I learned at an early age that loving and accepting who you are is a very important part of life. I recall looking very different from my older sister Tiffany, who had beautiful porcelain skin, luscious, straight, dark-brown hair and a killer body. I, on the other hand, had big lips, short afro-like frizzy hair, and a big butt. It wasn't long before I discovered that my hair could easily be tamed using the right products, my full, soft lips were actually envied by millions of women and that my "big butt" was one of my best attributes, and that later in life I would be known for it!!
I call that moment in my life, my "accepting phase" which simply translates to, "The things that make us feel different are the qualities that make us beautiful and unique." I experimented with makeup, often being inspired by exceptional beauties such as Grace Jones, Elizabeth Taylor, Christy Turlington, and Marilyn Monroe. I always had an inner passion for art, color, fashion and design, and with the encouragement of my family, I went on to pursue a career in Aesthetics and Makeup Artistry, becoming a certified Multimedia/Production makeup artist, and a licensed esthetician in the state of Florida. It was then I understood that I was born to be a star, and that once I decided to accept that responsibility, I would never be placed in any mold that was limiting again.
I began working 13 years ago as a freelance makeup artist for Clinique, Lancôme and many other top cosmetic lines. Shortly thereafter, I demonstrated my impeccable talent, passion, and artistic abilities, and was quickly hired by The Florida Grand Opera to do makeup and wig applications. Ultimately, I realized that I wanted more out of my career. Sure, I wanted to fulfill my dream to work as a makeup artist in other avenues, but I also wanted to become someone who could encourage others to feel beautiful inside and out, regardless of their race, color, size and gender. So, I beagn teaching and volunteering with associations such as Women in Distress, and the American Cancer Society. This allowed me to "pay forward" my skills to some extraordinary people who were already beautiful, and just needed help expressing it.
Some say that I have a natural ability to make people feel comfortable, beautiful and confident, which ultimately affects the way they look. To me, makeup simply helps to manifest someone's true inner self, whether it is sexy, glamorous or classic. My philosophy is, "Live, love and embrace the gift of being the fabulous you!!!"
Love and great lip gloss,
Chantal
