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

Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

In 2023, at the age of 42, I embarked on a journey that had been quietly brewing within me for years. My business, Lavish by Amanda, is the culmination of my passions for makeup artistry, fashion, and painting—a journey that only began to take shape after years of professional exploration and personal discovery.

For most of my life, the arts and creative expression were distant dreams. Growing up, I didn’t have a support system that encouraged or embraced creativity. Instead, my focus was on practicalities: work, paying bills, and at the age of 22, becoming a young mother. It wasn’t until 2019 that everything began to change.

That year, I met my now-mentor, a remarkable woman who saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized in myself. She offered me a platform to grow, learn, and work alongside her in the world of professional makeup artistry. Under her guidance, I flourished, and soon, I found myself drawn to the world of fashion. It was a love affair that reignited my passion for creativity.

During this transformative period, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and soul-searching. A serendipitous museum day date sparked a new interest: art history. I immersed myself in studying the great artists and their works, eager to understand the emotions and experiences behind their creations. This curiosity led me to purchase a modest $25 paint kit from Amazon, and I began to experiment with painting.

What started as a simple curiosity quickly blossomed into a full-fledged passion. Within a year, I had converted my dining room into a bustling art studio, and my home had transformed into a personal museum, showcasing my works. Painting became my sanctuary, a place where I could learn, grow, and express myself freely. Each piece taught me something new, and the process itself became a source of immense joy and freedom.

Today, Lavish by Amanda represents the intersection of my three great loves: makeup, fashion, and art. Each aspect of my business reflects a part of my journey, from the meticulous artistry of makeup application to the bold creativity of fashion design and the expressive freedom of painting. My business is not just a livelihood; it is a testament to the power of self-discovery, the importance of mentorship, and the joy of embracing one’s passions.

As I look to the future, my dreams are expansive. I aim to continue growing Lavish by Amanda, exploring new creative avenues, and sharing my passions with the world. This journey has taught me that it’s never too late to discover oneself and pursue one’s dreams, and I am excited for all that lies ahead.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Lavish by Amanda, I offer a range of services including bridal makeup, fashion styling, and bespoke art pieces. My goal is to help my clients look and feel their absolute best, whether it’s on their wedding day, at a special event, or simply in their everyday lives. What sets me apart is my dedication to integrity and always showing up as my best self. I am deeply loyal to my clients and strive to be a light in their lives, providing not just services, but a memorable and uplifting experience.

I want potential clients and followers to know that Lavish by Amanda is not just a brand but a passion-driven venture. My journey, though unconventional, is a testament to the power of discovering and pursuing your passions at any stage in life. I am committed to bringing creativity, integrity, and light to everything I do, and I look forward to the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of those I work with.

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

My story of resilience has many chapters, but one stands out due to the growth it catalyzed. At one point, I was contracting for a dear friend, and as our friendship deepened, we discussed growing a business together. This arrangement allowed me to continue my corporate job while also handling my Lavish clients and other contracts. However, one day, she told me that if I wanted to be part of her business, I would need to shut down Lavish and cease all outside contracts to focus solely on her business. As a people pleaser, I agreed and even started the process of closing down Lavish’s social media and creating a new one under her business name.

That week was incredibly difficult—I cried constantly and felt completely lost. Every time someone asked me about it, I would become emotional. A close friend advised me to pay attention to how my body was responding and to be honest with myself. After much reflection, I realized I couldn’t go through with it. I had to follow my gut. I told my friend that while I couldn’t shut down Lavish, I was still willing to help her and contract for her as before. Unfortunately, she decided that our relationship had to end.

Losing that friendship hurt deeply and for many months, but it was a necessary step for me to see both her reality and mine more clearly. It taught me that it’s okay to stand up for myself, and it marked the beginning of something new. Since then, so many amazing opportunities have come my way—opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible if I had continued to prioritize someone else’s needs over my own.

For instance, I attended Paris Fashion Week this year and participated in the most amazing photoshoot of my career. Being both the creative director and the artist for that shoot was life-changing. Today, I have a clear vision for Lavish and our future. My advice? Don’t people-please. Find your joy and follow it.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has always been word-of-mouth recommendations. I’m not very skilled in self-promotion or social media, so I’ve relied heavily on the positive experiences and referrals from my satisfied clients. Their trust and praise have been crucial in helping Lavish by Amanda grow and reach new customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavishbyamanda.com
• Instagram: Lavish_by_amanda
• Facebook: Lavish by Amanda

Image Credits

Hector Reyes Photogragher
Alicia Griffin Model
G.Gomez Paris Photographer
Cassilda Paris Styist
Anais Frdmc Paris Model