We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emma Shepherd . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emma below.

Emma, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Between aesthetic spa services and makeup I have the privilege of working on so many faces! I love to bridge the gap of clinical skincare and the beauty world. That is definitely my biggest mission. So many of my makeup clients appreciate being able to get facials, waxing, and more done leading up to a special occasion or photoshoot.

I’m really passionate about skincare education. It’s always my goal to help clients learn about the importance of taking care of their skin everyday! Creating skincare and treatment regimens helps you achieve the best “canvas” for makeup looks. It will also promote age prevention, skin cancer prevention, and acne revision

Emma, 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 fashion industry is where I got my start. At that point I didn’t even realize makeup or aesthetics could be a career! I began modeling for makeup artistry classes, then started getting interested in it myself. I worked on the business side of the beauty and spa world for awhile. At the time I didn’t realize how beneficial that knowledge would be for the future!

Eventually I started working in cosmetic retail for Dillard’s and MAC Cosmetics. That was a very fast-paced, competitive environment which forced me to learn quick! The sales aspect wore on me, and I really just wanted to do makeup for people! I fell in love with accentuating different features to help people see themselves more confidently.

I was so nervous to start working as an independent artist. That was a really hard decision. Before I knew it I was navigating owning a small business, becoming a pro makeup artist, and starting esthetics school. There are so many little twist and turns that I did not expect for my career, but they all have worked out so well! While I was in esthetics school I really enjoyed doing facials. I wanted to learn everything I could about skin! Brows and lashes held a close second once I started doing waxing, tinting, and lash extensions.

All of this led to the realization that I could combine all of the things I enjoyed doing to offer a full aesthetic service menu. In the celebrity beauty space they call it “getting ready from the dinner table up.” All of the treatments they get done to keep them photo ready and looking good at events from the dinner table up! I want to provide the same things for anyone in NE Ohio.

Now I get to do that for a diverse clientele out of my studio in Canton. I also go on location for makeup clients! I see a lot of brides, business men and women, moms, dad’s, athletes, models, and teenagers looking for help with acne or makeup for a dance.

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

Very early on in my career one of my mentors and bosses in the fashion and beauty space was heavily committed to perfection. I learned the value of striving to be the best, but unfortunately saw the downside to that mindset.

I had to unlearn the attitude of needing to be perfect at all times, competing with everyone to consider myself successful. It can hurt a lot of people, and can really mess with your mental health!

Have you ever had to pivot?

The majority of the time I have owned my business I have had to pivot! First the pandemic, which affected every single aspect of what I do. A lot of new guidelines took place. The aftermath of quarantine shifted the beauty world greatly.

Then in 2021 I became a mom. I suddenly had a whole new appreciation for the fact that I make my schedule. There are a lot of pros to owning a business as a parent, but then it’s a constant battle of trying to balance work and family. For a few years I had the hustle/work 24/7 mindset. That has very much evolved to a slow and steady business plan. I’ve realized the importance of consistency and presence. When I’m working I give work my full focus, and when I’m home I give my family my full focus. I try my best! It doesn’t always work like that.

Now we are in an interesting year economically. Another time to pivot and evolve. If I ever have a year where there isn’t so much rapid change I probably won’t know what to do with myself.    

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/the_emma_kat
• Facebook: facebook.com/tekmakeupandskin
• Other: [email protected]