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

Hi Dee, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2003, I began working in the beauty industry as Manager of three Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios. While there, I specialized in bridal and special occasion makeup, one-on-one makeup lessons, and skincare. I joined the Bella Faccia LLC team in 2011, where I was specially trained in airbrush makeup application. While working for Merle Norman and Bella Faccia, my work was published in Augusta Magazine, Columbia County Magazine, Augusta Brides, and Occasions Magazine. I also worked as a makeup artist on-set for Dateline NBC. I truly enjoyed my work and wanted to continue my passion for makeup artistry when I moved from Augusta, Georgia, to Nassau County, FL. In 2021 I opened Decorated Seahorse Artistry, an airbrush makeup and skin studio. Located in Fernandina Beach, FL my studio provides airbrush makeup services for weddings and special events, facials, brow tinting, and more!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When it comes to my work, there is nothing that brings me more joy than to help someone feel more self-confident and beautiful on their wedding day, graduation milestone or for maternity celebration. Witnessing the positive reactions when they see their makeup in the mirror for the first time, getting tagged in selfies on social media, or having a client or their family excitedly share their photos; simply brings joy. I feel that I have a very rewarding job. I am not just there to provide my artistry services. I usually get to know my clients before their event, not just so that I can create the makeup look that they desire, but to also be a source of calm and positive energy for them on the day of their event. That way they have one less thing to worry about when they are sitting in my chair, which refocuses them on enjoying their special day!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do in Atlanta! If my best friend and I drove up from Fernandina Beach to Atlanta for a few days, we would enjoy a walk through Atlanta Botantical Garden and Centennial Olympic Park. Then we would stop for a cappuccino at one of the many locally owned coffee shops, and be sure to grab a few slices of pizza from Humble Pie.

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 someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends who have encouraged and supported me, Meredith Tompkins the owner of Bella Faccia LLC in Augusta, GA and to all of my clients who put their trust in me.

Website: www.decoratedseahorseartistry.com

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/decoratedseahorseartistry

Image Credits
Behind the scenes photos at work taken by Ashlyn Cathey Photography

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