Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Burns.
Hi Christina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always done my own makeup and never really took it serious nor did I know how much of an art it was and is. Then, one day, my sister had a date and asked me to do her makeup like I do mine which, looking back at the photos now, wasn’t good AT ALL, lol but I did it anyway. Her eyebrows were too thick and her foundation was too dark lol! Everybody hyped me regardless and was like, Tina you’re talented and should really consider making this a business; become a makeup artist! So from that day on, summer of 2016, I started building my brand; iSlay. So for two years that’s what family, friends, coworkers, and everyone in between, knew me as. Listen, as good as I was, I look back at my early work and cringe lol but I pride myself in beginning! In 2017, I had my son and took a hiatus from my business solely because I was completely discouraged and didn’t think I could do it with my baby. Eventually, I dug myself out of that pit and started taking classes and even furthered my education in cosmetics by becoming a lash technician and a micro-blading artist; which is semi-permanent makeup by way of tattooing. In 2019, I invested $2,000 in studio equipment and turned my apartment into a suite and anyone can tell you that it exceeded professional expectations! Not only did my apartment receive a face lift, but I changed my business name to CB Artistry. During the pandemic, I was able to leave my full-time job and work my business full-time! October 2021, I closed on my home and am now a traveling MUA! I love it here!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One major struggle was finances! I wasn’t making money in the beginning but I knew I had to continue to invest in myself. When the pandemic hit, I left my job, which was my primary source of income. It killed me! Especially as a single mother! I can honestly say, if it weren’t for the support and belief of my family, I would not be here!
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?
So I specialize in enhancing the everyday woman and recently started getting booked for enhancing the deceased. Yep, you heard me correctly, I apply makeup on dead women. I’m also a lash technician and a micro-blading artist. I am most proud of my growth! My resilience and ability to persevere set me apart. I’m not one to make excuses and am one who has built a business from absolutely nothing. Little to no skill but I practiced and practiced and practiced and still have a mindset to be taught.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I don’t have a mentor, but I will say networking is key for success! I say all the time your success has a lot to with who you are connected to! Even if I felt I was superior in contouring, I would purposely position myself to learn something new about it. Makeup is always evolving! There’s no limit and because of that there’s always something new to learn. It’s fun! It’s educational. So yes, networking is key!
Contact Info:
- Email: cburnsartistry@gmail.com
- Website: http://cburnsartistry.booksy.com/
- Instagram: cburnsartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cburnsartistry/
