We were lucky to catch up with Alexus Clark recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexus, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you scale up? What were the strategies, tactics, meaningful moments, twists/turns, obstacles, mistakes along the way? The world needs to hear more realistic, actionable stories about this critical part of the business building journey. Tell us your scaling up story – bring us along so we can understand what it was like making the decisions you had, implementing the strategies/tactics etc.

I scaled up in my business by being more confident in my brand, finding my niche and surrounding myself with people who believed in my dream and also theirs.

When I first started with esthetics, I wanted to do it all. The lashes, facials, makeup, waxing, etc. and at one point I realized that I was starting to fall out of love with what I was doing. It started to feel tiring and like a chore. Personally, if I don’t love what I’m doing, then I won’t do it. I took a break and picked up tattooing as a hobby.

I started tattooing myself, which then led to me tattooing friends and finally looking into an apprenticeship. I tried different shops and none of them worked out. Seaux I became a traveling tattoo and makeup artist.

My love for makeup was what led me to beauty school. I took, and still take, pride in my work and was always heavily focused into making sure my clients brows were as perfect (or close to it) as can be! My hyper fixation with brows introduced me to the Permanent Makeup industry, specifically, ombré brows.

My first ombré brow client was my aunt who has alopecia. I did her brows, to which everyone loved and that’s where I got that feeling from when I first embarked on this beauty journey. Giving light and love to people and contributing to the change of their lives.

In September 2025, a tattoo shop posted they were hiring for artists. I had heard of this shop and followed several of the artists already. All of their work is amazing, seaux I decided to apply and got hired as an apprentice.

I’m grateful to be surrounded by supporting, kind, fun, creative and wonderful people that are eager to help, teach and learn! Since being at the shop, I’ve learned lots of tips and tricks that aid in the support of my tattoo and permanent makeup journey and while I’m still perfecting my craft everyday, I am proud of how far I’ve come and where I’m going.

Alexus, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I wanted to be a model since I was a little girl. My aunt would always make me walk an invisible runway and she’d call me “Paper Hair” as my stage name (because I cut a plug in my hair when I was younger, lol), and I’d strut back and forth several times, strike some poses, then we’d all fall out laughing.

I started modeling when I graduated high school. I would meet up with photographers looking to grow their brand and business, seaux we would support each other. Of course, there are those who don’t have good intentions, seaux I had to learn to weed out the fakes and always keep things professional! Too many people have gotten taken advantage of in this industry.

I have been freelance since I started but have auditioned for numerous agencies. However, things never worked out, mostly due to finances. I would find casting calls and model auditions online and attend them or if volunteers were needed backstage, I’d do that. I just loved being in that scenery, feeling<i> in my zone</i>.

I’ve walked for several designers, including, Stephen Goudeau, Pink Lucy, AND-MADE, Smith II, etc, and walked in shows such as The EMERGE fashion show in Dallas, Prize Fest in Shreveport, and one of my faves, The Juneteenth fashion show in Fort Worth. From walking the catwalk, to posing in front of the camera to helping style a model/teach poses, or doing makeup; TV Commercials, Podcasts, Magazines, A TV series and music videos, there’s not too many streets I haven’t walked in this industry and I continue to live for it. My aunt passed away a few years ago, but I know I’ve made her proud.

What sets me apart in this industry is my confidence, whimsical personality, my genuine spirit and my dedication. I have encountered many people who have encouraged me and believe in me because of who I am and that pushes me harder! I truly believe in following my dreams and that I can have whatever I want in life if I go for it, seaux I do.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The best book I’ve read for my business is the Bible.

Because you can have all the information and knowledge to run a business but if faith, confidence and trust in yourself and God is not present, you WILL get discouraged, even quit. Being an entrepreneur is TOUGH. You’re relying on you to make ends meet, and if you let a down season in your business get you down in your personal life, things may start to take a turn. I’ve been there. Deepening my relationship with God has given me the strength to continue to pursue this journey, amidst the setbacks. He has shown me that He truly is the overall provider, and if you do what you love, stay consistent, believe in your dream and trust Him, a way will be made. He has not failed me yet! I put my faith over fear and trust Him every time, and will continue to put my trust in Him over my personal and business life.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was believing that you had to have ONE certain style/look to model. One thing I always wanted to do, was keep my style and personality in all that I do, seaux thinking of having to change to fit into a box in order to navigate this industry made me feel like a fraud. BUT actually being in the industry and working with different people at different shows, I learned there is an avenue for EVERYONE. I get to do what I love all while staying true to myself and that is an amazing feeling.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lxquisite
• Facebook: Alexus Clark

Image Credits
Tori Lee- RoutzCreativeServices, Victor Sims- Xslent Images, Carlos Vincent- CVI Studios, Alex Peyton- Teddy Lotus Photography