We had the good fortune of connecting with Monét Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Monét, how do you define success?
I define success as the sense of fulfillment. In my mind, fulfillment is when you realize your purpose, understand your purpose and then begin walking in it.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In my teenage years, tapping into the beauty industry by doing makeup and hair was just a hobby. I was a teen mom in High School (my junior year) and like most, I had no clue of what I wanted to do as a career and didn’t think once about entrepreneurship. I just knew I didn’t want to be what was classified as the statistical teen mom. Once I graduated from High School, I immediately began Cosmetology school to expand on the field of beauty. Halfway through it I realized that the entire industry wasn’t my point of interest and decided not to return. In my twenties I found that makeup was the lane for me. From then on I began expanding my knowledge as well as dedicating even more time into perfecting my craft by creating a brand for myself as a Professional Makeup Artist. In October 2018, I was awarded Makeup Artist of the Year for Virginia by ACHI Magazine. In February 2019, I launched an e-commerce business, creating my own eyelash line known as Glitz Lashes. Where Covid was a challenge to most, I thrived. I began school for Permanent Makeup in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. I obtained my license becoming a Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist in January 2021 and rebranded my business as Pretty & Primped with Glitz Lashes falling under it. In February 2021, and as a birthday gift to myself I moved into my very first beauty suite. In less than 1 year, 8 months to be exact, I continued on the faith and obedience I started with years ago and was blessed to move into my very own store front as of November 2021! This journey thus far has taught me to always be prepared. The future holds a lot for me as I’m always working on what’s next. In the words of author Zig Ziglar – “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.”
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Given it’s the summer time, let’s just say June when one of my besties come to visit me, we would have an exciting week. I won’t start on Monday because she would likely be arriving and after a long flight, we will use that day for mental health! Tuesday night we would do karaoke at a country bar called Eagles Nest that actually doesn’t just have county music. Wednesday we would go to a wine bar/tasting for Wine Wednesday, likely Coopers Hawk! Thursday we would relax in the house with food and drinks singing some of our favorite old school Monica jams having our own concert because that’s one of the things we love. Friday night we definitely would be in the town center area at one of our favorite restaurants called Twist. Saturday we would go shopping at the outlets or the mall and do Happy Hour at one of our favorite Mexican spots. We would definitely be in the bed early that day! Then on Sunday we brunch or spend the day at the beach with food, umbrellas, food and drinks! Good thing my besties live near me!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband Antonio, mom Teresa and best friend Kiera. These 3 have been my backbone behind my sleepless nights, creative brainstorming over the years and my sanity. I thank you and love each of you dearly! To all of my clients and customers, my success wouldn’t be what it is without you, I appreciate each of you for believing in me and my brand and can’t thank you enough!
Website: www.prettyandprimped.com & www.shopglitzlashes.com
Instagram: @prettyandprimpedllc & @glitz.lashes
Facebook: @prettyandprimpedllc & @shopglitzlashes
Yelp: Pretty & Primped, LLC