We recently connected with Lauren Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
In order to be successful you must first decide what that means to you. Success looks different to everyone. Avoid comparing yourself to others, everyone’s journey is different. Once you decide what your idea of success is, create a plan and set mini goals to help you get there without it seeming to overwhelming. No matter what your version of success is having motivation, self discipline, patience, and flexibility will be vital. Be confident and know you’ll succeed even in moments of doubt or when you have to reroute. The journey is long, but the obstacles you’ll go through are simply tests to get you to be the best version of yourself.
Lauren, 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?
My name is Lauren Smith. I’ve been a professional makeup artist for 7 years, and a full time entrepreneur for 3 years. My dream as a makeup artist started as a little girl playing in makeup. I was fortunate enough to have a mom who allowed me to dive as deep into it as I wanted. I was inspired by one of my favorite movies ‘Devil Wears Prada’. I envisioned myself working with models in a big city, my work being on billboards, working backstage for fashion shows, the sky was the limit. I’ve always kept those same thoughts inside me. I’m happy to say I’ve accomplished some of my wildest dreams. My work has been published by Getty Images, several magazines, and I’ve worked around 20 shows at New York Fashion Week. I don’t box myself into a certain category of makeup artistry. I challenge myself to editorial/avant-garde looks, as well as giving a bride her picture perfect wedding look. I have respect for all different types of artistry and I like to dip my hand in each style while still staying true to my own unique way.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In 2019 I had my son, Kyair. I was primarily doing wedding makeup, and then the pandemic hit. Almost all of the weddings I had scheduled fell through. As a new mom I knew I had to come up with a solution to generate more income. I wanted to stay in the beauty industry, so I decided to expand my services. I already had a reputation built as a makeup artist, the next step was to enroll in esthetic school. Becoming a licensed esthetician opened the door for me to be able to do atleast 100 more services. It’s been almost 2 years since I’ve graduated, and I’m happy to say I’ve found my niche as a brow specialist.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is actually more of a realization. Growing up, through many different programmings I was taught to be an employee. I started my career working for company’s like Bare Minerals and MAC Cosmetics. I had never known anyone that was an entrepreneur. Early on, I don’t even think I fully understood what that was. When I first decided I wanted to quit my job at MAC it was met with a lot of doubt from outside forces. The realization was that most people settle and I didn’t have that ability in me. I wanted more, so I had to change my way of thinking on how to achieve it. I knew I would no longer be able to relate to some people and that the journey would be with myself. I’m grateful for the self accountability being an entrepreneur has taught me, the discipline it’s given me, and the resilience to keep going through it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lotimez.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: @lotimez
Image Credits
Corey Davis Ronni Grand Terrance Lindsey Dominique Hall Deiyna Hanno Bridget Rains Aggie Uzuri Closet Drea Sharis