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

Nissi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Learn how to nurture yourself so you can have an abundance of good energy to share with others. In my opinion, It’s the most important aspect of working in a creative field. I grew up in Nashville pursuing a career as a Singer-Songwriter. As a teenager I opened for The Wallflowers, Howie Day, Hansen… went to New York for meetings with major labels….and in my early twenties spent time in London writing . My sense of self was weak, and anything image related was miserable, leaving me feeling drained. Then my brother passed mysteriously and unexpectedly in 2011 and I became disconcerted. I quit music and started working at a neighborhood bar waiting tables. This continued seven years while I focused on community and healing until I discovered my passion for hair and makeup. I’ve been working on set for almost ten years now. My previous experiences have given me a perspective that’s very helpful when working with (really all individuals but particularly) music artists. These jobs are more than a special camera, makeup style, or song. Every day is the process of meeting life and choosing to see both the beauty and pain in ourselves and others. Spending time grounding yourself is very important if you want to jump into the flow of these high intensity creative projects. I’ve since reconnected with my own musical interests and use them to nurture my personal creativity that I can then turn into professional, visual creativity on set.

Nissi, 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?

I am a freelance hair and makeup artist for commercials, photo shoots, music videos, documentaries, etc. Every day gifts me a variety of experiences from music videos at waterfalls to fashion runways and photo shoots with exotic animals . Some of my favorite projects have included working with Reyna Roberts (Country Music Recording Artist) on her recent appearances at The Ryman and Good Morning America. And Going to Palm Springs CA to work live streams for Amazon Music/Twitch at the Stage Coach Country Music Festivals. I bring a highly detailed yet energetic energy to sets. I understand lighting, lenses, color psychology, marketing and help hone visual concepts to match overall vision. My own love for art and performing helps me empathize with the human experience of making creative projects. I cherish my nickname “Supporty Spice”

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There are so many! The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron helped me consider how creatives might have more sensitive nervous systems and the impact this has on their day to day experience. Her concept of Linking VS Ranking helped me learn to connect with people instead of getting into power struggles. Color Theory for the Make-up Artist: Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects by Katie Middleton is a must have for Makeup Artists in Particular. And The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown has helped me be authentic in intimidating situations

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

This modern society can be very isolating even though we’re surrounded by so many people and I find the intimacy of doing hair and makeup very rewarding. I respect how closely I’m interacting with people on a deeply personal level.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nissileebeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenissilee/
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thenissilee
• Other: Spotify
  https://open.spotify.com/artist/3nQaSiU6F3hutJ7tYY2vko?si=_ToNku2JS_CsdONo_af5Fw

Image Credits

Anthony Romano, Ash Summerford, (Selfie), Anthony Romano, (So long ago I don’t remember)