We were lucky to catch up with Arjia Thomas recently and have shared our conversation below.

Arjia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I am the face of my brand. I’ve always been known as the girl that wore makeup/my own walking billboard since I started so ATPMUA, derived from myself the owner, Arjia Thomas. PMUA, is what I am a “Professional Makeup Artist”

Arjia, 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 am a 23 year, traveling, Pro Makeup Artist (providing makeup services for all occasions) originally from Mobile, Alabama now living in New Orleans. I moved to New Orleans in 1996 where I completed my high school years and when I started playing around with the makeup thing. After high school I went on to college, receiving my Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice in which I wanted to pursue a career as a Federal Agent. During my college years I worked for makeup lines such as Lancôme, Clinique, Estée Lauder and Fashion Fair which I really didn’t take serious. They were just jobs until I graduated college. But, it wasn’t until the last company I worked for that I saw a different side of the art, MAC! This company impressed me in SO many ways from the Artist, artistry, products, marketing and not to mention the BEST training. I worked for the company for 6 years and from that point on I knew I wanted to pursue a long term career as a Pro Makeup Artist BUT, not long term and MAC, I wanted MY OWN! In 2009 or maybe 2010, I can’t remember the exact year, I stepped out on faith and started doing my own thing. When leaving the company I had clientele but of course it needed some work. Starting a business from scratch on your own isn’t a walk in the park BUT with CONSISTENCY and remaining FOCUS along with PRAYER, PATIENCE and surrounding yourself with POSITIVE like minded people ONLY, you will create/birth success. I worked and worked and stayed true to myself and brand. There were slow days, there were times where I thought I was nearing the end BUT you can not break, PATIENCE is a major key factor on ANY journey. Each and every year it grew bigger and bigger and BIGGER. Now, during this day and time I am one of the high demand Artist in my area. I am an Bridal Expert (50 weddings a year) Educator/Artist Developer, Mentor and a Cosmetic Brand, all with being CONSISTENT. I am the Artist that transition a person that absolutely hate makeup into LOVING makeup. My touch is gentle and natural. At ATPMUA Studio, you come you and you will leave YOU. One thing that all clients, current, new and potential, love the most about me is that I don’t transform, I enhance.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what helped me build my reputation was my consistency of my services, availability, professionalism, style and pricing.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I’m very personable with all of my client. I’ve built a bond with nearly all of them and have become friends with many which have us in contact with one another outside of me providing services to them. A main component of keeping in touch and keeping the clients engaged is through my social media platforms. I also offer a loyalty rewards program where they receive points every visit. When 50 points are reached, they are rewarded a complimentary makeup application which of course keep them in touch and coming back for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: ATPMUA.com
• Instagram: Atpmua_
• Facebook: Arjia Thomas, Pro Makeup Artist

Image Credits
Aesthetically Maire Cosey Photo Shot By Erv Shagari Gerard Photography Cameron Johnson Photo/Silver Loop Studios Audie J Photography