We had the good fortune of connecting with Cierra Michelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Cierra, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I first thought of becoming a Makeup Artist, I was in my Sophomore year at Kentucky State University and I was just getting comfortable with the progress I made with my makeup application skills. I saw a lot of people around me with side hustles and figured makeup could be mine.
I instantly took the following checks from the summer programs I was working at the time and invested in all the tools and products to build my kit and prepare for taking on clients the following school year.
I started my YouTube channel and printed business cards and was soon promoted to the head Makeup Artist in our fashion organization in campus know as “Glambitious”, where I was in charge of creating the makeup looks and beauty concepts for the spring and fall fashion shows.
I’ve stuck with makeup and it has become one of my passions ever since.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Within the past 2-3 years I’ve found more answers about how I want to leave my mark in the world as a creative. Attending SCAD in Savannah, GA has been such a huge factor in my decision making as an artist and stylist. I’ve been exposed to so many opportunities outside of what I could even imagine prior to be exposed to the never ending possibilities the Beauty and Fashion Industry have to offer.
Creative Direction is something that I want to pursue as a dream career. I discovered that it was a position that would allow me to use every area of expertise I have within beauty and fashion while simultaneously creating a concept to bring to life. Having my hand in different pots has always been the way that I’ve operated for as long as I can remember, and I now I know that there’s a space for me to monetize that and do what comes naturally to me.
I’ve learned that it’s important to continue to be my biggest marketing agent and brand ambassador because there’s no telling where the next opportunity or connection will come from. All of the paid opportunities I’ve received have been from word of mouth and me advocating for myself and speaking on the things I do in the face of strangers at any point in time. I’m essentially tapping into the phrase, “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
I want the world to know that I’m different than other brands and businesses because I’m starting from scratch, but I know how to use all of my experience to benefit everything I get involved in. My goal is to not only work with other small brands like myself, but larger ones as well, to create memorable customer experiences through visual story telling and relatability. I want my customer to keep coming back and I want them to be wowed by both the big things and little things that make their experience worth every penny.
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.
I was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN and lived in Frankfort, KY right after High School where I obtained my Bachelors Degree. I came home for a year after graduation and left again to obtain my Masters in Savannah, GA. I say this all to say, I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE TO GO IN MY HOMETOWN now that Im back in Indy! So, I will mention some of my favorite spots from where I’ve lived over the past 8 years.
Savannah had some of the best food spots and people I’d met in a while. I felt so welcomed when I moved there and it became a second home for me so quickly and easily. They are home to their famous food tour when they take you around the downtown area to some of the best restaurants in the city. On any given day or weekend, I enjoyed a black-owned establishment called 520 Tavern. They host events, parties, etc and have a signature drink called a “Wakanda” that is equally strong and sweet that I LOVE!
I loved walking along River Street, going in the shops and boutiques, enjoying the breeze from the water, and grabbing a drink from the bars. My favorite bar on River Street was Myrtle and Rose. A beautiful rooftop bar with an amazing view.
The last thing I enjoy about Savannah is the live music scene. I was fortunate enough to find a band in town that was well known for putting on electric, exciting, and enticing gigs for crowds of all kinds. I enjoyed watching them play almost every week at one point. Their shows never get old and continue to invite new visitors each time!
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?
Bigma – Kathleen Couch Aunt – Jerika Couch
Mentors – Ray Bankston Jr., Dr. Tobias Morgan, Sheri Lyons, Katrisha Waldridge
Friends – Alexandria Phelps, Janelle Odom, Amari Kay Jones, Zay Andrews, Shana Hill, Dorian Wright, Markia
All of these people are in charge of providing me with support, opportunities, growth, and so much more when it comes to my evolution as a woman and entrepreneur.
Website: queenexpressionsglam.com
Instagram: @cierramichellec
Twitter: CierraMichellec
Youtube: Queen Expressions
Other: Book makeup appointments and purchase my Beauty Guide at the website link above.
Image Credits
Graduate Photos courtesy of Justin Wright IG @j.wrightsnapped