Today we’d like to introduce you to Chalest Shannon.
Hi Chalest, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started back in 2013 when I first moved to Atlanta. I wanted to create a brand that was unique and could one day become known worldwide. I decided to start with doing makeup and selling beauty cosmetics online. So I came up with the name “Milk Stoodio” because I knew the end goal was to open up a beauty bar.
Fast forward to about 2016 I had been operating under “Milk Stoodio” until I one day received a DM on my business page from a billion-dollar cosmetic company today asking where I got my business name and that we needed to find a way to co-exist because they had just launched in 2016! We went back and forth for weeks about the matter. At this time I didn’t know how the whole legal part of things worked when it came to trade marking, nor did I have a team or department behind me to help with these matters.
So we came up with an agreement and I decided to add “Gal” to my rebranding instead of changing my entire existence, and that’s when the name “Milk Gal Stoodio” came about. I knew then I really had something great ahead for me if a billion-dollar company was coming after little ole me and something I created in back in 2013.
After all that took place, I made sure to trademark my business and made sure to touch basis on everything dealing with my brand. I continued to work over the years and save as I went along the way.
Each day I would work persistently on my brand. Brainstorming, creating business plans, setting goals and executing. Most importantly I prayed and kept the lord involved every step of the way. And now we are here, Milk Gal Stoodio has now been open for a little over a year. Located in Downtown Augusta, 222 8th street, Augusta Ga, 30901
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?
Creating and birthing Milk Gal Stoodio has not been easy to say the least. Long nights, early mornings, & dealing with uncertainty or the stress of bearing it all alone we’re somewhat of a struggle. I knew it was my brand and my responsibility so I didn’t put much on others when it came to my craft. But some days not feeling supported when needed the most were not so pleasing. Somedays I would feel like why did I do this? What was I thinking?! Lol. Then once I would accomplish something small, it would give me a rush of excitement. Like OMG I did it! Somedays I couldn’t even believe I was doing it. It felt like a dream. Now I look back and I’m like wow Cece you really outdid yourself!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Milk Gal Stoodio is a new, fun and engaging way to experience an array of beauty services under one roof in a eccentric, & enjoyable setting. Milk Gal Stoodio is the one stop shop to receive many beauty services like Makeup, Hair, Nails, Pedicures, Lash Extensions, Brows, Permanent Makeup, Facials, Body Sculpting and V-Steams all under one roof! We are always looking to add new beauty services and we are always looking for beauty talents to join our team.
As the owner, I personally specialize in interior and design, permanent makeup and makeup artistry. However at the moment, I am focusing on just managing the overall business. I have also just launched my brand new motivational journal for the 2023 new year called “You Needa Be Thinking Big B*tch” it is now available for immediate purchase on Amazon.
I am most proud of the overall design and concept I created when designing Milk Gal. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever created thus far!
What sets Milk Gal apart from others is that the presence of Milk Gal is a WOW factor for our consumers. But also because Milk Gal is a futuristic pin-up gal who live in a luxurious, glamorous, postmodernism world. When I use the word postmodernism it is a notoriously difficult concept to define. So I broke it down to 3 approaches that will help define it & our brand.
History, Stylistic (literary style) & theoretical. When I say that I mean existing only in theory; hypothetical. It’s our imagination. We are experimenting with the representation of reality like no other!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I feel like risking is better than regretting. I always look at things from that perspective. Because I would rather risk it all at this young age than wait till I’m older and regret not doing what my heart desired. I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. I’ve took major risks all my life. Milk Gal was definitely a big risk. My best-friend Mekiyah would always say “ You’re one Risky Bihh” Lol. I will always take my last and bet it on myself! I’ve just always run after what I wanted in life and never took no for an answer!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/milkgalstoodio?igshid=MWI4MTIyMDE=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/MilkGalStoodio/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/milkgalstoodio?s=21&t=RsJlUmvUOWNGuqFb24ZR6g
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPGGB3DV/ref=cm_sw_r_api_i_GH2WVFFWR2MCC4QEPN8C_0?fbclid=PAAabhkHFcScEyHfCRW83GFmA-e7qILUhtUYWJyk_w30Tp4JnTAlLs8SVinyc
