We recently connected with Channel Matheny and have shared our conversation below.

Channel , appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was a moment that honestly felt ordinary at the time, but it changed everything. I was sitting in my room, doing my makeup before work, and I caught myself slowing down—not because I was running late, but because I was genuinely enjoying the process. Every brush stroke felt like therapy. Every color choice felt intentional. It was the one part of my day where I didn’t feel rushed, overwhelmed, or stretched thin. I felt present.

Growing up, I was always the one doing my friends’ hair, matching outfits, or fixing someone’s lip gloss before we went anywhere. But it wasn’t until adulthood—after becoming a mom, after juggling responsibilities, and after seeing how beauty could shift someone’s confidence—that I realized this wasn’t just a hobby. This was a calling.

The real spark happened the first time someone told me, “You made me feel beautiful.” Not just “look” beautiful—feel beautiful. That’s when it clicked for me. I wanted to create that feeling every day. I wanted to build something of my own, to show my son that passion can become purpose, and that purpose can become a career.

That was the moment I stopped looking at makeup as something I did and started looking at it as the path I was meant to follow. And once I recognized that, everything in my life started lining up to push me in this direction—toward becoming a professional makeup artist and a beauty boss in my own right.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not know me yet, my name is Channel (like Chanel), and I am a makeup artist and the proud founder of Lady M Beauty Company. I always say that my journey into the beauty industry wasn’t something I stumbled into—it was something that grew with me over time.

I started as the friend who could fix a lash, match a foundation, or bring a look together with a few simple touches. But as life got more demanding—especially as a mother—I realized that beauty was more than a hobby for me. It was the one place where I felt calm, creative, and connected. I loved the transformation, the confidence shift, and the way a woman’s energy changed when she saw herself the way she was meant to be seen. That feeling is ultimately what pushed me to turn my passion into a professional path.

Lady M Beauty Company was born from that passion. My brand focuses on enhancing natural beauty through soft glam, clean skin work, flawless complexion, and looks that highlight individuality rather than hide it. I provide makeup services for photoshoots, events, bridal glam, editorial-style looks, and everyday confidence boosting. My approach is always to make my clients feel comfortable, cared for, and celebrated.

One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is helping them feel seen. Many women come to me feeling unsure, overwhelmed by trends, or insecure about certain features. I take the time to understand their skin, their style, and their comfort level. I want them to leave my chair not only looking beautiful, but feeling empowered and understood. My clients know they’re not just getting makeup—they’re getting an experience designed around them.

What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and connection. I don’t rush through appointments. I don’t do cookie-cutter glam. I tailor every look to the individual and I’m intentional about maintaining a warm, safe, and uplifting environment. My goal is always to blend skill with sensitivity—because beauty is personal.

I am most proud of building Lady M Beauty Company from the ground up as a mom, a creator, and a woman learning to trust her gifts. Every client, every referral, every photo, and every “I feel beautiful” moment reminds me that I’m walking in my purpose. I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that with me, you’re getting more than a service—you’re getting heart. You’re getting artistry rooted in care. You’re getting a beauty experience that honors who you are.

Lady M Beauty Company is for women who want to elevate, celebrate, and embrace themselves. And I’m honored every time someone chooses me to be part of their special moments, their growth, or their confidence journey.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I had to have everything “perfect” before I could start. For a long time, I believed I needed the best equipment, a full studio setup, the perfect plan, or the “right moment” to launch my career as a makeup artist and build Lady M Beauty Company. I kept telling myself that once life slowed down, once I had more money, once I felt more confident—then I would start.

But life kept life-ing. I was balancing motherhood, working to support my family, and trying to figure out my career path. Nothing ever seemed perfect or stable enough. And the longer I waited, the more I realized that “perfect” was just fear dressed up as preparation.

The breakthrough came when I started taking clients with what I had—my skill, my passion, and my growing collection of products. I realized that clients weren’t booking me for perfection; they were booking me because of how I made them feel and the experience I provided. I had been holding myself back by thinking I needed to be fully ready, when the truth was that starting made me ready.

Unlearning perfection allowed me to grow. It taught me that progress is better than perfect, that confidence comes from doing, and that the best version of your dream doesn’t show up until you begin. Lady M Beauty Company exists today because I let go of the idea that everything needed to be flawless—and I trusted myself enough to move forward anyway.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media didn’t happen overnight—it grew the same way my confidence did: slowly, authentically, and with intention. When I first started sharing my work, I wasn’t thinking about algorithms or aesthetics. I was simply posting the looks I created, the progress I was making, and the things I loved about beauty. Over time, people connected with that honesty.

What truly helped me grow was showing both my artistry and my personality. I didn’t hide the fact that I’m a mom, that I was juggling work and building Lady M Beauty Company, or that I was learning as I went. People resonated with the realness. They wanted to see the behind-the-scenes, the transformations, the product breakdowns, and the little moments that showed who I was beyond the glam.

I also built my audience by engaging with people—not just posting and disappearing. I replied to comments, showed love to other creators, collaborated, and made sure my platform felt like a community rather than a portfolio. When people feel welcome, they stay.

If I had to give advice to anyone building their social media presence, it would be:

1. Start with what you have.
Your phone, natural light, and your skill are enough. You don’t need every new tool or aesthetic setup.

2. Be consistent, but not robotic.
Post regularly, but make sure what you share actually represents your brand, your creativity, and your identity.

3. Show your process, not just the final result.
People love seeing how you get from point A to point B. It builds trust and connection.

4. Let your personality have space.
Social media is crowded; your uniqueness is your advantage. The more “you” your content is, the easier it is for the right audience to find you.

5. Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Growth is different for everyone. Stay focused on your journey, your craft, and your purpose.

Looking back, building my audience was really about building relationships and letting people watch me grow. And that’s what continues to fuel Lady M Beauty Company today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladymbeautyco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladymbeautycompany

Image Credits

All images by me