We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Augustine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Chelsea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I had always had a W2 job working as an employee for someone. This was something that made me feel safe and stable, financially speaking. And I have endured some really terrible bosses and really crap work environments because of it. During the first year of the pandemic I was working at a blow dry bar and leaned two days before Christmas that the company would no longer be operating and that we were all out of a job come the new year.
I was panicked, I had no idea what I was going to do—the year had already been so scary and unpredictable that I was utterly overwhelmed trying to figure out my next move— and my only idea was that I would finally have to make the leap into becoming a freelance hair and makeup artist.
So I did.
I put myself out there, listened to the advice of all the freelance friends I had made, worked every single job that I could no matter how low the pay was or how strange the hour. And the year was full of the most uncomfortable, scary growing pains I’ve ever encountered. I think my anxiety was at an all time high and I cried a lot out of fear of the unknown.
But all of the discomfort and uncertainty made room for a sense of confidence and gratitude that I hadn’t ever experienced before.
Confidence, because I was making something happen for myself.
And gratitude because—holy moley the universe was opening up opportunities for me left and right seemingly as a reward for taking a leap!
It’s now 3 years since I made the decision to become a freelancer and I’ve never been happier. I am watching my career become stronger and stronger, learning from my mistakes, taking responsibility for my growth in the industry and becoming more and more proud of myself with each passing day.
What a gift that is. And it goes to show that what “they” say is true—that the magic happens once you decide to leave your comfort zone.

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 am a hair and makeup artist.

I am drawn to skin-focused natural makeup looks, but I love to play around with anything and everything, and I enjoy getting my hands into all types of hair to create gorgeous looks.

I do hair and makeup for print, photo, commercial, TV, film, weddings, and special events.

I think one of the most important aspects of my work is communicating well with my clients. It’s important that I make them feel comfortable and confident with trusting the process so that we can work together to build something they will feel beautiful and happy wearing, no matter the situation.

I love to travel for work and have been doing so for personal clients of mine for a while now!

I am so grateful for having surrounded myself with a community of artists who are so inspiring and that I have learned a lot from. Atlanta is filled with so many talented people, it’s amazing. I feel so lucky to be a part of it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To better support artists and creatives, I believe one of the best things to do is to ask for referrals via word of mouth. Ask your friends who they used for their wedding, or who they used to do their headshots. Ask around to find an amazing hairdresser. Often times these referrals lead to amazing people who are incredible artists or stylists that thrive on a word of mouth clientele. Not to mention scanning around on social media to find people that do the type of hair and makeup that speaks to you.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to be the best I can be in my profession. And I find the cornerstones of that mission to be remaining humble and gracious, to look at every opportunity I’m given as something I can learn from, and to stay true to the advice of the old saying “a rising tide lifts all boats” because helping my community of artists and creatives to grow makes my heart feel good.

Contact Info:

• Website: Chelseajaugustine.com
• Instagram: @chelseajaugustine

Image Credits
Photographer: Allie Hine