Today we’d like to introduce you to Essence Lollis.
Hi Essence, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a girly girl at heart. Some of my earliest memories involve my mom buying me cute heel and purse sets as a little girl, which later turned into makeup kits as I got older. Beauty has always fascinated me. Before I was officially “allowed” to wear makeup, I used to sneak into my mom’s makeup stash for school until she finally caught me and gave me the green light in high school. From there, it was on and popping!
I used to spend hours binge-watching makeup tutorials on my high school’s library computer and recreating looks inspired by icons like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé. Transformation quickly became my favorite part of beauty. I practiced nonstop on myself, friends, and anyone who was willing to sit in my chair.
It wasn’t until college at Troy University that I started taking makeup artistry seriously. I used to wake up super early to beat my face down before class, and classmates constantly asked who did my makeup. When a couple of girls asked how much I charged, it then clicked, this could be a business. I started out doing $5–$10 faces in my college apartment, learning as I went and growing with every client. My first few faces were quite ashy! But hey, you have to start somewhere.
As my skills developed, I began doing makeup for proms, events, and local clients. A major turning point came after losing my first corporate job and later becoming pregnant. That season forced me to pivot. I realized traditional employment didn’t fit my life, but my passion did. Traditional employment never aligned with how I’m wired, and after multiple setbacks, it became clear I was meant to work for myself. Once I committed fully to my craft and got over my beginner fears, my business started taking off.
What I love most about what I do is the safe space I create. My chair is therapy, for my clients and for me. There have been moments when life was heavy or I was fighting back tears, but doing makeup took my mind off everything. Uplifting women and watching their confidence grow in real time is one of the most healing parts of my journey.
Consistently showcasing my work on social media opened doors far beyond bookings. Stepping into the content creation space led to brand deals, PR opportunities, 50k+ followers on social media, and collaborations with major beauty and skincare brands like MAC Cosmetics, Too Faced, Peter Thomas Roth, and Topicals.
Over the years, I’ve worked alongside other artists, traveled to different cities and states, and had the opportunity to do makeup for public figures such as celebrity psychologist Dr. Sherry Blake (as seen on WE tv), VH1’s Sukihana, and various weddings and high profile events. The relationships I’ve built along the way mean everything to me.
While I’m still growing and evolving, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far. I’ve got big plans, plenty more beauty to create, and even more stories to tell. This is just the beginning.
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?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges has been staying consistent through life’s ups and downs, while also working through the mental hurdles that come with imposter syndrome, overthinking, and self-doubt. Those internal battles can slow your progress if you don’t learn how to push past them.
Another challenge I’ve faced is money management, especially as a beginner in business. That included learning how to pivot during slow seasons, pricing correctly, invest my profits wisely, and open multiple streams of revenue using my craft. It required a complete mindset shift from hustler to CEO.
Entrepreneurship is not a walk in the park, but I truly believe God wouldn’t have called me to this field if he didn’t think I was made for it. Keeping Him first, remaining diligent, constantly seeking new knowledge, and surrounding myself with amazing support has helped me overcome many of these obstacles and continue growing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known primarily as a Makeup Artist with over nine years of experience, but truthfully, I’m much more than just one title. I’m a creative at heart; a content creator, creative director, and storyteller with a personality that naturally connects with people.
What sets me apart isn’t just my skill with makeup, but the experience I create. I bring a bold, bubbly energy mixed with humor, honesty, and real conversation. My chair is a safe space, consisting of part glam session, part therapy, part sister talk. I have a way of making even a first-time client feel like we’ve known each other forever.
I’m most proud of my authenticity. I don’t try to fit into a mold. I show up as myself: witty, intuitive, discerning, and deeply passionate about uplifting women. Whether through makeup, content, or conversation, my goal is always the same: to help people feel confident, seen, and beautiful from the inside out.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To keep up with my work, content, and beauty journey, follow me on Instagram and Tiktok at @EnhancedbyEssence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/enhancedbyessence
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enhancedbyessence/?ig_mid=6B7840E5-1D50-4C42-B355-7BEC949A9BBA&utm_source=igweb&launch_app_store=true
Image Credits
Michael Carson Photography
Alyze Collier Photography
Nick Frontiero Photography
