Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Thompson.
Hi Alexandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am born and raised in metro Atlanta, GA. I have always been an artist-I love to draw, paint, collage, fashion, photography and do things with detail. So I can’t really say I’m surprised. I fell in love with makeup when I was 13 and taught myself from YouTube videos. When I graduated high school, I was under the impression that I was going to be able to go to college with the HOPE scholarship. Then when I went to pick up my diploma, they told me I wasn’t getting the scholarship and all my plans went down the drain because I had NO money for college. So I started filling out job applications to wherever I could get a job with out a degree. I eventually got a job at Starbucks and have been there for four years. I honestly love it and it’s taught me so much. A few months after I started makeup school at Industry Makeup Academy in Atlanta, GA. I earned my certification to do makeup anywhere in the world and started my own business at the age of 19. I’ve been working with makeup professionally for the last four years while still working at Starbucks, even through the pandemic.
Before the pandemic, I was a shift manager at Starbucks but I had to demote myself eventually because I wound up having three surgeries back to back to back. I was born with a defect called Spina Bifida. This is when the vertebrae in your spine doesn’t form correctly and you are essentially left with a hole where bone should be. The higher the damage is on the spine, the more it affects motor skills and general functions of the body. My injury is incredibly low and I am incredibly blessed. I do suffer from chronic pain because of the ten surgeries, nerve damage and my degenerative bones. The only thing I have that helps me is CBD and Cannabis. Not only physically but mentally. As I was going to makeup school, I was also dealing with pain that I had never noticed before. And it kept getting worse. So eventually we found that I had scare tissue accumulated between my skin and spine from the surgery I had the day I was born. So I originally went to have the scare tissue removed, but there was a lot more damage than they expected. I wound up with a hole in my dura – a protective covering around your spine – which caused spinal fluid to collect in the small of my back. I have a shunt in my head – a hollow tube surgically placed in the brain (or occasionally in the spine) to help drain cerebrospinal fluid and redirect it to another location – which got clogged because of the tear in my dura. So, second surgery was to replace my clogged shunt, and the final surgery was to fix to tear. I was out of work for about eight months, got back on my feet, then covid happened. I worked more than I ever imagined I would during a pandemic thank the Lord. I did my first movie. I’ve done things I never expected to be able to accomplish in such a short time but there’s still so much more I’m here to do. It’s been a long four years. Needless to say, I’m still here and I’m very grateful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My life’s been everything but smooth 
Career-wise, it’s hard being young; no one takes you seriously. People use you a lot at first but you have to learn how to spot bad apples. Also, with social media, people can appear anyway they want, including convincing you they are a makeup artists. I went to school, got training and have credentials but if you have a better social media presents than I do, people are going to automatically gravitate towards you. It’s an unfortunate thing about being a business owner now a days. It’s all very fake. On top of that, people have NO IDEA how to hire a makeup artist or what to expect. It’s a luxury and an expensive one at that. People definitely don’t know what they are asking for and therefore really don’t want to pay. But it’s really just about getting in front of the right people. That’s another reason social media is a must. Not to mention trying to book way too close to the gig date. People really try to hire me two days in advance. No one can live like that, lol.
As you know, we’re big fans of Alexandra Faith. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in Makeup Application, Sanitation, Special Effects/Bodypainting, Bridal/events, TV/Film, Editorial, Headshots, Airbrush, Skincare, Haircare, Wellness, Makeup Ingredients, and Color Theory
I’m most proud of the fact that I am self-made. I haven’t bought any followers, I’ve invested every penny and really did teach myself the basics.
My story definitely sets me apart. I can relate to literally everyone.
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?
USE SOCIAL MEDIA I should have taken advantage of the lockdown more when everyone was home on their phones, lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: alexandrafaith1998@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.alexandrafaith1998.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internet_and_food/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexandrafaith1998
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCOxyvDHqaDVRazh6HfME5Q
- Other: https://linktr.ee/alexandrafaithmua
