Meet Michelle Mai | Master Cosmetologist & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was a makeup artist at a makeup store who had a love for sharing products with my customers. I’ve always loved to introduce new products to clients and see them try on products they never would think to try on. As I became really good at selling, I realized that the thousands of dollars are going to the company while I work extremely hard. I realized, I could be working hard myself and making that kind of money. It inspired me to branch out and do my own thing.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I am proud of the person that got here today. The person that others said is talented, failed so many times before getting it right. I remember my first client ever at cosmetology school was to do a silk press on ethnic hair. I was never taught how to do a silk press on ethnic hair, and just thrown on the salon floor to do it. She absolutely hated it. She was so rude to me and I felt so embarrassed. I then practiced every day on my mannequin to perfect it and worked on so many people that were rude to me. A couple months later I perfected the silk press and clients started requesting me. Because my school had client rotation, I had that same client and she refused for me to do her hair. I told her that I’ve practiced and to give me a chance. She ended up loving her hair. This was the moment where I realized I can do anything. I will no longer doubt myself when I fail because I know that mistakes and failures are just the pathway to success. With my brand, I want everyone to feel confident and empowered! I want people to own who they are and never be afraid to be theirselves. The person that I am today is because of my past and my brand encourages you to be uniquely you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m such a foodie so wherever the food is at, I’m at! I would love to show my friends Ponce City Market, Food Terminal, Sweet Hut, Iron Age! I also enjoy the Georgia Aquarium or Botanical Garden!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My partner,James, really deserves credit for all the support an encouragement he gave me. On those long days when I was working hard to start my business, he was there cheering me on. I was pregnant while I was starting up my business and he would remind me to take breaks (me being a workaholic) and ask me if I needed help with anything. When the pandemic hit, getting everything together became a lot more difficult and I would stress out because I wanted to start my business already. On days, I would doubt if I can really do it and he would always bring me back and encourage me. I really appreciate him because he believed in me and my potential and reminded me on the toughest days. Now my business is finally up and running and I am so thankful for him!

Website: Maieffects.com

Instagram: Maieffects

Other: Tik Tik: Maieffects