We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aignee’ Lashay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aignee’ below.

Aignee’, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

1000% happier as a Makeup Artist! I’ve worked the regular 9-5 during times where I felt like Makeup Artistry just wasn’t cutting it. Clientele wasn’t steady enough or just a slow season. The regular jobs weren’t fulfilling. I even tried working for a few major makeup retailers thinking I’d find enjoyment because it was in my field of expertise, Oh boy was I wrong! I was absolutely miserable. I felt like I couldn’t fully express my creativity. I didn’t feel respected or valued. Instead of being about building confidence and giving the customers what they wanted it strictly became about who could sale the most expensive products. I felt like my overall mission as an artist was being overshadowed. I was coming home physically and mentally drained every day. Once something stops being fun for me I know it’s time to move on. Those regular jobs may have been fun for a short amount of time but ultimately they just weren’t for me or my craft. I’ve been a full-time Makeup Artist for several years now and I don’t regret it one bit.

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 first got into Makeup Artistry in 2013. Originally it wasn’t a career choice it was just a hobby. Something that allowed me to be creative & saved me from depression due to an ankle injury. I would do my makeup everyday simply because I couldn’t do anything else. I’d share my looks to my social media accounts. Some people laughed and others genuinely enjoyed my creativity. Before I knew it a whole year went by & I never lost interest. In fact friends and some strangers started asking me to do their makeup for events. I jumped right in and haven’t stopped since. I’ve dedicated so much time, energy, money, and even tears to my craft. Sometimes as an artist we can be our toughest critic. I went through phases of wanting to give up. There were times I didn’t trust myself. Each time I tried taking a break I always got pulled back in. I couldn’t stop thinking about makeup. I couldn’t stop thinking about the clients who genuinely believed in me and trusted me with the most special events in their lives. That alone is enough motivation to always keep me moving forward with my craft. I’ll forever give it all I got no matter how hard it gets. I’m most proud of my resilience through this journey. Makeup is more than just getting pretty. It’s ART! It’s therapy! All of my clients know that when they sit in my chair they’ve entered their safe space. We can laugh, cry, sing, or sit in silence. My appointments are not one size fits all. When you get serviced by me it’s truly a overall customizable experience tailored just to you. I’m forever grateful to anyone who’s felt comfortable in my chair. They aren’t just clients to me. We’re family now!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Support the businesses/entrepreneurs in your community! I’ve noticed that a common misconception is that they can only show their support by spending money with you. That’s not true. Support can be speaking a persons name/business in rooms they haven’t touched yet. Share their post on social media. Exchange ideas and information that can potentially help boost their sales or digital presence. Simple recognition of the work they’ve been doing goes a long way as well.

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

I definitely had to learn that makeup artistry and makeup artist aren’t cookie cutter. Makeup is subjective. You win some, you lose some. All artist aren’t the same. We all have our own techniques, personalities, and experiences that have molded us into the artist we are. Don’t break your own heart comparing yourself to others. Be you and pave your own path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cokoclubmakeupstudio.com
• Instagram: @cokoclub @aigneelashay