated from that position was one of the best things that ever happened to me because I was FREE! A lot of people say they are their own boss but I really am! I started getting more work in the film industry and reputable consistent clients as far as my artistry. Covid-19 has also played a major factor in my release dates for my line but it’s also given me time to re-evaluate a lot of things. It’s also great to not take a business hit!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Susie Que Cosmetics story. Tell us more about the business.
Susie Que cosmetics is my baby! I focus on providing quality cosmetics for all, especially darker complexions. It has a New Orleans based theme with music genre influences. So you will see Palettes focused on musical time periods such as 90’s R&B. Even collections that focus on different elements of New Orleans and more. What sets me apart from others is that I’m an artist and esthetician who has worked in this industry for some time now. I create my own products, I don’t just order them and slap a label on them. Plus, I know what the industry is missing!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. I think everything you go through good or bad is a lesson learned. Good and bad things happen to people everyday but it’s not about what you go through, it’s about how you react to it. Everything that I’ve gone through in this business and life has taught me valuable lessons. The most valuable lesson I learned in all of my situations was to focus on the mission! There’ll be various distractions and heartaches but think about the fuel you could take from those situations and make sure your fire blazes.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 504-358-4267
- Email: susiequecosmetics@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/SusieSarahPlot_MUA
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