We recently connected with Shanita Shaw and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanita, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I grew up a tomboy all the way into 9th grade. The school I went to was known for fashion shows outside of the excellent curriculum, so I knew I would look crazy coming into a school dressing and looking the way I was used to styling myself. I told my mom and godmother I didn’t want to go to school looking any kind of way and let them know that I wanted to change it up a bit. My godmom purchased a ton of brushes and makeup for me to practice and try out on myself. It was on and popping from that day forward. I grew to love it because it was like art class without an instructor. I was able to speak through my very own art. It wasn’t until years later that I would tell myself to go for it no matter how scared I was of change.

Shanita, 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 makeup artist based in Randallstown, Maryland. I specialize in soft glam and natural glam makeup looks for women who want to feel beautiful but don’t want to overdo it. I offer makeup lessons for up and coming makeup artists and the everyday woman who just wants to know who to apply makeup on their own. After 14 years working as a correctional officer, I discussed with my husband my dreams of becoming a makeup artist. I had decided to leave corrections and pursued my dream head on. I love what I do and I feel that is what makes me stand out from other MUA’s. If the love for it is not there, then you will not go far. I’m always open to learning new techniques and trends to stay on top of the everyday changes in the beauty industry. I get to have conversations with women who come from different walks of life and make them feel great about themselves before they leave my chair. It’s not just about them coming to me and sitting in my chair for a service. We have a good time and I find the most joy in seeing their reactions to the work. It’s an experience with me!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first started makeup as a career, it was so slow. I was practicing on family and friends and trying to build my clientele and although it was not moving rapidly, I didn’t give up. I took classes and joined all kind of makeup groups just to gain all the knowledge about the industry. My clientele picked up and Covid came right after. It was the biggest blow to my confidence ever. Not knowing where the next dollar would come from and wondering if after all of this subsided, if I would be able to jump right back in as a new MUA. My creative juices kicked in and I began doing virtual classes, going live while doing my own makeup and hair, etc. I needed to find a way for people to see me and know that when it was all over I was here and ready to work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I just want to be able to touch as many women and impact their lives as I can. We have therapy sessions during makeup services. And then when we have vented to one another and chatted for a hour or so, they also come out of it with a beautiful look. I look at my work like any surgeon would. Surgeons go into surgeries knowing that they are about to change someone life. I love changing a woman’s life by helping them build their confidence and self esteem. That makes me go even harder. “Oh you loved your look? Well let me teach you how to achieve it at home.” I just love helping my ladies.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://makemeovernita.as.me/
• Instagram: Makemeover_nita
• Facebook: Nita MUA Shaw

Image Credits
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