Rising Stars: Meet Shaniqua Little

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaniqua Little.

Shaniqua, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began to develop my artistry early 2017 while juggling many other responsibilities daily. I worked as a high-school Business elective teacher, assistant volleyball coach, and a part-time freelancer at MAC Cosmetics. I juggled many other duties including being a part-time grad student and mother to my daughter, Rylee, who is now seven years old and full of personality. She is my everything and more. During the summer break of 2017, I spent numerous of hours perfecting my craft, watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, and practicing on my friends and family. By the end of 2017, I named my artistry Blissed Glamour. I chose this name because of the aura that consumed me while learning the basic techniques and playing with makeup…it made me happy and full of bliss, so it just kind of just clicked. Months later, my clientele steadily increased and I stayed persistent on my freelance journey, gaining many clients in the surrounding areas of Montgomery, AL. To expand my entrepreneurship and complement my active lifestyle, I began to sell my own line of latex waist trainers that received tons of positive feedback. The gym is therapy, okay? If you want to boost your confidence, feel good, and create magical thoughts, just work out. Anybody that knows me knows that I am a gym rat. Fast forward two years later and after the introductory period of COVID, I began to think beyond the classroom. Shortly after the COVID Shutdown, I decided to go into business for myself as a full-time makeup artist and entrepreneur for my registered brand, Blissed Glamour, LLC.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The first 6-9 months of full-blown entrepreneurship was flat out scary. It was more so investing all of my earnings rather than seeing profit for the first few months. The unfamiliarity of how much income I would actually gross each month to cover bills and taking care of my daughter was a bit challenging. Thank God my friends, family, and at-the-time boyfriend helped me stay afloat month after month until I was grossing 2 and 3 times my salary as a teacher. No matter what I endured, I kept pushing through the growing pains of owning a business, and looking back it was one of the best lessons I could’ve learned. My freelance journey made me adaptable to change, taught me better time management, and gave me a whirlwind of blessings (in disguise) that helped me implement ground rules for my business that I stand on till this day. Another challenge was accepting a booking from the parent of my client who recently lost her life. Let’s just say I was terrified. I had never done makeup on the deceased, yet along have been hands on with a lifeless body so it took a lot of courage to accept the job. I didn’t know what to expect and the day I walked into that room, my stomach was in a knot honestly. I just prayed, my mouth was watery, my heart was racing, and I felt like I was going to pass out. I just prayed and asked God to ease my nerves. Roughly 2 ½ hours later, her family and loved ones were so pleased with the outcome. I felt so accomplished and invincible that I cried my eyes out as soon as I got in the car. This whole experience prepared me for what was to come because a week later, my grandmother passed away. If I wouldn’t have been brave and courageous for my client, I wouldn’t have been equipped to see my grandmother in that setting. I love and miss her so much. She was a woman of God and always had a big smile on her face. She showed me love like no other. I can’t even put it into words the love she showed me while I was trying to figure out life. She always reminded me to not worry and that Jehovah God will make all of my paths straight.

I cherish each and every individual that sit in my chair. I’m able to connect and bond with individuals from many different walks of life and appreciate different perspectives of life in general. My clients help me make a living and also reminds me of how beautiful life is despite the circumstances, so my gratitude and love for them is endless.

My family and have been so supportive of my journey, I literally could not have achieved nearly as much without them. They constantly reminded me of how ambitious and hard-working I am, and understand that most of my time is dedicated to achieving my goals, so that I can maintain and enjoy a beautiful trauma-free life for my daughter and I. My parents and sisterhood kept me alive as I continued to pursue my MBA, flourish as an entrepreneur, and grieve the loss of my grandmother. I was so sad inside but still showing up for others. Resultantly, I saw it through and kept moving forward. Pain is temporary and life goes on. The only way through is through. I finished my master’s program in honor of my grandmother and graduated December 11, 2021. I know she’s proud along with my dear family and friends who helped me along the way.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I provide makeup services for all occasions! I can create different types of looks no matter the skin tone nor texture. My work can be located on my Instagram page: Blissed_glamour.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I never envisioned being a makeup artist actually, it was just something that I was interested in personally. You know, look good, and feel good kind of deal. After doing my cousin’s makeup for her prom, I fell in love with the thought of creating more beautiful moments. It wasn’t the best makeup, but it was cute, and she liked it, so I was satisfied that she was satisfied. 3) I uploaded an Instagram reel of the Alabama State University Sensational Stingettes that went viral and circulated the platform for an entire month, receiving 1 million views in 5 days. My mind was blown away because I never imagined going viral on social media. The next week it reached 3 million views, and the following week it touched 5 million! For small business owners who run their business through social media this was a game changer for my brand. I gained thousands of new followers with tremendous engagement. I also got booked for Auburn University’s Women’s Basketball Team for their media day. It’s cool being behind the scenes and connecting with icons. I absolutely love what I do and I thank God for the gift he chose to give me.

I thrive off of doing more and becoming better so my wish for 2022 would be to accelerate through comfort zones and create opportunities for myself and other underground artists. It’s so fulfilling to see women own their power and embrace life with confidence. Many beautiful things are beginning to blossom in my life during this new season! I would encourage anybody to go after your wildest dreams and don’t let self-doubt, complacency, nor the lingering past overpower your million dollar dream. No one can hold you back but you! Surround yourself with people who want to see you win as bad as you do; and remember that with God anything is possible.

Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story ATLVoyage.

Contact Info:

• Email: blissedglamour@gmail.com
• Website: www.blissedglamour.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/blissed_glamour?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=ityhsrr5o4wo
• Facebook: Blissed Glamour

Image Credits:
The Sensational Stingettes Alabama State University Auburn University Women’s Basketball Team Forward #10 Senior Kiyae White Guard #1 Xaria Wiggins