We were lucky to catch up with Nikole Morrow-Pettus recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nikole , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I have always been interested in fashion and beauty since I was a young child I would earmark catalogs to save “My style.” Initially I thought I would pursue my career in fashion marketing and continue as a buyer. But one incident at a photography company where the makeup artist got very sick and couldn’t stay on set allowed me to step in and help with makeup. It all came together that moment, and I was transformed into the most passionate and determined artist you see today. That was 33yrs ago! I have risen to mind-blowing hights since.

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.

Currently, I am the Cosmetic Director and educator for Van Michael salons in Atlanta Ga. I have worked for the salon for 29yrs. In this role, I am privileged to select and groom the brightest talent Atlanta and far beyond has to offer. Before this position, I did makeup for a photography studio and within a few years with the salon I was able to also freelance for music videos, commercials, fashion shows, and movie press tours. One of the most amazing parts of my life as a service provider at a salon is I have been able to grow with my clients chronologically. I have met many clients in my earlier years that I now do their children’s weddings! I think my superpowers are my integrity and consistency. While many people in the beauty industry jump to the next happening thing, I have been available for entire families for decades.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As I mentor new artists in this industry, I have come to realize many do not do their research in their craft. They don’t know product history or the era in which the techniques were born. It’s important to know why you choose a 30″s smokey eye or a 50″s wing versus a 60″s wing liner. There’s nothing new under the sun except formulations. Products are so high-quality but the artist are not creating masterpieces with the products. My mission is to provide education and support to the people who are not limited to social media as influencers, but artists that do the work on a diverse group of people regardless of age, race, or identification.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

My most rewarding aspect as an artist is the compliments I received from my former mentee’s. Many have gone on to establish great careers and have supported grand lifestyles within the beauty industry. As for my clients and agents, I have had the pleasure of enhancing their visions and events for years. I have become an exclusive artist in their businesses and lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: Nikolemorrowpettus.com
• Instagram: @nmpfacemakeup
• Facebook: Nikole Morrow-Pettus
• Linkedin: Nikole Morrow-Pettus

Image Credits
Babak photography