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

Alright, Steven thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?

Yes I have been able to earn a full-time living by being a makeup artist. Being detoured from corporate america due to a lay-off with a background in science. I used the professional skills and discipline from that experience to make a name for myself, obtain income, and now a business owner. There have definitely been some triumphs and disasters along the way. From day one I was in one of the most uncomfortable and intimidating moments of my life. That was walking into the MAC Cosmetics Flagship store in the Houston Galleria with no knowledge of makeup. This company was my first introduction and chance to enter into the makeup industry. Developing a skill set that would allow people to trust me with their face came very fast after one too many disappointments. After studying an artist there and doing my research of the industry I was able to start gaining my own clientele. Notice I did not say trained; I am a self made artist that was given a chance due to a catastrophic (Hurricane Katrina) storm and lack of man power. I was a freelance artist at MAC for a month before being brought on as a part-time employee to eventually become a full-time. I worked there for a total of 4.5 years striving to climb the corporate ladder, instead I gained more clientele. In fact, to the point I was being hired to do contract work for individuals and companies. The demand became so overwhelming that it was enabling my availability to report to work. A huge opportunity ( BET Hip Hop Awards) became available for me to assist a video director that I worked with on a music video. I then resigned and took the assignment, but of course that was a one-time gig and pay. Before thinking about returning to work for someone I thought to put myself out there and work pro bono, bartering, and/or very little pay in hopes to become an entrepreneur. I also reached out to the clients that I had gained and previously worked with informing them how they could get in touch with me if they needed makeup services while gaining new clients from the gigs that I was working. Again in about a six month time frame the demand was becoming greater. That is when the name and business cards were made. Now here you have COLECOLORS that have been in existence for 14 years.

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

Former microbiologist Steven Coleman is now a renowned makeup artist living in Houston, Texas. As a result of being laid off after a tropical storm at the time, it was difficult to find a job elsewhere in my field.

As a makeup artist, I work with people of all ages and races. I also have a lipstick and lip gloss product line available on my website and in a local store (The Makeup Project Store & School). With years of experience in cosmetics and knowledge of their ingredients, I provide professional services. Through my services, I can educate my clients and enhance their beauty on a one-to-one or group basis. Hosting makeup classes and speaking engagements are two of the ways I share information about the business and art of makeup. I’m distinguished from other artists by my professionalism, application speed, and accuracy. In other words, I can apply a beautiful full face of makeup in 45 minutes or less.

What I am most proud of is my brand, and the ability to meet and impact the lives of many people through my art.

I would like my potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am very dedicated to customer service and I take great pride in my work. Being a male in a female-driven industry, I am able to work with respect and dignity in a way that all my clients feel safe and comfortable while I am working with them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As an artist, the most rewarding part is the ability to impact the lives of others, whether it is by applying makeup or sharing my story.

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

A true illustration of my resilience is having my makeup kit stolen a total of 5 times in 14 years of owning my business. The last time it was stolen was two days prior to me flying to Atlanta to work for many clients attending Superbowl LIII events. After this time I was like I cannot replace this anymore and began to think that it was time to make a career change. However, I had clients’ support and fellow artists reach out with gift cards, monetary donations, extra makeup and brushes; that was in 2019 and I am still doing makeup.

Needless to say, COVID arrives in 2020. I’m like, okay, this is it! My calendar clears and the studio closes down indefinitely because we have no idea of what’s going on. No SBA assistance and months without unemployment, I say to self, you had a successful run. Hang the brushes up. Then I started to receive random calls for makeup, for zoom meetings, and homemade proms, and just because I want to feel and look pretty. So, I have stayed the course and am still enhancing beauty one face at a time in a co-lab work space.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.colecolors.net
• Instagram: colecolorsthemakeupartist
• Facebook: colecolors- Art Defining Beauty
• Linkedin: Steven Coleman
• Twitter: colecolors
• Youtube: Colecolors
• Yelp: Colecolors

Image Credits
Pic #3 Vanessa Gomez – IcedUp Photography Pic#4 Shelia Pittman Pic#5 Wendy Wilborn Shelton – JP Make Da Photos Pic#6 Morgan Gaskin Thomas – JDao Photography