We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chanel Ebanks-Texada. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chanel below.
Hi Chanel, thanks for joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Absolutely! I definitely wish I started to pursue my career in makeup sooner. The reason I did not was because of influence. I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist when I was 18 back in 2013 . The adults in my life shut down the idea of me going to cosmetology school vs college because they didn’t view being a makeup artist as a ‘real job”. I was once told “you are too smart for that”. Being that I wasn’t able to support myself and relied on others, I didn’t really have much of a choice to do what I wanted. I had to do what I was told and expected to do. Become an engineer or pharmacist or something. But I always had this passion for makeup and started doing faces for $10 in college and it just grew to be a side hustle for side money over the past few years. I taught myself by practicing and watching lots of YouTube videos haha.
I recently decided in 2022 to quit my 9 to 5 to just focus on doing makeup because I realized the majority of my adult life, I had been living in fear not pursuing the thing that makes me happy more aggressively. Working jobs that I don’t care about just because I need a check to pay bills. That life quickly got miserable, and I know for a fact I don’t want to spend my life working for someone who doesn’t value me and being underpaid and overworked. Corporate life is soul draining and just not for me.
I feel I would have been much further along having started earlier. I feel like I am just now getting started seriously although I have always been known to do makeup and have had a few accolades here and there. I want to get my name out there and become more well-known and sought after for those who are looking for makeup series for any occasion.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I got into the industry simply by marketing myself on social media. I would create looks and post them. I also would do makeup tutorial videos on various platforms. I would also network with people to put my name out there. I did a lot of work for free several years ago just to pay my dues.
I currently provide makeup services for the everyday woman. I work both in the studio and provide mobile services as well. I am a team member of one of the best bridal hair and makeup teams, Soft Glamour Beauty.
I also am one of the owners of Drink Cosmetics and we carry color cosmetics that are inspired by your favorite alcoholic beverages that launched Summer of 2021!
I think what sets me apart is my customer service. Coming from the world of corporate, I have a level of professionalism I like to exude when working with my clients but also making it fun and an interactive experience.
One thing I am most proud of is my growth and willingness to learn. I recently was looking at some of my old work from years ago and saw the improvements from then and now. You literally cannot tell me I haven’t gotten better haha. I want my potential clients to know that I can execute just as good as your favorite MUA out there on IG. I’ve trained with some well known artists in DFW. I invest in my continued education because I know I don’t know it all and there’s always room to grow. However, I’m in a place where I know I have the experience, I paid my dues, and now all I really want is a shot.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
To me it’s very simple. If you want to support, there’s so many ways other than financial. It literally costs zero dollars to like and share a post. I’ve noticed I’ll get more love on personal posts about me and when I post my work “crickets” haha. I have always wondered why. I start to wonder if people really do support me or not. But I also think giving someone a chance who is starting out is a great way to support yourself because you never know where they are going to go. We as artists appreciate those who believe in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Honestly, it’s not having to answer to anyone haha. I enjoy not being micromanaged or having set hours of the day to work. I only have to be concerned about pleasing my client. It’s just rewarding for your work to not feel like work. It makes life feel much more fulfilling. I have been happier ever since I made the transition. Even though I am not where I want to be financially just yet, I hope and pray to be, my overall emotions and mental health has improved. And there is no price on that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vagaro.com/us04/beautybychanel/services
- Instagram: @cebankstexada
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cebankstexada
- Twitter: @cebankstexada
Image Credits
Deon Casey Jameson Ray Sydney Rose Jeronn Parker