We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Dejoie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Every year I reach out to local high schools to provide makeup for prom high school seniors who may not be able to afford the service. I also provide services and teach basic makeup 101 classes to local womens shelters for women who are going into the work force.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Nikki Dejoie! I am an ORIGINAL Atlanta Georgia born and raised native. I am a professional celebrity makeup artist. I entered into the beauty industry as a hair stylist along with my sister. We opened a family salon in 2003. In 2009 I decided while being pregnant I no longer had a desire or drive to do hair. I became a makeup artist in 2010 shortly after having my son. Makeup has ALWAYS been my thing. I always had a thing for red lipsick👄. As a child most of my punishments came from sneaking my moms red lipstick and wearing it to school😂😂😂. I came up with my own red lipstick/lip stain line called “Aye Red” due to my long time obsession with red lipstick and my clients fell in love with it! Having the ability to make people feel and look beautiful is the main reason I love my career. The moment my clients sit in my chair they become so comfortable and immediately TRUST me. I give ALL my clients a wonderful experience. I guarantee great service and a good laugh to all clients.. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest celebrities of all times, I have appeared on reality television, I have toured, I have worked on movie sets etc. HOWEVER I always remember that its my everyday clients that has kept my open sign on for over 10 years. Every year I go out and donate my services to womens shelters and girls attending prom. This is my GOD given talent and I know this is what I was put here on earth to do..

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I honestly feel that my success and longevity in this industry came from me being dependable, trusting and most important I pray daily about my business and the people who crosses the threshhold into my business doors. In 11 years and THOUSANDS of clients later, I have never experienced a “BAD” client and with continued prayer it will remain that way🤞

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started doing makeup I was booked for a huge wedding. I was fairly new in the industry, barely making money, a new mom, and pretty much DESPERATE 😂. This client had a party of 13 and when she booked I told her if she could pay upfront I would do the entire wedding party for $450😫😫😫. Worst mistake ever. The day of her wedding on the way there I was in BAD a car accident car . Car completly totaled. I was so determined to show up to her wedding to do my job I asked the EMS driver to please take me to my destination. I arrived 2 hours late and I was able to complete all 13 on time for the wedding🙌🙌🙌 This year I saw that bride at a wedding I was providing my services for, she reminded me who she was and she actually gave the bride my information to book me

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nikkismakeuploung.com
• Instagram: mrsmakeup_artist
• Facebook: Nikki’s Makeup Lounge
• Twitter: nikkidoesmakeup

Image Credits
Photo by Nathan Pearcy