Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Johnson.
Hi Cathy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started with my journey in high school. Growing up I never had any interest in makeup. When I was in school, wearing makeup wasn’t common in that age group yet. I remember one of my classmates being looked down upon for wearing it. People made it seem as if she was trying to “hide” her true self but looking back on it, she was just already sure of herself to wear it and not care what people think. Fast forward, it was time for prom. I was always super self-conscious about my appearance I voiced this to my mother and she took me to a makeup counter. I remember going to that makeup counter and having such an amazing experience. I remember seeing how cool those girls were and thinking I wanted to be just like them! I was nervous about wearing makeup since it was frowned upon at the time but I felt so pretty in that moment. The girls were so uplifting and reassuring, they gave me such a boost in confidence that I couldn’t deny that I liked how I felt and I liked what I seen. After that day I made it my mission to get better at makeup and to share the feeling from the experience they gave me and that’s what began my makeup journey. Now I’m blessed to be able to do makeup full time, my clientele has grown into me traveling to work. I do weddings, photo shoots, special events. It’s crazy how one interaction can change everything!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Doing makeup has not been a smooth road and honestly, I’m still going through rough patches at times. From learning the craft, funding it all the way to gaining clients has been tough. I remember in the beginning of my career I wasn’t confident in my skills but I knew that it was something I wanted to do. I would practice on anybody and everybody I could. I quickly realized I didn’t have the right makeup to accommodate everyone yet I didn’t have enough money to afford to buy shades to fit everyone. Makeup has been around for so long but it’s just recently evolved to where it’s more inclusive for everybody. Back then shades were limited so you really had to make it work! I felt so bad I just completely stopped doing makeup until I could purchase more items for my kit. Me taking that break from makeup made me lose my drive but I eventually found my way back to it. When I started back doing it, I was more focused and driven to not give up. During my journey, I’ve grown to become resilient and not let mishaps deter me from my goals. My drive has helped me overcome many obstacles and stay persistent to my dream!
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?
If I’m not painting faces, then I’m painting nails. I’m proud to be a licensed esthetician and a licensed nail tech and I think that’s what sets me apart from others because I’m able to do more than just provide a service, I can give an experience. I have gained the professional knowledge and training to elevate a regular service. I’m almost a one-stop-shop, hopefully, one day I can master hair.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like that our city is open-minded. I like that our city is constantly evolving and so diverse. You can meet so many people in different fields, it’s so easy to network here. I meet clients from all different backgrounds and the one thing they have in common is that they’re trusting me! I’m always so humbled and honored to meet the amazing people I do. Our city is filled with beautiful people and with that beauty comes things that aren’t always so delightful. One thing I like least is the stereotypes, the rumors but I feel like once you come and you truly come and embrace the city with open arms it usually will hug you back!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/PAINTEDBYCATHY
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PAINTEDBYCATHY
