Meet Dominique Doyle of SoChevon in West End

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Doyle.

Dominique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My career as a makeup artist was definitely not on purpose. You couldn’t convince me that this is what I would be doing full time. When I was younger, I had aspirations of working in the health field but as I got older, I couldn’t ignore my creative gift. I first started drawing. I knew I was pretty good at it when I won the yearbook cover competition in middle school. Then, in high school as a senior project, I had the amazing opportunity to work under some super talented artist to complete a pastel art collection at an intermediate level. This still didn’t convince me that I would have a career in some form of art.

After graduating from Columbus High school in Columbus GA, I decided to attend Georgia State University where I received my undergrad degree in Public Relations and Marketing. Somewhere between my sophomore and junior year, a friend of mine suggested I do make up for our mutual friend’s photo shoot. I had no idea why she would suggest me as the makeup artist seeing as though I didn’t really wear makeup, but something convinced her I would be up for the challenge. I was, it was another way to express my creative energy. The shoot went well. the photographer liked it and recommend me to another photographer. We created some dope images and everything snowballed from there.

(Sidenote: The very first photographer I worked with, the mutual friend, and I had a full-circle moment a few months back in June of 2019 when we were working on Married to Medicine Couples trip in Cabo together, him as a videographer and me as a makeup artist… this was kinda an affirmation for me.)

Anyway, although I was getting great feedback from my work and hustling a few gigs here in there while in school I still wasn’t convinced this would be my career. While I was “beating faces” and networking with photographers and stylists in school, I was also involved in quite a few organizations to include GSU’s Peer Health Education Program. After my involvement with this program for 4+ years, I circled back to the idea of having a career in the health field, and I did. After GSU, I received my Master in Health Administration from Clayton State and went on to become a Senior Health Educator for a large International non-profit reproductive healthcare organization. My position was grant-funded and after eight years of working for that organization, I was laid off. Little did I know, this was a blessing in disguise.

Initially, I was frustrated, worried, sad and scared, but I prayed and realized I had to look at this as an opportunity. It definitely gave me the push I needed to really give make up artistry my full attention. Two months after I had to transition from my job, I received a call from Dr. Simone of, Bravo’s Reality TV Show, Married to Medicine telling me she needs a Makeup artist for the filming of season 4. I worked with the Doctor a couple of times before when I had the availability but now I was coming on full time!

That one phone call definitely help set me up to where I am today. Now, we are about to premiere season 7 and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of networks to include: VH1’s Love and Hip Hop ATL, TV One’s R&B Divas, and daily talk show Sister Circle, as well as 11 Alive’s ATL & Co.

Here I am, 3.5 years later, a full-time Professional Make-up Artist and business owner of SoChevon where we specialize in enhancing natural beauty through a variety of one on one services as well as online education and coaching. It took a minute but now I’m convinced. This is just the beginning.

Has it been a smooth road?
Building a business and becoming an entrepreneur is not as glamorous as social media might make it seem. Although there is freedom in having your own business and being your own boss, there’s a lot of sacrifice and risk-taking involved. I’m only 3.5 years in doing this full time, I have a long ways to go. The luxuries I used to take for granted like healthcare, retirement, vacation pay all went out the door. I had to, and still am, figuring out how to create those luxuries for myself. It’s all about trial and error.

While there are so many things to celebrate, there are also many challenges. Personally, I have to push myself to look at this as a real business and not just something I’m good at and can make money from. I had to tap into the business side, set goals and put systems in place to create longevity and proficiency. As a creative, you want to do any and everything, but I’ve learned sometimes you have to say no and focus on one thing at a time as to not overwhelm yourself and step into the entrepreneur blues. This journey has taught me so much about my strengths and weaknesses, I’m grateful for the lessons and the opportunity to grow.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with SoChevon – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
When you see SoChevon, think about enhancing beauty from within. Sochevon, is not your “traditional” make up artist which allows a unique approach to my artistry. I love creating a peaceful space to produce natural looks. I make skin look and feel like skin. I make sure my clients make up lasts all day without feeling heavy or caked, and I show my clients how to be resourceful and efficient by helping them create beautiful looks on a budget that still looks expensive.

I have experience working with all skin types. tones, ethnicities, and personalities. My clients love that they can still look like themselves, just enhanced.

It’s always been my passion to help the people I encounter feel and look beautiful. For me, it’s never been just about the make-up but it’s about providing women… and men with an outlet to express their style and confidence through enhancing their beauty. The act of doing make-up is actually therapeutic for many and I love being able to provide that safe space. It’s more than a service, it’s an experience.

Makeup one on one:
– In-studio Glam (clients come to me)
-Travel Glam (I travel to my Clients)
– Bridal Glam Experience
– Destination Weddings
-Photoshoots
-TV/Film
-Editorial
-Body Painting

Makeup Coaching/Consulting:
-One on one in person make up coaching
– Virtual Make up coaching

Online Education:
-2 week online Make Up Course “Back to the Basics”
-Makeup ebooks

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’ve lived in this beautiful city for over 15 years now and I must say I love the rich culture of Atlanta. I was born in Brooklyn to Trinidadian parents while living as a military kid. Throughout my youth, I’ve had the privilege of traveling and experiencing a variety of ethnicities and cultures, so when I say I love Atlanta’s rich culture… I truly do!

I have the honor of living in the vibrant Historic West end, where I’m surrounded by my inspiring people, my community, my support and I don’t take that for granted. The city is so alive with talent and the circles are small, Someone always knows someone you know, that can be both a good or a bad thing, regardless the network is definitely here.

Atlanta is a breeding ground for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. This place inspires and challenges you all for the good.

Now, what I enjoy the least is the over gentrification in some areas and of course the traffic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sochevon.com
• Phone: 7065939342
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @Sochevon
• Facebook: @Sochevon
• Twitter: @Sochevon
• Other: SochevonMakeup (Youtube)

Image Credit:
Kareem Yearwood, Crowder, Porsha Antalan

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