We were lucky to catch up with LizMone’t recently and have shared our conversation below.

LizMone’t, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

From childhood I have always had a passion for art. Having the ability to be creative, while expressing myself without words. is truly something I find comfort in. Art class was always one of the classes I looked forward to. Whether it was painting an amateur self portrait or simply coloring in a coloring book— I enjoyed working with my hands. I first realized I wanted to pursue a career in creativity when I was around 8 years old and my dad bought me my first makeup kit. He later regretted it but thanks to him for unknowingly investing in my future. It was a full kit that had different shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, liner, etc. I fell in love. I had no idea what I was doing but I thought I was a pro.
Then one year for Christmas I got a Barbie Doll head (if you know, you know) and I was then introduced to what a hairstylist was. Now I realized that I could produce my artistic skills on a walking, talking, breathing HUMAN BEING.
I also loved fashion! My parents let me dress myself at a young age. So putting together accessories & clothes as a child really allowed me to show my personality.
For a long time I was stuck between a fashion designer & hairstylist when asked what I wanted to be when I grow up.

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?

My name is Elizabeth Harris. I am an up & coming freelance Cosmetologist located in Baltimore, Maryland. For the people who don’t know what a cosmetologist is, it is a person who is trained & licensed to perform various services to the hair, skin & nails. I am a fully licensed cosmetologist but I specialize in hair & makeup.
I have always had a passion for beauty since a child. Toy makeup kits, doll heads, dress up.. you name it, I did it! But learning how to properly use these things really began in middle school. Complexion issues, acne, damaged hair, etc. all struggles I dealt with in my adolescence. After getting bullied about my insecurities I realized I wanted to do something about them. I didn’t want my flaws to be on display and I wanted to feel beautiful. But I didn’t know how. My 6th grade year I was introduced to weave and heavier makeup like foundation & concealer. I even learned how to fill in my eyebrows. Soon people started to notice. I began to get compliments and even requests for me to do on them what I did on myself. Around this time I was still going to someone else to get my hair done because my mother knew nothing about hair. But that all changed in 7th grade when I did my own box braids. Once again, people noticed & then I received my first paying client.
My mission is to help people feel good about them selves in a healthy manner. No matter what gender, age, race, etc., we all deserve to be 100% confident about ourselves.
Unlike others, I value the the human connection. Being in the beauty industry is not just about making people “look pretty” but it’s about making people FEEL pretty. I genuinely love being able to pour positivity into everyone I encounter.
I am most proud of my perseverance. Although things get rough— and boyy does it get rough, I never give up! No matter what life brings, I know that God is always with me. I have a vision. I have a goal. I know I was placed here for a purpose so I will do anything it takes for me to fulfill it.
I want people to know that I genuinely love what I do! This isn’t just a job or a hobby, it’s a calling.
I put my heart into everything I do. I’m not perfect by any means, I’m still learning (and won’t ever stop) but I’m working to be the best version of myself so I can inspire others to do the same. And if hair and makeup is how I have to do it, then so be it!

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

As I mentioned already, I knew at a young age that I wanted to be something in the beauty industry. In my 8th grade year I was advised by one of my counselors to apply to a high school with a cosmetology program. So I did. In order to be considered for acceptance, we had to create makeup looks and nail designs on paper, and also do a practical portion. I thought I nailed it. I just knew I was going to get accepted. But sadly, the program chose its students through the “lottery” system, meaning it was random selection. And I was not chosen. I was crushed and really wanted to give up. So I went to another high-school for my freshman year. After many issues there, I decided that I wanted to attend school somewhere else for my sophomore year. So I went on the hunt again. At first I had 2 options. I could go to the school where all of my friends from my middle school were, or go to my zone school. A couple weeks before the school year started I discovered another school that had a cosmetology program. But this time it was just a practical portion and I had to be selected by the instructors. At that time I had a little experience with doing hair so nothing was completely foreign to me. This worked in my favor. The instructors noticed me and my work, and I was selected to be apart of the program. I was so excited. I could attend my zone school as well as the tech school and graduate with my license. I met some amazing people and learned so much valuable information in those 3 years. Being resilient is being able to keep going despite any setbacks. Even though I wasn’t accepted the first time, I still had faith that it was possible for me. If I would have gave up my journey would have been so different.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is to empower people to truly love and embrace themselves inside and out. We all have flaws and insecurities. Nobody is perfect. But if there are things about yourself that bother you or cause you to be less confident, it should be confronted. When your confident you are given the ability to be the best you, you can be. For yourself first and foremost, but also for the people around you. And sometimes it is a new hairstyle or a fresh face of makeup that can pick you up. What ever it is, do what makes you happy!

Some people like to say hairstylists are like therapists. Whether its having great conversation or laying back taking a nap, getting your hair done can be seen as a form of therapy. My goal is to have meaningful human connections with the people I encounter. I would also like to create a program in the future for young women! There are so many of us hurting, but we don’t have to do it alone. When I become successful I want to give back to my community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: elizabethmonet_