October 16, 2016

Meet Conyers Makeup Artist & Image Consultant: Amber Shirrell

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Shirrell.

Amber Shirrell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my journey into makeup and fashion in 2007. I had just graduated from college and moved from Mississippi to Atlanta. I moved here because I knew Atlanta was a great city that offered new opportunities, networking, and I loved the diverseness and eccentricity of the city. I knew that I wanted to impact the world, but the key was to figure out what I had a passion for and what I was gifted in. I knew that I loved to play around with makeup and always loved to dress up, so I figured this had to be my passion. I made sure that every time I stepped outside, my makeup was done and I was dressed very well. Over the next couple years, people began to notice my unique style. My confidence was built and I decided that I was truly gifted in beauty and fashion.

In 2013, I made it official. I began to invest in my passion and take makeup classes with AlterEgo Makeup Image Business. I learned how to properly apply makeup as well as learned how to manage my own business. I created Amber Shirrell Makeup Artistry and created a vision board of what I desired of my business. Within the next few months, I began to receive clients, opportunities for photoshoots, and even music videos. The summer of 2013, I decided to quit my job with the state of Georgia and become a freelance makeup artist and personal stylist full time. Everything that I placed on my vision board for Amber Shirrell Makeup Artistry has manifested into reality. The journey wasn’t easy, but it has definitely been worth it! Today, Amber Shirrell Makeup Artistry is still going strong. I provide mobile makeup services for personal makeup, as well as for bridal, photoshoots, videos, etc. My unique and bold style continue to bring a new flavor to the fashion and beauty industry. I am fully dedicated to enhancing the natural beauty of women from all backgrounds, building confidence, and inspiring women to love and be beautiful in the skin they’re in.

Has it been a smooth road?
The journey definitely hasn’t been easy and it wasn’t an overnight success, but it was well worth it. My main struggle along the way was confidence in myself. I knew that I was gifted, but I was my own biggest critic. I used to compare myself with other makeup artists. I finally realized that was the cause of my struggle and disappointment. I had to get to the point where I stop comparing my makeup skills and journey with others. I began to tell myself everyday that it doesn’t matter how many people do what I do. No one can do it like me. It’s not that I’m being arrogant in regards to my skills or say that I’m the best makeup artist in the city. This motto just helps me to build my confidence in myself and to know that I do what I do very well.

Tell us about your childhood, what were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always such a naturally happy, wise, positive, and generous child. I am a leader by nature, so I was always eager to try everything. I am the baby out of 5 children, so I was kind of a spoiled brat. I was also such a girly girl and wanted all things to be cute. I used to dress up every one of my dolls and do their hair. My main interest in my teens was music. I spent the majority of my time singing, listening to music, and writing because I had dreams of being a singer when I grew up. My friends nicknamed me “Jukebox” because there was not a moment when wasn’t singing something.

What is your favorite childhood memory?
My most favorite childhood memory is hanging with my friends and pretending we were a gospel trio. We never did come up with a name. We all learned how to play the keyboard so we could take turns singing and playing. During the summer, we would meet at each other’s house and just sing the day away.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to marrying and creating a family. I don’t have any children right now, but I’m starting now to build a legacy for my future children to take over. I’m in the process of creating a non-profit company called The Queen Life. It is a Christian organization designed to empower, inspire, and encourage women from all walks of life. This company is dedicated to building confidence and transforming the lives of women from the inside and out. The main target is to reach inner city, homeless women, and women that are just transitioning to new levels in life. I’m creating this company to pour love and hope back into women and to remind them that they are valuable, royal, and were created by God to be queens. I want to motivate them to dream again and realize that no matter what life has thrown at them, they still have the power to transform their situation and live life fearlessly. I plan to have a team of life coaches, career coaches, image consultants, makeup artists, and hairstylists to provide makeovers inside and out for these women. I am also creating a program within The Queen Life to mentor young girls ages 8-18. I just feel that it is my purpose to build up women and our future women so that we all can prosper and become who we are destined to be.

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