Conversations with Sheila Sloan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Sloan.

Sheila, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The Glam-N-Fab Beauty Story: From a Passion for Custom Beauty to the Runways of Fashion Week

My journey with Glam-N-Fab Beauty began with an opportunity that I never imagined would lead me into the world of fashion, beauty, and professional makeup artistry. I initially partnered with a marketing company with the goal of becoming an A&R representative for musicians. At the time, my focus was on exploring opportunities within the music industry, building relationships, and discovering new ways to grow professionally. What I did not realize was that this opportunity would introduce me to something that would eventually become one of my greatest passions: Motives Cosmetics, a wonderful line of makeup that allowed me to explore the artistry of beauty in a completely different way. As I learned more about the products, I discovered the ability to customize makeup to complement an individual’s complexion, features, and personal style. I became fascinated by the idea that makeup could be more than simply applying products to someone’s face. It could be an experience that helped people see themselves differently, express their individuality, and feel more confident in their own skin. That discovery became the foundation of Glam-N-Fab Beauty and inspired me to continue learning, experimenting, and developing my skills as a beauty professional.

My introduction to the fashion world began around 2010, when a friend of a friend connected me with a designer who needed makeup artists. That opportunity led me to work with Charlotte Seen, and it became an important turning point in my career. Initially, I was involved in providing makeup for runway models, helping them achieve the looks needed to complement the designers’ collections and the overall vision of each show. However, something special happened when I began applying my custom-blended makeup. Beyond the runway assignments, I was asked to create customized makeup looks for additional models. Those opportunities allowed me to demonstrate my creativity, attention to detail, and ability to develop looks that enhanced each model’s individual features. I began to see how my knowledge of customized cosmetics could set my work apart and open doors to new opportunities. What started as an introduction through a personal connection gradually developed into a growing career in beauty and fashion. Each show, each model, and each new experience taught me something valuable about the industry. I learned that success in this business requires more than technical ability. It requires professionalism, adaptability, creativity, teamwork, and the willingness to recognize an opportunity when it comes your way. Looking back, that initial connection with Charlotte Seen helped lay the groundwork for everything that followed.

Fast-forward to 2026, and I am proud to have grown into the role of Hair and Makeup Director for Charlotte Seen. What began with an opportunity to work with a designer has developed into a leadership position that allows me to help guide beauty teams, contribute to the creative direction of fashion presentations, and support the people working behind the scenes to bring each production to life. One of the highlights of this journey has been traveling to New York City for New York Fashion Week with the Charlotte Seen team. During my time in New York, I worked with Runway 7 as Hair and Makeup Director for the Seen Experience, collaborating with talented beauty professionals, models, designers, photographers, and other creatives. The experience extended beyond the runway, as I also participated in major photo shoots at notable locations throughout the city, including the areas around the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Union Square, and Times Square. Being part of these productions allowed me to experience the energy of New York’s fashion and creative communities while continuing to grow professionally. It reinforced my belief that the beauty industry offers opportunities far beyond what many people initially imagine. There are opportunities to work in fashion shows, editorial photography, commercial projects, bridal beauty, creative direction, and team leadership. Every experience has encouraged me to think bigger, continue refining my craft, and build relationships with people who share a passion for creativity and excellence. As I celebrate the progress I have made, my eyes are set on an even bigger goal: taking my talents and experience to Paris Fashion Week in 2027. For me, that goal represents more than traveling to another fashion destination. It represents continued growth, the courage to pursue new opportunities, and the desire to see just how far dedication and passion can take me.

Although fashion week has become an exciting part of my story, Glam-N-Fab Beauty is about much more than the runway. My passion is helping people feel confident, supported, and beautiful from the inside out.

I am also a member of my local Statesville Bridal Expo committee, where we help organize an annual event connecting wedding vendors with brides and couples preparing for their special day. The bridal industry has become an important part of my business because it allows me to help people feel beautiful and confident during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. Working with brides has taught me the importance of listening, understanding individual preferences, and creating experiences that reflect each person’s personality and vision.

Beyond the beauty and bridal industries, my husband and I have been involved with a marriage counseling and enrichment group for more than 15 years. Through this experience, we have developed a deeper appreciation for the communication, commitment, understanding, and teamwork that help marriages grow. I now have the opportunity to help mentor other couples through the I Do Me 2 program, using the guidance and structure the program provides to support couples as they navigate their relationships. This is a meaningful extension of my passion for encouraging others, sharing what we have learned through our own journey, and helping couples recognize the value of investing in their relationships.

To me, this work connects naturally with my philosophy of beauty from the inside out. While beauty and fashion can help someone feel confident on the outside, healthy relationships, personal growth, and emotional connection are also important parts of living a fulfilling life.

I also enjoy collaborating with cosmetology schools throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Through photo shoots, fashion shows, and creative projects, I help students explore their artistic abilities and gain exposure to experiences that can support their professional development. I believe encouraging the next generation of beauty professionals is an important way to give back to an industry that has given me so much.

Additionally, I continue to use my marketing and entrepreneurial ventures with Market America to connect local business owners and entrepreneurs with opportunities to network, collaborate, and grow their businesses.

These different areas of my work allow me to bring together beauty, entrepreneurship, education, relationship mentoring, and community involvement under one umbrella. Whether I am working behind the scenes at a fashion show, helping a bride prepare for her wedding, encouraging an aspiring beauty professional, or mentoring a couple, my goal is to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

When I look at how far I have come, I am reminded that sometimes the opportunities that change our lives begin in unexpected places. I did not start my journey knowing that I would one day lead hair and makeup teams, work during New York Fashion Week, participate in photo shoots throughout New York City, or set my sights on Paris. I simply followed an opportunity, discovered a passion, and continued building on each experience that came my way. Glam-N-Fab Beauty represents that journey and my belief that beauty is not just about what people see on the outside; it is also about how they feel on the inside. My mission is to continue creating beauty from the inside out by helping people discover their confidence, encouraging aspiring artists to explore their creativity, supporting local businesses, and building meaningful relationships throughout the beauty and fashion industries. As I look toward the future, I am excited about the possibilities still ahead of me. Whether I am preparing a bride for her wedding day, helping a cosmetology student gain valuable experience, collaborating with a fashion team, or creating a customized beauty look for a client, I want every experience to reflect my commitment to creativity, professionalism, and personal connection. My story is still being written, and I look forward to continuing to grow Glam-N-Fab Beauty, expanding my reach, and inspiring others to believe that a single opportunity can become the beginning of something extraordinary.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to building Glam-N-Fab Beauty has definitely not been a smooth one. Like many women, I have had to learn how to balance my personal life, family responsibilities, and professional dreams. One of the most important challenges along the way has been being there for my daughters and my grandchildren during different stages of their lives. When my daughters had children who were born prematurely, there were times when my family needed extra support, and I had to step in to help care for my grandchildren. Family has always been important to me, and being present for the people I love was something I never wanted to compromise. At times, balancing those responsibilities with building my business was challenging, but those experiences taught me patience, sacrifice, and the importance of understanding that success does not always happen on our own timeline. Sometimes, life requires us to pause, adjust our plans, and show up for the people who need us most.

Another major challenge was learning the art of makeup from the ground up. When I first discovered Motives Cosmetics, I was not a professionally trained makeup artist, and I had never really worn makeup myself. I had to learn everything, from understanding products and skin tones to applying makeup techniques that would bring out the best in each person. I spent countless hours watching YouTube tutorials, participating in trainings, and learning from other makeup artists who were willing to share their knowledge and experience. There was a lot of trial and error, but I was determined to improve my skills and prove to myself that I could do this. Finding my place in the beauty industry was another challenge. I had to explore different opportunities, connect with photographers, work with models and designers, and experience different aspects of the industry before I could truly understand what I enjoyed most and where I wanted to focus my energy. It was not just about learning how to do makeup; it was also about discovering my identity, developing my confidence, and figuring out who I wanted to become as a businesswoman and beauty professional.

Looking back, I realize that the challenges were an important part of my growth. Every experience, whether it was a family responsibility, a new makeup technique, a difficult lesson, or an unfamiliar opportunity, helped shape the woman and entrepreneur I am today. I learned that you do not have to begin as an expert to pursue something you are passionate about. You have to be willing to learn, remain teachable, step outside your comfort zone, and keep going even when the path is uncertain. Building Glam-N-Fab Beauty has been a journey of discovering my strengths, learning from others, and finding the areas of the beauty industry where I can make the greatest impact. Today, as Hair and Makeup Director for Charlotte Seen and as I continue expanding my work in fashion, bridal beauty, education, and entrepreneurship, I am grateful that I did not allow the challenges to stop me. My journey has reminded me that success is not always about having everything figured out from the beginning. Sometimes, it is about trusting the process, embracing the lessons, and continuing to move forward while staying true to your purpose.

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?
As an artist and creative, I specialize in customized beauty experiences that help people feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in their own skin. Through Glam-N-Fab Beauty, I provide makeup services for fashion shows, runway models, bridal clients, photo shoots, and other special occasions. One of the things that sets me apart is my passion for customized makeup. Through customize blending, I can help clients discover shades, combinations, and looks that complement their individual skin tones, features, and personal styles. I believe beauty should never be a one-size-fits-all experience. Every person is different, and I enjoy helping each client discover what works best for them. My work with Charlotte Seen, including my role as Hair and Makeup Director and my experiences with New York Fashion Week, has allowed me to continue developing my artistry, collaborate with other creatives, and help bring different visions to life. I also enjoy working with cosmetology students, aspiring artists, and local beauty professionals to encourage creativity and provide opportunities for growth.

Another thing that makes Glam-N-Fab Beauty unique is that I can offer more than a makeup service; I can also provide products that allow my clients to continue their beauty journey long after our time together. Through my work with Motives Cosmetics and my marketing ventures with Market America, I can connect clients with beauty and skincare products that support their individual needs. I recognize that someone may hire me for a wedding, fashion show, photo shoot, or special event and may not need my makeup services again for quite some time. However, that does not mean our relationship has to end there. By helping clients find products they love and teaching them how to incorporate those products into their routines, I have the opportunity to build lasting relationships and serve them beyond a single appointment. My goal is to create an experience that combines personalized service, education, and access to products that help people feel their best. I want my clients to know that I am not simply interested in providing a service; I am interested in helping them discover solutions that work for them and building relationships that continue to grow over time.

What I am most proud of is the message behind my brand: “Creating Beauty from the Inside Out.” For me, beauty has never been just about makeup, skincare, or how someone looks in a photograph. It is also about confidence, self-worth, personal growth, and how we feel about ourselves. Makeup can enhance someone’s features, but I want my clients to leave an experience with me feeling just as beautiful on the inside as they look on the outside. That philosophy influences how I interact with my clients, support other artists, and approach every opportunity. I am proud of how far I have come, from learning makeup on my own to leading beauty teams and working in fashion environments that once seemed far beyond my reach. I also take pride in being able to combine my creativity with entrepreneurship, education, and community involvement. Ultimately, what sets Glam-N-Fab Beauty apart is the combination of customized beauty, personalized product solutions, and a genuine commitment to helping people recognize their own beauty and potential. I want every person I work with to understand that beauty is personal, confidence is powerful, and the best results begin from the inside out.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve never actually been to Culver City California, but the research that I have done seems to lead to mountain areas that look very beautiful, and I may need to put you on my to-do list

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marketamerica.com/specialdeliverygroup
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glam_n_fab_beauty
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbuNnpb6c/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-sloan
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Glamnfabbeauty