We recently connected with Emalea Carver and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Emalea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My Parents set me up for success as a young woman just by being there and showing me how important work ethic and sacrifice is impactful to your career. As a young woman I was always fascinated with my father and the dedication he had to his work from being a chief petty officer in the navy, to retiring after 20 years and continuing to further his career to the military on the civilian side. Up until his last years, my dad was and is the most respected hardworking man I have ever known. He and my mom always taught me from a young age that the stars are the limit. As some people say being a makeup artist or even cosmetologist ‘isn’t a real job’, I have been determined to prove not only to whoever doubts me but most importantly myself that I will achieve my dreams and go beyond my expectations. The last thing my father told me on his death bed before he passed was ‘I’m so proud of you’. Me being Seventeen at the time, I couldn’t understand what he was so proud of with my only being a senior in high school. Now as three years have passed since then, I find myself looking back on that exact moment whenever I feel myself getting into a distracting mindset. Those words keep me going everyday, it has taught me to be proud of any progress no matter how big or small when it comes to my personal life and most importantly my business. I am only 20 years old, graduated high school after the most challenging period of my life, went to cosmetology school, met my now husband, got my License, started taking my Makeup business seriously, moved to a new state, got my first apartment, etc. If you would’ve told 17 year old Emalea that this is what her life would be 3 years later I would’ve never believed you, but I have to thank my parents and my self for believing in me, & pushing me to follow my dreams.
Emalea , 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?
The reason I was so prevalent in becoming a professional in the beauty industry, started from when i was a little girl. I was with a facial hemangioma on my upper lip. Now if you don’t know what that is, it is basically bursted blood vessels under the skins surface. Growing up with having a facial hemangioma, was definitely different. I thought I looked the same as everyone else when I was younger, oblivious to the fact that I had something that made me stand out to my peers. Being that young, and not understanding why people treated me differently because of my hemangioma was to say the least traumatizing. From being bullied that young and carrying that weight with me through my teenage years taught me to not necessarily hide myself but want to wear a mask to ‘fit in’. I was always fascinated with makeup because I would always watch my mother put her’s on. As time went on I eventually got my own makeup and instantly fell in love. I would spend hours playing in makeup just for fun, watching YouTube videos in my room learning different techniques, making grwm videos on my iPod etc. Eventually after I graduated Highschool, I didn’t know what to do or if I should go to college, take a gap year but my mom told me no and she showed me this brochure for a cosmetology school. I always dreamt of being a makeup artist but I never thought about turning it into a career, or even becoming a hairstylist. Now I am beyond grateful that she made take that leap because I wouldn’t be where I am today. During and after Cosmetology school I had worked at two hair salons as an assistant. I loved doing color, and highlights and learning what it would be like when I finally got my license and could behind a chair. Sadly, my passion was not there. I tried and tried to fall in love with being a hairstylist but nothing caught my attention like being a makeup artist. My last boss, at the second salon I worked at saw that in me as well. At the time I was so confused and hurt that she would point that out but now I respect her more and wish I could thank her. Losing that job made me realize my the step I needed but was to scared to take for my career. I had to start my business as my own boss being a makeup artist. Over the next few months I disciplined myself and dedicated all of my free time into how I could make my business work, investing in my education, saving all my money to buy tools, products, lighting, a makeup chair etc. When I finally felt comfortable with where I was at I started reaching out to any and everybody that I knew to do free model work on to practice my craft and build my portfolio. Everyday that I had a client come in to model for me I had basically turned my bedroom into a studio. I knew that for my buisness I needed a specific niche to gravitate the clientele that I wanted towards me. I tried out almost every makeup style to see what I liked best and what I was most comfortable producing to promote my social media. I came to the conclusion that I would specialize in soft glam but I grew fond of the photoshoot part of my glam sessions. Now offering mostly soft glams, creative makeup for editorial shoots, and also special event makeup. I found certain products that worked perfectly on all skin tones, and textures. I use mostly Estée Lauder, Fenty Beauty, Juvias place, Anastasia, Too Faced, Elf, One Size and the list goes on. These products I use on myself almost on a daily basis and now on my clients and they never fail to give me a flawless beat, and most importantly a satisfied Client! I believe that the challenges that i overcome as a Professional Mua and what set’s me apart is my professionalism. Ever since i was little girl i was taught to treat everyone with kindness and respect no matter how they treat you. The sad part about being in this industry is people will try and take advantage of your kindness and take it as a weakness because of their arrogance or for whatever reason. As long as you stay true to your buisness and morals, and know you handled the situation appropriately let god do the rest of the work. I am most certainly proud of my myself for staying true to myself and not giving up on my buisness and dream. As a potential client ,follower, or even fan on my work I would want you to know that my brand/work stands for inclusivity, enhancing the beauty within, and creating a comfortable space where every client leaves not just looking, but feeling confident and empowered.
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 valuable lesson I’ve had to unlearn this year is the urge to rush myself. I’ve often caught myself comparing my journey to others’, measuring my progress against the seemingly perfect timelines of people my age or those I admire. In doing so, I’ve failed to appreciate my growth from my own perspective—acknowledging where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.
One reminder that keeps me grounded is the tattoo on my left forearm that reads “Sonder,” a word that signifies the realization that everyone lives their own unique reality. It’s a powerful reminder to respect my path and the sacrifices others have made to reach their milestones. I’ve come to understand that what’s meant for me will come when the time is right.
Rushing won’t change the timing of life’s blessings. There’s a purpose in the process, even in the moments when it feels like things aren’t aligning. Be patient. Trust the journey. Celebrate where you are, knowing that every step forward brings you closer to where you’re meant to be.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I started building my audience on social media from my old personal page, thanks to advice from a mentor who encouraged me to use my existing following to my advantage. While I’ve lost followers along the way, it has shown me who truly supports my career and allowed me to connect with new, engaged followers who align with my vision. If someone chooses to unfollow or block you, it’s not personal—it simply means your content isn’t for them, and that’s okay. The right audience will find you in time.
For anyone debating whether to start a new page for their business or to transition their personal page into a professional one, I’d recommend a few key steps. First, ensure your name or handle stands out—avoid something too common, as it will make it harder for you to be found. Next, define a niche and aesthetic that resonates with you and your brand. Don’t try to fit into every trend or content category; focus on what feels authentic to you.
Above all, stay consistent and patient. Growth takes time, and while the numbers might not immediately reflect your effort, persistence pays off. Remember, it only takes one great post to gain traction and change everything. Believe in your content, engage with your audience, and trust the process!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Emalea.carver
- Facebook: Emalea Carver
- Other: TikTok : Emalea.Carver
Image Credits
Kenean Yacob @wokeroto on instagram