Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shala Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shala, appreciate you joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

As I scrolled through the panel questions, I was looking for something that would grab me, something that would provoke an emotion. And when I saw the word HERO immediately I thought of my Mom. Then, my eyes began to tear up. I could not think of anyone more influential in my life, other than God. Someone more caring, more encouraging, more loving, more forgiving, and consistent than her. At the ripe age of 50, I can appreciate who my mother is today more than any other time in my life. Her wisdom alone has carried me through many trials in life. My mother’s desire for me is that I live a life with no regrets. To know my worth, to be appreciated, to know that I am a gift, and that I am loved. My ex-husband passed away when I was 40 years old, we had been married for 15 years and in the middle of my prime he gets sick and I become a caretaker at 35. Through the many sleepless nights, becoming a single mother of three, a widow. She has been there. A shoulder to cry on, a sounding board just a friend. All while carrying her own load of life issues. That lady is something else……she really is. My hero!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a woman who wear many hats. However, I am a new wife now (smiles), mother, minister of the gospel of Jesus,
a makeup artist, and author. Some are taken back when they find out I’m a makeup artist, that’s a ”preach”. However, I was inspired by my pastor to write my first book. Shortly after my husband passed away. I began hosting a women’s conference, There’s a Queen in ME. The second year of hosting this conference my pastor, Pastor Tony Smith of Victorious Ministries Intl. suggested that I put it, in a book form. Explaining that it would and could go places that I may not be able to reach. That’s how my journey began as an author. Compiling years of sermons and conference topics into a book. I have a strong passion to see women succeed by encouraging them to know that they can over come any obstacle that life brings. So I went from conference host, to author. Telling women about my own life experiences and traumas, from being rapped in college to filing bankruptcy. I’m not just a pretty face..lol. But writing wasn’t my strong suit and still isn’t. I was fearful of being criticized, that every comma wasn’t in the right place, or that every sentence structure was grammatically correct. Not believing I was good enough. However, my faith in God encouraged to believe that I had something to say that would encourage someone else to keep fighting to live another another day. Don’t let fear and other peoples opinions of you paralyze you from moving forward. You can do it flawed!

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

As a small business owner. The success of my business has come from referrals and social media. Mainly referrals. My brand is focused on providing professional and affordable service. As a makeup artist, I first had to identify that the service I provide is a luxury and every experience has to be treated as such. My goal is to establish a repeat client. I do this by making my clients feel valued and appreciated all while receiving an affordable service. And because of this I come recommended. Just recent a client I had over ten years ago remembered me and contacted me to service her grandmothers 70th birthday. She remembered me. More importantly, she remembered the experience and quality of work. That made me smile.

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

My reputation is built on consistency! I pride myself on providing my clients with the best service every time. And the fact that I enjoy what I do makes it easy. Every client or opportunity isn’t for you. But the clients I do get, the opportunities I do get to experience. My clients can expect to receive the best version of me. You only get one first impression. I want them to have an experience and encounter. With me and God. This is luxury.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: exclusivemua
• Facebook: exclusivemakeupartistry

Image Credits

Shala Jackson