Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Johnson.
Hi Angel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all began as a hobby. I worked as a corporate accountant and although I was good at it, I was highly unfulfilled. I started doing makeup on myself as an outlet at first. I have always been into beauty and fashion but was never intentional about it. Soon, others began asking me to do their makeup and I was very flattered. However, it wasn’t long before my accounting mindset kicked in and I started saying, “Sure! If you pay me!” I set out to become a freelance artist. I took classes, got some mentors, and practiced my skills all the time. I started advertising my services and made it official. I worked fashion shows, photo shoots with various photographers, volunteered my services for several non-profits, and worked for MAC Cosmetics to build my skills and my brand. I fell in love with the industry. My family thought I was nuts to want to quit a great-paying accounting career to become a makeup artist, but I had a vision. I launched Memphis Makeup Artists in 2018 after being a freelance artist for several years. I saw a need in the industry for a reputable place to find a makeup artist. I curated a team of professionals and we took Memphis by storm. We quickly became a top provider of beauty services in the city. I have been awarded top accolades as one of the best in makeup every year since 2019. In addition to managing my team and agency, I launched a cosmetics brand called Allurish Beauty and began coaching other makeup artists to build sustainable businesses under the moniker The Makeup Biz Coach. Both in 2019.
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?
Doing something that has never been done is a mountain of a challenge in itself. I created the first glam squad in Memphis. Convincing other MUAs to team up with me and convincing the public to trust us was the first big obstacle I had to overcome. Thankfully, I had already built a rapport with many local MUAs. They trusted my business knowledge and knew I could be successful at this. Good marketing and networking convinced the city. Nearly five years later, my biggest challenge now is that we run into capacity problems. I am currently working to scale up my business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a makeup artist, I am known for my natural glam looks. People come to me because they don’t want to look like a different person. They want to look like themselves but more polished. Outside of everyday clients and bridal, my makeup niche is makeup for photography. I work well to produce high-end, commercial and creative looks. What sets me apart from others is my business knowledge. My career as an accountant has definitely contributed to my business acumen as a makeup artist. And for that, I am highly respected and well-known.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I don’t see much change in the industry as a whole over the next 5-10 years. The bridal industry is sustaining. People are willing to spend more on beauty as they see how essential it is for the wedding day and beyond. Additionally, more and more everyday women are treating themselves to the luxury experience of a professional makeover. The biggest shift in makeup is on the cosmetics side. The power of social media allows smaller, independent brands to compete with well-established brands. The pandemic illustrated how brands that have been around for decades still need to be engaging and innovative to stay relevant. Newer brands like Fenty Beauty prove that keeping a pulse on what the consumer wants and being able to evolve is vital to success.
Pricing:
- Makeup Biz Coaching Call – $199
Contact Info:
- Website: memphismakeup.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/memphismakeupdotcom
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/memphismakeupdotcom
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/memphismakeup1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC60l-nkOPAdh6C2C8tnEOnQ
- Other: http://www.instagram.com/makeupbizcoach
Image Credits
Myeisha Nichols CWalk Photography CL Goose Maiden
