Meet Leslie Gandy | MUA (Makeup Artist)

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

Hi Leslie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was fairly simple, I would say. I am a mother of 3 and I was in a field that demanded a lot of time away from home. I felt guilty about that and I knew I could make money from home using skills I learned in cosmetology school. I did my research and launched my own business in 2018.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an MUA (makeup artist). I think what sets me apart from most MUA’s in my area is that I am willing to try it all! From gore to glitter, I love all forms of the art of makeup! I take pride in realistic scars at Halloween time using liquid latex and other materials to make the wounds look as “scary” as possible. Some artists don’t specialize in that, but I love it! I’m most proud that I started this business alone, and no, it was not easy. I had many sleepless nights, wondering what to do next. But by the grace of God, I have knocked out every goal that I set for myself. I had difficulty finding a permanent spot to work from, so last year, I was able to purchase my own building. I learned in this process that if you want something done your way, do it yourself and don’t depend on other people to see your vision. I want the world to know that I am an overcomer! In 2019, I thought I would never pick up another makeup brush because my body was attacked by fibromyalgia. This causes arthritis in my hands and my fingers started to bend, almost to the point of my bones breaking. After rounds of therapy, I was able to regain mobility in my hands and I returned back to doing what I love most. My motto: If I can do it, anyone can do it!!!

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.
One of my favorite spots in Atlanta is Papadeaux! I looove their seafood and my favorite drink there is the Swamp Thing! Another favorite of mine to visit is the Coca Cola Factory downtown. I really enjoy seeing all of the different drinks from around the world… you even get to taste them too! In the evenings, I love going to Centennial Park with friends. We walk, grab a bite to eat, and sometimes you can even catch live bands performing at no cost. Another place one might want to visit is Five Points. You can find everything you need from shopping to eating there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my friends, who are more like sisters… Sha’nel Butler- Edwards and Ti-Arah Butler- Davis. They are twins who I met in Jackson, MS while we were all struggling to make it and find our way in the world. They’re the reason I even came to Atlanta! Sha’nel and Ti-Arah are originally from Decatur and after some difficulty with finding employment in Mississippi, they decided to return to Georgia… I tagged along with them and that was one of the best decisions I could’ve ever made! They pushed me and supported me from Day 1! Even when I felt overwhelmed, they assured me that I could follow my dreams. They are both doing well and have even launched businesses of their own. I’m so proud of them and I want to thank them for everything they’ve done on my journey!

Website: https://lyricalbeatzandluxnails.as.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyrical_leslie228?igsh=MXBjdzNta3M4Znkxeg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leslie.houseofclass.gandy?mibextid=uzlsIk