Meet Faith (Audrey) Merritt (Monroe) | Makeup Artist, Influencer, & Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Faith (Audrey) Merritt (Monroe) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Faith (Audrey), any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
Every business owner and creator has a moment where they feel like things are not really working out. Especially when you spend countless hours working on your brand but you are not seeing the results that you expected.

I have experienced these moments many times,but no matter how much I want to, I simply cannot allow myself to “give up”. I was raised to go after your dream with everything you have. In the tough moments, I have to remind myself of why I started and my ultimate goals. I believe that the only way to ensure that you have a fulfilling life is by doing the hard things and going after your dreams.
I’ve dreamed of owning my own cosmetic company since I was a little girl. Who would I be and what kind of message would I send if I allowed a few tough moments and closing doors to detour that goal and dream for me? If one door closes, let’s see what’s behind the next one. If this sale fails, let’s see how it can be revamped and marketed to create better traffic.Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. It is about constantly tuning your failures into lessons that allow you to reevaluate things, not “give up.” At the end of my life, I want to know that I accomplished everything that I set out to do.

I believe in my cosmetic business,The A.A Collection Cosmetics, and I believe that it can make a big impact within the beauty world. I’m already amazed at the influence it has made thus far with our Beauty Monroes (customers). The A.A. Collection allows users to feel more and more confident when they are wearing our products. The goal is to make sure that every Beauty Monroe brings out their inner confidence and alter ego no matter the occasion. We all deserve to be our most confident innerselves and I am providing those products to give you that extra boost.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My love for makeup began in my late high school years. Makeup was a catalyst in my development of becoming a young lady—a young lady searching to build more confidence around myself and my appearance. Considering I was a tomboy growing up, I wanted to revamp and transform into my inner beauty side. I became interested in YouTube videos showcasing how creative one could be with makeup. The videos instantly caught my attention as they revealed how makeup enhanced the beauty of women. Subsequently, I realized I wanted to be a part of that process. However, I didn’t know the first thing about starting a business, let alone controlling the operations to sustain a business. But, I did know that I wanted to be the CEO of a cosmetics company. I began my research rapidly, searching to create a well-equipped ‘how-to guide for creating and sustaining a business. I’ll admit, I had to learn many things along the way as it was mostly trial and error. Despite the trial and error, I found that mistakes created the perfect recipe for cumulatively developing a business. I learned how to form a company, acquire appropriate documentation for licensing my business correctly, formulate cosmetic products, and establish health and wellness guidelines, to name a few.
Like most successful entrepreneurs, I found myself becoming overwhelmed with the process. Consequently, I learned there’s a reward in taking a step back to handle obstacles one at a time. Fortunately, with my experiences coupled with plenty of research and talking to other entrepreneurs and lawyers, I acquired more knowledge toward forming a successful business. Daily, I continue to pursue research in sustaining my business.

I envision a global recognition of The A.A Collection Cosmetics as a bold and impactful brand that uplifts and encourages women to be their best brave selves!

The A.A Collection Cosmetics is an inclusive brand for women of all ethnicities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Our company’s mission and vision statement is “Let your Inner Monroe Come Out and Play,” which encourages each Beauty Monroe, also known as our customer, to bring out their inner alter ego we all possess once you begin to use the A.A Collection Cosmetics.

The A.A Collection Cosmetics manufactures high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products for women of all ages and personalities. All products are curated in a vendor lab with quality pigments and formulas to ensure the customer is provided high-quality products. It’s a brand of versatility that features bright colors, cosmetics, and bold lashes for the girl who likes to be seen, as well as neutral tones for a woman who’s looking for a classic look.

The A.A Collection Cosmetics will leave a lasting imprint in the beauty industry based on its versatility. When applied, The A.A. Collection Cosmetics line ascents women from different walks of life, from the girl next door to the career woman, the classy & chic woman on the go, and the woman who doesn’t shy away from bold colors and loves a dramatic entrance.
At Audrey’s Artistry, we’re most proud of the community of support, especially during 2020. Makeup has allowed our Beauty Monroes across the globe to create a universal language of love. Our team loves receiving product reviews with our Beauty Monroes’ finished looks. Each look tells a story that allowed their “Inner Monroe” to “Come Out and Play.” Feeling good after using our products is a win for us.

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.
If I were to visit the city with a friend, we would take full advantage of the food scene and the many exhibits around the Atlanta area. With the different museums and exhibits popping up in the city we would have a few to visit during the week while trying new restaurants. One restaurant/lounge that is my go to is Siva’s, the vibe, the food, and drinks are a great time especially with friends. (…)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my support system and Beauty Monroes! I am overwhelmed by the people that have been placed in my life to help guide and support me. My support system pushes me to be my best self and to keep going because they recognize the dream within me. Without them, The. A.A. Collection Cosmetics line and my makeup artist business would not exist today! From the constant push, brainstorming sessions, referrals, promotion, booking and purchasing services; my “support system” is the reason I’ve made it thus far. Not only just my support system but each client and customer who believes in and uses my makeup products. From the reviews and constant social media posts, my Beauty Monroes are the best. Knowing that the product I am providing them is impacting their lives and makeup routines is the fulfilment that sustains me.

Website: www.audreysartistry.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thea.a_collection/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theaacollection

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theAACollectionCosmetics/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/audreysartistryxo

Image Credits
Shadshotit & Nadia Aanochie Photo (Product Photography)