We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sheriz Chisley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sheriz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

This wasn’t an idea that just came to me overnight. It came from a place of hitting rock bottom after my daughter was born prematurely. She spent nearly three months in the NICU. When she finally came home, I was extremely happy and fully immersed in adjusting to motherhood. But a few months in, I found myself facing an identity crisis.

Right before she was born, I moved to a new town where I didn’t know anyone. I had left my job to be a stay at home mom— something I had always dreamed of, being present for my children during those early, formative years. But once I was in it, I started to feel unsettled. I wasn’t used to not having my own income.

The hard truth I learned is that money is power. I come from a line of strong women who had to fight silent battles simply because they lacked financial independence— and I knew I didn’t want that to be my story, or the story I pass down to my daughter. That’s when I started asking myself: What could I do that allows me to be the present mom I want to be, while also building something for myself—something I enjoy and could turn into financial stability?

One day, I was talking with Aria’s cousin’s mom, Tiffany, and she casually said, “Why don’t you do makeup? You’re so good at it.” She wasn’t the first person to tell me I was good at makeup but she was the first to make me consider it as a real career path. I had always loved doing makeup, but up until that point, it was just a hobby to me.

That night, after our conversation, I went down a rabbit hole researching successful makeup artist and found so many inspiring stories. That’s when it all clicked.
I already knew I had a passion for it. Friends and family would always ask me to do their makeup for special occasions and I grew up watching big makeup YouTubers. So I thought, why not turn this into something real? Something of my own. A business that lets me be creative, be there for my daughter, and take control of my future.

That moment was the beginning of everything.

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 answered how I got into my industry in my previous prompt but I am happy to try and give more information if you need it!

I provide luxury makeup services that enhance natural beauty while still giving off that flawless, soft glam touch. My primary services include bridal makeup and special occasion services across the Virginia and beyond!

Problems I solve for my clients: My clients are often in the spotlight—whether it’s on their wedding day, delivering an important speech, or appearing on TV. I ensure their makeup is flawlessly camera-ready, designed to shine from every angle and look stunning under any lighting, so they can feel confident and beautiful in front of the lens.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just doing makeup. I’m creating an experience that’s rooted in empathy, empowerment, and authenticity. My journey into this industry came from a deeply personal place. Becoming a mother, losing myself, then finding purpose again through makeup. That emotional depth is something I bring into every client interaction.

I understand what it feels like to want to feel beautiful again, to feel seen, to feel like yourself. Whether it’s a bride on her big day or a mom who hasn’t had a moment to fully pour into herself in months…I get it. I create a space where my clients feel safe, confident, and celebrated.

On top of that, I don’t just focus on trends. I focus on enhancing natural beauty in a way that’s timeless, tailored, and true to each person’s individuality. My clients know that when they sit in my chair, they’re not just getting their makeup done—they’re being poured into, hyped up, and cared for.

I’ve also invested in my education, hired a mentor, taken masterclasses, and continue learning to stay ahead, but at the core of it all—I care deeply. And that’s what makes the difference.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come! Not just in my business, but in who I’ve become as a woman, a mother, and a entrepreneur. Starting this journey wasn’t easy. I built this brand during one of the most vulnerable seasons of my life, but I didn’t let that stop me. I turned my pain into purpose and created something that not only gives me autonomy as a mother, but also uplifts and inspires other women to feel their best.

What I want people to know is that my brand isn’t just about makeup. It’s about female empowerment. It’s about creating a space where women feel seen, valued, and confident in their own skin. Makeup is just the tool I use to enhance what’s already there, but the real focus is on helping women feel powerful, beautiful, and unstoppable. Through my work, I want to remind women that they are worthy of investing in themselves, embracing their unique beauty, and stepping into their full potential.

I also want people to know that I’m committed to growth. I’m constantly learning, improving my craft, and expanding my vision so I can show up better– for my clients, for my daughter, and for myself.

At the heart of it all, I’m building a brand that’s built on passion, purpose, and real connection. I want everyone who comes across my work to feel inspired to show up for themselves, chase their dreams, and never forget how resilient they truly are.

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

Things that have helped my entrepreneurial thinking is reading mindset book like “The Mountain Is You” and “You’re A Bad A** At Making Money” these books have definitely helped with my mindset about money and imposter syndrome!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Instagram has been my best source for attracting new clients. Lately, when I ask people how they found me, the answer is almost always Instagram. I truly believe that the more you post, the more visible you become so I always recommend showing up consistently, ideally 3–5 times a week. It can definitely be a challenge, especially when you’re juggling everything else, but I’ve noticed a real difference in my bookings and engagement when I post regularly.

I don’t have a huge following, and honestly, I don’t think that should be the main focus. What matters most is building a community that connects with your work. When I look at my followers, I see clients or future clients…people who value what I do and are here for the experience I provide.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbysheriz/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Makeup-By-Sheriz/100064494770421/
• Other: Google: https://g.co/kgs/T3T6Vn5

Image Credits

Photographer – Kvvian Durrett
Venue – Synder Manor and Stables