Meet Paris Pierce | Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paris Pierce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paris, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before it was a business it was a hustle.  I started doing my own makeup to feel beautiful and mean it. I would do my friends’ makeup just to practice and then I realized this was a passion. I knew I wanted to make other girls and women feel how I felt when I had a full face of makeup. As a young girl, I was shown the importance of having and owning your own business. As I grew older I knew that I wanted something for myself with my name attached. I began to invest more of my time into my craft. Entering college in 2018, I started to build my brand and expand my name. In 2020 after COVID-19 put the world at a halt, I decided to leave my 9-5 to do makeup full time. I was able to strictly focus on running my business while also being a full time student.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I have always been a creative individual. I was the student who over did themselves in every project in grade school. I strived to do what other artist won’t do. I don’t allow myself to be under just one label as an artist. My strategy is to just say YES . I am so excited to show off more of my creative side as well as my glam side. Never in a million years did I think I’d be here professionally. There were so many days when I didn’t want to get out of the bed let alone do makeup. I have had moments when I would question myself and my worth. It has not been an easy road mentally and emotionally. From those hiccups I was able to learn so lessons about myself, my brand, my end goal and what it takes to get there. I have put my blood and tears and Lord knows my prayers into developing a brand that I want to become a household name. I want to teach little girls about their inner beauty and to love themselves despite of what anyone has to say. I want to teach other women about how to start their business, invest in their craft and overall make a name for themselves. I am elated to show the world all I have to offer as a artist, a mentor, a friend,… as Paris Emilia.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week we’d definitely start with brunch at my favorite brunch spot, Milk and Honey. I’d take her to Centennial Park to view the heart of the city. The SkyView Atlanta is one of my favorite things there. You can see the entire city and all the buildings surrounding. FYI it’s even better at night The next day we’d go to Ponce City Market. They have some of the best ramen in town. Ton Ton Ramen & Yakitori has everything from ramen to some of the wings in Atlanta. The rooftop has so many things to do like minigolf, good drinks, fun people and overall a good environment. Later that night, we would go to Traffic, a bar/ lounge. They have amazing drinks and it is a very chill and fun environment. Day three is dedicated to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. I think that is the most peaceful and beautiful place in the city. I love aroma that breathes through the entire space. I love to support local black businesses and my favorite vegan restaurant is Local Green Atlanta. Their Oh’Boy classic cheeseburger with the Cajun fries is to die for. That evening we’d go to Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar. In addition to some of the best chicken in the city they have great music and we are bound to have a good time. Day four we would start with lunch at The Vortex, the best burger joint in the city. Great drinks, great burgers and great people. At night we’d go to The Gold Room to have a good time and dance a little bit. Day five when the city is most awake and the people are out; Mary Macs Tea Room would be our next stop. Their fried pork chops and mac and cheese are my favorite, but everything there is amazing. The nightlife is live so we would be at Escobar that night. They have some great food and it is place that you just have to experience. Finally we wrap up her trip at Thumbs Up for breakfast. They have some of the best and fluffiest pancakes ever.

Alright, so let’s jump right in! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there a person, group, organization, book, etc. that you want to dedicate your shoutout to? Who else deserves a little credit and recognition in your story?  
I want to dedicate this to my mother who has been my sun, moon and stars in every aspect of my life. She is the woman I aim to become. Without her I’m sure I would have never gotten into makeup. She is the person who taught me that you never leave the house without a full face, hair done and a presentable outfit because you never know who you’ll see. I still apply that to my everyday life as I am growing and finding myself in this world. I want to thank every person that has allowed me to practice with them as I built my artistry into my wildest dream. I want to definitely thank my first colligate organization. This organization is what pushed me to take a leap of faith and actually put forth the effort in building my brand. To Menia Paige one of my biggest supporters, thank you for showing me that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to and allowing me to be apart of your team as you manage being an amazing fashion designer. To all of my friends that have supported me from day one and continuously pushed me when I wanted to give up and quit, Thank you.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beatsbyparis_/

Image Credits
1st image: Pichadero Last image: Menia Paige RonMcclenny Nails: Instagram: @nailingmaryjane