Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel “Thee Makeup Witch” McCray.
Hi Chanel “Thee Makeup Witch”, 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?
One could say I was destined to be in the Beauty Industry. Named after the timeless luxury fashion house CHANEL; I’ve had a passion for all things beauty since I was a young girl. Growing up, I always enjoyed playing in my mother’s vanity, swatching her makeup and trying on her skin care products. As time went on, my passion for makeup and skincare developed.
Through my adolescent years, I was diagnosed with Psorasis; a chronic skin disease that flares the skin with thick scaly patches. Being from Miami, FL it is hot or humid on a regular basis and my psoriasis would always flare… Often I was questioned about what was wrong with my skin whenever I wore t-shirts or shorts; for a period of time, it made me self-conscious about how I was perceived. I became more knowledgeable about the products I used on my skin and over time more passionate about educating others about concealing skin with makeup and treating it with skincare.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been an interesting ride. First, I’d like to brag on my family a little bit. Our relationships are tight-knit. I have the most supportive family in the world. I attribute a lot of my success to my parents. Because of their hard work and diligence to break generational curses, I have been afforded a full life. They instilled in me a strong sense of faith in God, respect for all walks of life, work ethic and to always be proud of who I am.
Late 2018, I left a role I had at one of the many popular beauty retailers in the industry. This was a major decision; It was a sacrifice I made with ambitions of elevating my career while still being able to keep my integrity and feel accepted. Although I still freelanced makeup, I got a job in the food service industry to remain financially stable and enrolled in Aesthetics school to achieve my license as an Esthetician. This was an internal struggle for me. I was not content with serving and bartending but I was taking advantage of the opportunity. Remaining faithful to my dreams, taking a chance one day, I walked into a local Sephora with my resume and applied to be a seasonal Beauty Advisor. After the interview process, I was offered the beauty advisor position. Within a short time, I was promoted to an elevated role, Sephora Collection Ambassador.
Then BOOM early 2019, we all were hit with COVID-19 and shut down in quarantine. So many changes rapidly happened within the Beauty Industry I began to re-evaluate my path. I decided to withdraw from Aesthetics school due to safety reasons regarding my health and those in my life at risk of contracting it. I kept my role with Sephora even though we were not physically in-store; My faith remained unwaivered and I waited for the country to be out of quarantine.
In June of 2019, I was called back to work at Sephora. I was so excited to be where I felt at home. I worked hard, showcasing my passion for artistry and product education. My superiors recognized my passion and a month later, I was elevated to Stage Experience Manager. This was a major stepping stone in my career, I was able to hone in on my leadership skills but also given the opportunity to share my knowledge and develop a team of artists with some of the same ambitions as me.
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?
When a client sits in my chair, it’s truly an experience. Before I begin a makeover, I always perform a skin consultation. I always take a teaching moment to educate on their skin type, undertones and discuss skin care goals. Throughout the actual makeover, I speak on each step while I create magic. My motto is, “Conceal with makeup, while you treat with skincare”. By the end of a session with The Makeup Witch, you’ll not only look your best; you will leave my chair knowing what works for you and your skin.
I know my purpose is providing women with the tools they need to build their confidence and help them feel good about themselves. Although the qualities you possess on the inside are what truly matter, watching a client’s eyes light up when they see the end result is what makes me feel fulfilled as an artist.
I am most proud of my latest career move. This Florida gyal has traded in her orange for a Georgia peach. I recently accepted the role as Beauty Services Manager at the Sephora in Town Center at Cobb. I’m so elated to start this new journey to expanding my brand.
How do you think about luck?
To be very transparent, I don’t believe in luck. Because of my faith, I know my steps are ordered. Throughout my life whether in business or personal, my superiors and peers have all found favor in me. I don’t attribute that to luck but to the prayers of my parents, their parents and my own. God consistently grants me the desires of my heart; All I have to do is trust God’s timing and put in the work.
Pricing:
- Master Class (Learn makeup/skincare basics) – $30
- Soft Glam Makeover – $60
- Ultimate Glam Makeover – $90
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TMWArtistry
