We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Robertson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

The idea of success is to me an individualized and very personalized concept. Most would identify success as the accumulation of possessions, money, and in some cases, having people in place to instantly fulfill your desires and wishes. That to me is simply the result of hard work and diligence. In my opinion, it takes good will and perseverance to be successful in today’s global economy. Treating people fairly as well as having a written plan for your vision is also important. Staying steady in one’s thinking capacity when it comes to dreams, goals and aspirations without faltering are also necessary ingredients to becoming successful. Other individuals may have their idea of what you should be doing with your life and how you should get to your destination. I think humans should keep in mind that your journey is your own unique pathway to success and your vision was given to you. Not to anyone else so don’t expect them to get it.

I remember when I was conceptualizing the idea of GlammCity Beauty some years ago. I had several individuals telling me that my ideas and products were not going to be profitable. Something deep inside of me knew that what I was doing was going to help a lot of women as well as empower them to be independent. I have learned that trusting my own gut and by incorporating prayer and meditation to my daily morning routine had many positive benefits. Those practices enabled me to maintain a level of confidence and increased focus that would not be possible if I completely went on what other people thought. So, listening to your inner voice has so much value.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a talented, dedicated and committed Beauty Professional, I am a Master Stylist, Published Author, Salon Educator, Entrepreneur, Freelance Event Hair & Makeup Artist and successful owner/founder of GlammCity Beauty. With over 25 years in the beauty industry, I still continually strive to refine my craft via beauty industry education. This has afforded me the skills necessary to be successful in today’s thriving beauty industry. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where I started my career in beauty, then later on in South Florida, I have worked in some of the most desired salons in New York City, as well as with some of the most sought-after models and photographers in Miami.

​Inspired by beauty industry leaders such as Ted Gibson, Martin Parsons, Sam Fine and Kim Kimble, and earlier in my career being mentored by Christopher Maldonado; the legendary makeup artist to the late, great Aaliyah, I have been trained by some of the best in the industry. Janet Jackson, Faith Evans, Lil Kim, Venus and Serena Williams, as well as Aaliyah are some of the celebrities that I have worked with in the past. My work has graced the pages of publications such as Essence, Marie Claire, Vibe, Hype Hair, Ocean Drive, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Heart & Soul and Black Men Magazine just to name a few. In addition, my work has appeared in national ad campaigns for brands such as Wilson Sporting Goods Tennis Division and Her Imports Virgin Hair.

My work has also been featured in several television commercials namely “McDonald’s”, music videos, fashion shows such as “Miami Swim Week”, T.V. shows such as “Model Latina Miami” and album covers for a few major recording artists. I have also worked as a professional makeup artist for M.A.C for over six years, as well as with other well-known cosmetics companies.

My philosophy is beauty from the inside out. My lifelong mission, vision and total commitment is to change the lives of women by enhancing their beauty, which will elevate their self-esteem. While enjoying the fabulous weather in South Florida, I am presently in the process of finishing up my second book, along with the development of a multitude of other exciting projects and beauty products. My first book “Hair Biz: Tales of a New York Hairdresser” is now available on Amazon and my haircare line GLAMMCITY BEAUTY MULTICULTURAL HAIRCARE is available online at WWW.GLAMMCITY.COM as well as in select beauty stores.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for my business has been word of mouth. I know it sounds very old school in the fast-paced world of advanced technology that we live in today. Technology definitely has its place in my business, and I have used several platforms to acquire new clients. However, there is something so wonderful about executing a fantastic job on someone, they absolutely love it and then they proceed to tell their friends and family about the outstanding service that you provided for them. It is very gratifying and humbling to know that in a world full of hairdressers and beauty professionals, they selected you out of the multitudes to provide exemplary service for them. Word of mouth was how I was able to give Janet Jackson a Keratin treatment on her hair and was called back several times by her team to maintain the integrity of her hair with the treatment on it. It was an honor as well as a privilege to actually meet and do someone’s hair that you have looked up to for so many years. Simply put, it is best to just show up, do the best work possible and have tons of gratitude in the process because you just never know who is watching you.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think that simply being professional, kind and consistent helped me build my reputation in the market. The beauty industry has somewhat of a stigma that hair and makeup people are oftentimes late and unprofessional. I take my profession seriously and really conducted myself as if I were working in corporate America. Prior to becoming a cosmetologist, I worked as a flight attendant for a couple of major airlines. I have also worked in New York City, specifically Manhattan in corporate and in other professional arenas so I have always dressed professionally. Transferring that mentality into the beauty industry helped me significantly. Presentation is so important and oftentimes dictates how others treat you. My hair and makeup are always done, I am always dressed professionally and in some cases I even wear a blazer or a complete suit and heels to work. Top all of that off with a genuine smile and the eagerness to serve and you have a recipe for a great reputation that will follow you throughout your career. Sometimes it isn’t always about the number of followers or likes that you have on social media. It is about substance, kindness and professionalism. People really appreciate that.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.GLAMMCITY.COM
• Instagram: @glammcity and @glammcitybeauty
• Facebook: @glammcity & @glammcitybeauty
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH9kGx4l3l4NarW8_9QshPQ