We recently connected with Chelsey Hill and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsey , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have always shown me real love, support, and a sense of reality. I grew up in a two-parent household that, while it might have seemed perfect from the outside, had its challenges. One of the most important things they did right was teach me to prepare for the “what ifs”—for life’s rainy days. Of course, we all want flowers and rainbows all the time, but life isn’t always like that. Growing up with that mindset has impacted me tremendously. As an adult, I am always prepared—financially and emotionally—and I understand that things don’t always go as planned. I learned early on that bad days will come, but by being prepared, I can control how I respond to them.
Another thing my parents did right was giving me the freedom to explore and discover what truly makes me happy. They never forced me to follow a path just because it was what they wanted or what seemed conventional. In school, I tried every sport, but I found my true passion in dance , which then led me to makeup. I wouldn’t have discovered that if my parents had pushed me in a different direction. Later, I went to college, realized it wasn’t for me, and chose to become an entrepreneur. Throughout all of it, my parents never judged my choices—they supported me as I explored different paths and as I found my own way.
To this day, they remain my biggest supporters. Every dance recital, every game, and now every business event, they are by my side. Their guidance, love, and encouragement have shaped the person I am today, teaching me resilience, independence, and the courage to follow my dreams.

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 Chelsey Hill — CEO & Lead Makeup Artist of Lavish Imperfections
My journey as a makeup artist has been about so much more than beauty — it’s been about purpose, passion, and helping women see the best version of themselves. I’ve always believed makeup isn’t just about a flawless face; it’s about creating confidence and giving women the courage to walk boldly into any room.
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with women from all walks of life — from everyday beauties to surgeons, doctors, public figures, and even celebrities. My artistry has taken me to incredible stages like DC Fashion Week and Miami Swim Week, and I’ve been blessed to bring my skills to movie sets, press events, and stages where world leaders stood.
One of the highlights of my career was being part of the glam squad for celebrity stylist J. Bolen during Sarah Jakes Roberts’ Power Moves Tour. That experience reminded me that my gift reaches far beyond makeup brushes — it has the power to touch lives.
But what I’m most passionate about is giving back. I’m deeply committed to empowering the next generation of young women through makeup education in schools. I want girls to know that beauty starts with confidence and self-love, and that they can create their own lane no matter where they come from.
Whether I’m glamming a bride for her wedding, creating red-carpet looks, or teaching young women the art of self-expression, I pour my heart into every client. To me, it’s not just about makeup — it’s about impact, empowerment, and leaving every woman feeling unstoppable.
I’m not just building a business — I’m building a legacy of confidence, beauty, and purpose.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In 2023, I faced one of the hardest challenges of my life—losing my father suddenly. He was one of my biggest fans, the person who had always believed in me, encouraged me, and celebrated every step of my journey. After his passing, I was consumed with grief, anxiety, and even PTSD. I didn’t know if I could continue my business amidst the pain. I felt physically and mentally drained. My creative spirit seemed to disappear, and there were moments I questioned whether I could ever find it again. I felt as though my life had been shattered.
Yet, in the depths of that pain, I remembered him—his unwavering belief in me and his vision for what I was building. I realized that continuing my work wasn’t just about me; it was about honoring his support, his love, and the legacy he believed in. Slowly, I found the strength to carry on, to create, and to push forward. While the pain of his loss never fully disappears, I’ve learned that even in the darkest moments, resilience can be born. I put my father at the forefront of every decision, knowing he would be proud of the courage it took to keep going.
Every challenge, every sacrifice, every lonely night, and every heartbreak has shaped me into the CEO I am today—resilient, determined, and committed to creating opportunities not just for myself, but for others who will follow in my footsteps. I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from fitting a mold—it comes from breaking it, from showing the world that your talent, vision, and persistence matter more than anyone else’s expectations. And above all, I’ve learned that even in loss, strength and purpose can be found.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A Lesson I Had to Unlearn: Striving for Perfection

Perfection doesn’t exist. After losing my father, I felt like I was losing myself. All I wanted was to get back to who I was—or at least some sense of normalcy. I pushed myself relentlessly, trying to work at the same pace I had before, take on everything I used to, and “be okay” like I had always been.

But the reality was that I couldn’t. I was trying to push past the anxiety, the trauma, and the pain before I had truly healed—and it was impossible.

I didn’t start to heal until I realized that it’s okay to not be perfect. I learned to be grateful for my present, rather than chasing the “yesterday” that was gone. I learned that perfection is a myth, but gratitude is real—and it can transform your life.

Most of all, I’ve learned to be thankful for the person I am today—stronger, wiser, and more compassionate than I was before. Healing, growth, and gratitude matter far more than perfection ever could.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavishimperfections.com
• Instagram: @lavishimperfections_

Image Credits

@cidrasperspective (photographer)
@gettyimages
@danbeas_819_
@misscearraj (model)
@britt_jazzy_booze (model)