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

Hi Melissa, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important lesson I was taught is that this is a marathon, not a sprint. We get so caught up in the “now”, but we do not consider the process it takes to get the “now”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was hired and trained as a makeup artist back in 2014 for a company looking to expand their reach. I stayed with the company for about two years before I decided to step out on my own in 2016. Talk about terrifying! I always had a safety net where I could pick up a phone and ask for help about makeup tips and advice in the business, but now I didn’t have that. It took a lot of “YouTube University” and tears to figure out where my place should be in the Beauty Industry. I began to invest in my business and take classes and purchase prestige makeup so I could set myself apart and attract my ideal client. Six years later, I have successfully surpassed where I’ve started. My biggest lesson learned was that I should network and make meaningful connections in this industry. Kabod Artistry would not be where it is today if I didn’t ask questions, did a few “free faces”, or had those nervous talks about who I was and what I could do for the masses. The biggest thing I want the world to know about me is that everything I do is steeped in love. Love for the art of makeup, the ability to create, the capability to help women see their beauty beyond the makeup, but most of all the love of how I feel in my art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Set your alarm because our first day out, we are leaving the house at 5:30. We are going to see the sun rise and a few passing dolphin at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, while eating some good ol’ 7-11 coffee and donuts. Afterwards, we are hitting up the Pocahontas Pancake House where they have the best breakfast! Later we would hit up the Norfolk Outlet Mall and do some shopping and maybe even swing by IKEA (That one was for me!) Over the course of days, we will drive up to Williamsburg, VA to rest and relax, hit up the local skating rinks, go to a concert in Portsmouth, visit the Mermaid Winery in Norfolk, visit the Mr. Peanut Statue in my hometown Suffolk, VA and make a quick run to the Outter Banks, North Carolina to visit the other beaches.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many, but GOD is the one I want to dedicate my shoutout to first. He’s my CEO!

Website: www.kabodartistry.com

Instagram: @kabodartistry

Facebook: @kabodartistry

Image Credits
Roslyn Gervin of Roslyn Gervin Photo Jason Charles of Jay’s Creations

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.