Today we’d like to introduce you to Essence Walcott
Hi Essence, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey started with a love for beauty and creativity. Growing up in New York, I was always that friend doing everyone’s hair and makeup, just naturally drawn to making people look and feel their best. After graduating from Empire Beauty School, I started my career as a makeup artist and hairstylist right in NYC, working alongside some incredible celebrity stylists and even getting a chance to showcase my skills at events like New York Fashion Week. That experience taught me a lot about the industry, and it pushed me to want to create something of my own.
Fast forward, I’m now the CEO and sole stylist of Glow Up Essencials. I moved to Atlanta to bring a new flavor to the beauty scene here. My brand isn’t just about styling hair; it’s about helping clients express themselves and feel powerful through their look. I specialize in luxury hair extensions, makeup, and now I’m also in nursing school working toward becoming an aesthetic nurse, blending my love for beauty with a medical side. It’s all part of my bigger vision to create a full-service beauty destination that caters to everything from hair to skin.
It’s been a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey’s been anything but smooth, but I think that’s just part of building something real, you know?
Starting out in New York, I had to hustle hard to get my name out there—especially in a city where the beauty scene is already packed with talent. I worked at Sephora for a bit, which gave me a solid foundation and helped me make some key connections, but there was a lot of learning on my own, too. From balancing client demands to managing supplies, I had to figure things out quickly to keep up.
When I moved to Atlanta and launched Glow Up Essencials, it felt like starting from scratch all over again. I had to rebuild my client base in a new city, which came with a whole different set of challenges, especially financially. Being the sole stylist and CEO, I’m hands-on with everything—from marketing to bookkeeping—and that can be overwhelming. Plus, I’m also a nursing student, working toward combining my passion for beauty with the medical side through aesthetics. Balancing all of that has been tough, but every struggle has taught me how to be resilient and adapt.
At the end of the day, the struggles have made me more determined. I know the vision I have for my brand, and that keeps me going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is all about blending artistry with a personal touch. As the CEO and stylist at Glow Up Essencials, I specialize in luxury hair extensions, styling, and makeup. My clients trust me to create looks that make them feel powerful and unique, and that’s what I’m known for—bringing out their confidence through hair and makeup. I love taking the time to understand each client’s vibe, lifestyle, and preferences so they leave feeling like the best version of themselves.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Being in this industry, you know how personal it is—people come to me not just for the look but for the experience and the way it makes them feel. I feel blessed that so many clients keep coming back and even refer friends and family, which is the highest compliment for me.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just focused on making people look good; I want them to feel good, too. I’m all about blending beauty with care. Plus, I’m in nursing school to become an aesthetic nurse, so I’m preparing to offer a whole range of beauty and wellness services in the future. It’s not just a business; it’s a lifestyle brand built around empowerment, beauty, and self-care.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor or building a network can feel intimidating, but it’s all about being genuine and putting yourself out there. For me, some of the best connections have come from just being active in spaces that align with my goals—whether that’s attending beauty trade shows, reaching out to local stylists, or even striking up conversations at events.
When it comes to finding a mentor, I think it’s key to look for someone who aligns with where you want to go and who you vibe with personally. One thing that’s helped me is staying open and being willing to learn. I connected with my academic advisor in nursing school, who’s been a huge support, and my aunt, who’s a nurse practitioner specializing in aesthetics. Having mentors who understand both beauty and medical aesthetics has been a game-changer for me.
For networking in general, don’t be afraid to start small. Reach out to people in your community, whether that’s online or in person. Instagram, Tik Tok, or even Facebook groups are amazing places to connect with people who share your passions. My advice? Approach it like building a friendship—ask questions, be supportive of what others are doing, and just let things grow naturally. Real connections can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glowupessencials.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glowup.essencials
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@glowup_essencials?_t=8r9WDyPtIgV&_r=1
