We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dionne Ford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dionne , appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I still remember the day because nothing about it was planned.

Up until that point, every face I’d touched belonged to someone who already trusted me, friends, family, or someone connected to them. I was grateful for that support, but deep down I knew the real test would be when a stranger chose me purely because of my work.

That day came quietly.

I was in a beauty supply store, picking up a few items, when a woman stopped me and asked who had done my makeup. I thanked her and told her I was a professional makeup artist. She looked me up and down for a moment, then said, “I have an event this weekend. Are you available?”

No introduction. No referral. No safety net.

We exchanged information, and later that evening she booked, paid in full, no questions asked. When the payment notification came through, I just stared at my phone. That wasn’t “support money.” That was earned money. Someone who didn’t know my story, didn’t owe me anything, believed my skill was worth paying for.

The day of the appointment, I showed up early, kit organized, nerves steady. As I worked, she relaxed. When I handed her the mirror at the end, she smiled wide and said, “This is exactly how I wanted to feel.”

That was it.

That first dollar wasn’t about the amount it was about validation. It told me this wasn’t just something I loved to do. It was something people would choose, invest in, and trust. My skills became more than a passion that day it became a business.

And I’ve never forgotten how that moment felt.

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?

I’m Dionne Ford, the founder and lead artist behind Dionne Ford Makeup, a beauty brand built on the belief that makeup is not about hiding who you are, but enhancing who you already are.

My journey into the beauty industry didn’t start with trends or social media. It started with women. I grew up watching women in my family carry themselves with grace, confidence, and intention. Beauty was never loud or rushed, it was thoughtful, polished, and deeply personal. That foundation shaped how I approach makeup today.

I became a licensed esthetician and professional makeup artist because I was drawn to the intersection of beauty, confidence, and care. I noticed that many women, especially professional women, brides, and women in transitional seasons of life, wanted to look beautiful but didn’t want to feel overdone, uncomfortable, or like someone else. They wanted to look like the best version of themselves.

That’s exactly what my business provides.

I specialize in luxury makeup services, with a strong focus on bridal, special events, and polished everyday glam for women who value quality, professionalism, and a refined finish. I use high-end products, clean techniques, and a customized approach for every face. No two clients are the same, and I treat each appointment as a collaboration, not a cookie-cutter service.

Beyond application, I also provide makeup education, teaching women how to confidently recreate looks in a realistic amount of time, with the products they actually own or need. My goal is not dependence, but empowerment.

The problem I solve is simple but important:
I help women feel confident, prepared, and seen, without stress, guesswork, or insecurity.

What sets me apart is my attention to detail, calm presence, and respect for my clients’ time and vision. I listen carefully. I don’t rush. I don’t overapply. I understand that makeup is often part of a bigger moment, weddings, milestones, photos, first impressions, and I take that responsibility seriously.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many come to me nervous, unsure, or overwhelmed, and leave feeling grounded, confident, and beautiful in a way that feels authentic to them. That transformation never gets old.

I want potential clients and followers to know this:
Dionne Ford Makeup is a premium experience rooted in excellence, care, and intention. I don’t chase trends, I focus on timeless beauty, professionalism, and results that photograph beautifully and wear comfortably.

This brand is for women who value quality, confidence, and a beauty experience that feels elevated—but still personal.

And this is only the beginning.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation in the market was a combination of consistency, authenticity, and attention to detail. Early on, I realized that talent alone wasn’t enough, people hire for trust as much as skill. So, I focused on delivering an experience that exceeded expectations every time. From the moment a client reaches out to the final look in the mirror, I make sure they feel seen, heard, and confident.

I also made a conscious effort to specialize and refine my craft. Instead of being everything to everyone, I leaned into luxury bridal, event makeup, and polished everyday looks. By creating a niche, I became the “go-to” professional for women who wanted a refined, timeless finish, someone they could rely on for milestone events or professional appearances.

Word-of-mouth referrals play a huge role, too. Each satisfied client becomes an advocate, often sending friends or family my way. But beyond that, I worked on building a professional image; high-quality photography, clean branding, and thoughtful social media content that reflects the level of service I provide in person.

Finally, my values, faith, integrity, and care shine through in my work. Clients notice when someone truly invests in their confidence and comfort. That combination of skill, consistency, professionalism, and heart is what helped me stand out and grow a solid reputation in a competitive market.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One of the most pivotal moments in my makeup journey was when the incredibly talented photographer Jeno Uche gifted me a book by Iman, the legendary model. As I flipped through its pages, studying the artistry and precision in each look, I began to understand not just makeup application, but how it could transform the way someone felt in their own skin. That book was more than inspiration, it was a foundation for me to start creating my own perspective on makeup, blending technique with individuality and personal expression.

Throughout my career, I’ve also drawn immense inspiration from icons like Sam Fine, whose work I’ve admired and followed for years. His ability to combine artistry with technical skill, all while uplifting his clients, deeply influenced how I approach every face I touch. I realized early on that makeup isn’t just about what’s on the outside, it’s about how it makes someone feel inside.

These experiences shaped the ethos of Dionne Ford Makeup: using every tool, technique, and inspiration to craft looks that are polished, intentional, and empowering. They taught me to approach makeup as both art and service, balancing creativity with care, and always striving to leave clients feeling confident, radiant, and authentically themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dionnefordmakeup.com
• Instagram: Dionnefordmakeup
• Facebook: Dionnefordmakeup