Meet Antoine Mccants | Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist

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

Hi Antoine, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I was in hair school, I had an instructor named Susan Porterfield, also known as Ms. P, who played a big role in encouraging me. I would tell her how I was going to become a successful stylist and makeup artist, and she would nod her head with excitement, saying, “I can see it.” One day, while we were working on the salon floor, she gave me the name “Antique.” It was cute and stuck with me during school and even a little after.

Later, I decided to call myself “hiim” with two i’s. As a gay male who was still discovering myself, the two i’s were symbolic like a mirror reflection reminding me of who I was, who I am, and who I will be. It became more than a name; it’s a reflection of self-awareness and growth.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of starting my business with nothing and having the willpower to figure it out. I had no money and little support just $17 to my name when I started. But I believed in my creativity and knew it would open doors somewhere.

In 2018, I took a huge leap and moved to NYC with only $400, not knowing a soul. I didn’t understand the cost of living or the challenges ahead I just knew I had to follow my dreams of becoming a hairstylist and makeup artist to the stars. It wasn’t easy; I faced sleepless nights, struggled to afford food, and was on the verge of homelessness. But I kept going because I believed in my vision, and eventually, it paid off.

I built my name in NYC and became exactly what I set out to be: a hairstylist and makeup artist to the stars. I’ve been published in Vogue India, Schön, and W Magazine. I’ve worked at NYC and London Fashion Weeks for SS2024 and collaborated with major brands like Nike, Hanifa, Timberland, Versace, Complex, and Parade. I’ll always be grateful to Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid, who gave me my first professional job with Vogue, and Mimi Quiquine, who mentored and groomed me into the artist I am today.

This journey has taught me resilience. I’ve learned that sometimes, you’re all you have, so you must be mindful of how you speak to and treat yourself. It’s easy to fall into negativity when you don’t see progress, but staying kind to yourself is crucial. I’ve also learned that success takes time Rome wasn’t built in a day.

I want the world to know that I’m a resilient man who will one day be widely recognized for his beautiful hair and makeup artistry. My brand is about love, beauty, and how you express yourself, and I’m determined to share that vision with the world.

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 were visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the full Atlanta experience a mix of good food, vibes, and the city’s rich culture. Here’s what our week would look like:

Day 1: Arrival & Southern Welcome
• Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club. Their chicken and waffles are iconic.
• Afternoon: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden for some breathtaking views and a peaceful vibe.
• Dinner: Head to Mary Mac’s Tea Room for a classic Southern meal. They’ve been serving comfort food for decades, and it never disappoints.
• Night: End the night with drinks at SkyLounge, a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the Atlanta skyline.

Day 2: History & Culture
• Morning: Tour the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to soak in some history and inspiration.
• Lunch: Eat at Paschal’s, a spot rich in civil rights history and known for its fried chicken.
• Afternoon: Explore The High Museum of Art to check out some beautiful exhibits.
• Night: Have dinner and drinks at Bar Vegan in Ponce City Market—it’s trendy, fun, and full of great vibes.

Day 3: Foodie Adventures & Nightlife
• Brunch: Start with brunch at Breakfast at Barney’s. It’s chic, the food is excellent, and the cocktails are perfect for midday.
• Afternoon: Head to Krog Street Market for some local shopping and eats.
• Dinner: Eat at Staplehouse. It’s one of Atlanta’s most well-regarded restaurants with incredible food.
• Night: Check out The Clermont Lounge—Atlanta’s most famous dive bar. It’s quirky and unforgettable!

Day 4: Outdoors & Active Fun
• Morning: Go for a hike or walk at Stone Mountain Park for scenic views and a bit of exercise.
• Lunch: Have lunch at Gunshow, an interactive dining experience where chefs bring dishes directly to your table.
• Afternoon: Hit up Piedmont Park for some relaxation or even paddleboarding at the lake.
• Evening: Catch a Braves game at Truist Park if it’s baseball season, or check out a concert at The Tabernacle.

Day 5: Shopping & Treat Yourself Day
• Morning: Start with coffee and pastries at Café Intermezzo.
• Afternoon: Spend the day shopping at Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza—perfect for high-end and local finds.
• Lunch: Enjoy sushi and drinks at O-Ku Atlanta.
• Night: Have dinner at The Optimist (the seafood is amazing!) and then head to Whiskey Blue for late-night drinks.

Day 6: Fun & 420-Friendly Vibes
• Morning: Start with a relaxing yoga session or workout.
• Afternoon: Take them to Little Five Points for vintage shopping and an artsy vibe. Stop by a local dispensary or hookah lounge for chill time.
• Lunch: Grab tacos at Bartaco.
• Night: Head to MJQ Concourse, a hidden nightclub with the best dance vibes in the city.

Day 7: Farewell Tour
• Morning: Brunch at The Garden Room, a whimsical and luxurious spot.
• Afternoon: Stroll through The BeltLine one last time, stopping for street art and snacks.
• Dinner: Close out the trip at Busy Bee Café, a soul food institution that feels like a warm hug.

Atlanta is full of incredible energy, diverse people, and amazing spots to check out. I’d want my best friend to leave feeling like they’ve experienced all of it great food, culture, nightlife, and the welcoming Southern charm!

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?
First and foremost, I give all credit to God for giving me the strength and guidance to conquer each day. I also want to thank myself because it’s not easy to be everything for your business and yourself. Believing in your dreams when they feel so far away is challenging, but I keep pushing forward.

I’m incredibly grateful to my mom, Tammy McCants, for always encouraging me to try new things regardless of the outcome. My sisters, Cornelia McCants and Kayla Thomas, deserve recognition for always pouring into me whatever I was missing to keep going—they give the kind of tough love that truly helps.

I also want to thank my husband, who does his best to support my journey, and lastly, the educators at Summit Salon Academy in Gainesville, Florida, who provided the foundation for my career. Each of these individuals has played a part in shaping who I am today, and I am forever grateful.

Website: https://Www.hiimcosmetics.com

Instagram: HairbyHiim & Makeupbyhiim

Image Credits
Antoine McCants