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

Nicole, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced was realizing that talent alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable career in the beauty industry. Many artists struggle with pricing, contracts, marketing, and financial literacy, which leads to burnout or lost opportunities.

I saw this firsthand when a talented artist lost a major job because they didn’t have a contract. It reminded me of my own struggles early on, which is why I created The Annex—to provide mentorship and business education alongside technical skills. By empowering beauty professionals with financial literacy and the tools to protect and market themselves, we help them build lasting, successful careers.

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

I’m Nicole Fae, a beauty educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for financial independence in the beauty industry. As a makeup artist, hairstylist, and spray tan expert, I’ve spent the past 20 years helping clients look and feel their best—whether for weddings, commercial projects, or private events. More than just applying makeup, I give my clients confidence, enhancing their natural beauty in a way that feels effortless and empowering.

What sets me apart is my longevity in this industry. Being able to sustain a 20-year career in beauty isn’t just about talent—it’s about continuously evolving, refining skills, and learning how to do more in less time. Experience brings efficiency, precision, and an eye for details that newer artists may still be developing. The difference between my makeup in 30 minutes versus someone with five years of experience is not just speed—it’s mastery.

Beyond working with clients, I’m passionate about mentoring beauty professionals through The Annex, providing business education, financial literacy, and paid opportunities. Many artists struggle with pricing, contracts, and marketing, and I want to ensure they have the knowledge to build a sustainable career.

At the core of my work is She Owns It—my platform dedicated to helping women gain confidence, financial independence, and success in business. Whether I’m working one-on-one with a client or educating the next generation of artists, my goal is to help people feel empowered in their beauty, career, and personal growth.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the biggest things non-creatives struggle to understand about my journey is that being a makeup artist, hairstylist, or beauty professional isn’t just about creativity—it’s about business, resilience, and constantly proving your worth. Many people assume this industry is just about playing with makeup or styling hair, but they don’t see the years of experience, skill refinement, and business strategy that go into sustaining a long-term career.

This is why I created She Owns It. I’ve seen so many talented women struggle—not because they weren’t good at their craft, but because they weren’t taught how to run a business. In the beauty industry, you’re often an independent contractor, responsible for your own pricing, marketing, client retention, and financial planning. There’s no corporate ladder, no set promotions—you have to build your own success. That means learning how to advocate for yourself, set boundaries, and confidently charge your worth.

I remember early in my career, I would hesitate to raise my rates, afraid clients wouldn’t book me. Now, I understand that my experience, speed, and attention to detail set me apart. What I can do in 30 minutes is different from what someone with five years of experience can do. But that confidence didn’t come overnight—it came from years of learning, making mistakes, and realizing that undervaluing yourself doesn’t just hurt your income, it hurts your self-worth.

She Owns It is about giving women the confidence and tools to step into their power—whether that’s in beauty, business, or any creative field. I want more women to understand that success isn’t just about talent; it’s about owning your value, making smart financial decisions, and building a career that works for you, not against you.

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

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey happened during COVID. Like so many others, I had to close my salon, and overnight, everything I had built felt uncertain. But what hit even harder was losing my most important team member. He had been a crucial part of my business, but when an opportunity came that allowed him to work from home with better benefits, he had to take it. And I understood—it made sense for him, but it was a huge blow to me.

I remember the moment it hit me. I cried, I even screamed—just five minutes of feeling everything all at once. And then, just like that, I flipped a switch. I got up, wiped my face, and figured out how to move forward. Because at the end of the day, my business isn’t about the team I have—it’s about the vision, the leadership, and the creative mind behind it. It was never going to fall apart because of one change, no matter how big it seemed in the moment.

Looking back, I’m so thankful this happened. Instead of trying to rebuild the salon, I took my services directly to my clients—and I love it so much more. Now, I work with women who inspire me through our time together, giving me ideas on how to grow and evolve. And from that shift, The Annex was born. It was through listening to my clients, seeing their struggles, and understanding what beauty professionals truly need that I realized my next step—creating a space that provides mentorship, business education, and real opportunities for growth.

That experience reinforced something I’ve always believed—resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks, it’s about how quickly you adapt. Sometimes, the biggest challenges force you into something even greater than you imagined.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolefae.com
• Instagram: @muanicolefae
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeupartistnicolefae/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-fae-3078a92a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Noah’s Ark Photography