Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shay Mechelle. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shay Mechelle, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

My biggest way of showing appreciation to my clients means everything to me. Oftentimes, I try to give shout outs via my social media platform, discounts via email for being a loyal client, or a “just because” discount . My biggest way of showing appreciation isn’t necessarily ALWAYS to my clients though, it’s offering my makeup services to organizations/schools/etc. Whether it’s for the teens who don’t have the funds for makeup during prom season or offering my services to battered women. My heart is full being able to just enhance the beauty that’s already there in others and making them feel good about themselves.

Shay Mechelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a professional makeup artist who started my business as an artist almost 4yrs ago. My passion for makeup artistry has always been there since I was a young adult. I’ve always thought of creative ways and looks to glam myself and my family. My family was my 1st practice as far as clients. After using my family as practice, I decided to take it to the next level and attend makeup school, there I was taught history, the many techniques to use being a professional makeup artist and the business/marketing side of things. Before going to makeup school, I already had built up my client base. So after learning more, I decided to enhance my clientele and services as I became more familiar with my field. Most of my clients come to me in comfort of knowing they will leave my chair with the correct color match shade, professional atmosphere, and feeling more confidence than ever. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I treat my clients as family and not as a price ticket. I feel when you enjoy what you love to do, the money and recognition will come. I am most proud of being recognized NOW, being my 3rd time being featured in a magazine for my pro makeup artistry skills. I definitely take pride in that and feel my hard work have not gone unnoticed. There are many makeup artists out there. I am very blessed to be able to separate my skill set with my specialty in natural glam makeup from others. It really brings me the most joy when it comes to glamming my clients and making them feel beautiful.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Wow! Great question. I feel is an ongoing journey and many small businesses like myself in this field have been through the same as far as getting through the slow/down time. There may become a point of time where business WILL slow up, and it’s OK. It’s about remembering why you started and keep going. As I stated previously, the money/recognition will pay off, eventually!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding your business can be very hard when you don’t have grants, or loans to back you. Learning of what you earn and setting aside budget to continue funding your small business takes financial discipline. However, the reward of knowing you built it all on your own is more rewarding. Do I wish I had someone to help me fund my business, of course! I just don’t think to always ask for help when needed and as a business owner, that can also hurt. Having a plan, presenting the plan/vision and allow others to assist in areas financially where God see fit can definitely go a long way. Speaking of God, ALWAYS put The Most High God 1st in every thing you do. Especially, things you are very passionate about and being of great service to others.    

Contact Info:

• Website: StyleSeat.com/facesbyshaymechelle
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/facesbyshaymechelle?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/facesbyshaymechellemua?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/shaymechelle