Meet Yvonda Smith | Editorial Makeup Artist

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

Hi Yvonda, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
Several years ago a friend of mine advised me to do one thing a day towards my goals. That meant if I wanted to grow as a makeup artist, have an online presence, and have daily inquiries about my services I needed to work on it daily, not just every once in a while. Each day I made sure that I atleast posted on social media, or messaged a photographer, a model or a stylist to collaborate on a photoshoot. I would also add new products or makeup tools like brushes weekly. As the months went by I could see my results and decided to do the same again and again. Eventually people began to call me for appointments and my clientele began to grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I found that I was drawn to a more natural look when applying makeup. Most people call it soft glam or editorial makeup. At times I was apprehensive to let others know that was my preferred style but as my artistry improved clients would seek me out specifically for that style of makeup. I became proud of my style and started using the hashtags editorial makeup or soft glam to gain new clients. My advice is to stick to what you love especially if that’s your style however make sure you can do at least a few other styles so you don’t miss out on opportunity. For example my favorite style is editorial makeup but I do know how to do full glam also which is often requested.
This year I had the opportunity do a celebrity that I have always admired. When I got to her hotel room she requested I do her makeup as if you were about to do a drag queen, she meant full glam big lashes. Of course that is not my signature look but I am comfortable achieving a full glam look and in the end she was very happy!

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 have several restaurants I love here in Atlanta but I tend to crave vegan food the most. I love Slutty Vegan burgers and my favorite is the “one night stand” and of course the hip hop vibe of the restaurant. Its an experience that gives homage to my culture it makes me proud of being black, a woman and living in Atlanta!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to thank! When I started this journey I was so hungry to start as a professional makeup artist I asked several local industry professionals. I was surprised at how many people were willing to help me make connections. The most credit goes to my family for the encouragement my parents, my husband, and my loved ones.

Website: https://yvondasmithbeauty.net

Instagram: @yvondasmithbeauty

Linkedin: Yvonda Smith

Facebook: https://facebook.com/yvondasmithbeauty

Youtube: https://youtube.com/yvondasmithbeauty

Image Credits
-Photo #1 is my headshot- taken by Julie Yarbrough Photography -Photo#2 is a non personal image of my hair and makeup work on a model. Photo credit Katie Parker Photography