When Marquia Isn’t Baking Your Face She’s Eating Baked Mac & Cheese
Marquia was originally a social worker, but then she realized she could help women in another way. She combined her passion for beauty and boosting women’s self esteem and became a makeup artist.
Originally from North Carolina, Marquia now lives in Washington, D.C. She’s now been in the beauty industry for ten years, and she hopes to expand her brand to become the ultimate blogger, artist and mentor. Learn more about Marquia, how she mastered the art of skin tones, and what motivated her to be her own boss below.
What made you join the beauty industry?
My inspiration to work in the beauty industry stemmed from the belief that subtle change with makeup can make any woman feel that she has achieved her full beauty potential.
Why did you become a MUA and what was the hardest part about learning makeup?
I have a social work background, so my passion for becoming a MUA developed from working with women and building self-esteem; but I’ve always had a love for the beauty industry. When I first started out as a MUA , the hardest part for me was learning how to match skin tones and undertones. Being in the industry for almost 11 years, skin is now my favorite part of doing makeup.
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What are your fave high end and low end products?
My fave high end products are CoverFX liquid and cream foundations and MAC Prep & Prime Fix + Setting Spray. I currently have a new love for MAC liquid lipsticks. My fave low end products would be L’Oréal® Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara and NYX butter glosses.
When you decided to become an entrepreneur, what was your biggest fear and how did you overcome it?
I think like any entrepreneur, the biggest fear for me was failure and not becoming successful. On a smaller scale, there is the fear of not being able to develop a good clientele and make the money you need to survive. Luckily, I had a great support system. My fiancé, family, and friends pushed me to get through those tough times. I also had to push myself and believe that I was good enough. A lot of times we as entrepreneurs get distracted by what everyone else is doing and how much success they have. The thing I had to realize is that everyone has their own path or story. When I started to just focus on myself and my future, it made it a lot easier.
Where do you see yourself in the upcoming years?
I am really passionate about the work that I do. So in the upcoming years, I see myself expanding my brand, building more relationships within the industry, as well as being able to become a mentor to other artists starting out in this industry.
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What tips do you have for young women entrepreneurs?
To focus on the quality of your business rather than the quantity. In my case, there are tons of MUA’s in the DC Metro area, but what is going to make me stand out? I always strive to give my clients the absolute best customer service and treat them as if they are my one and only client during our one on one time. When you have repeat clients that are loyal to your service, that is what makes your business a success.
Do you have any upcoming projects you’re working on that you’d like to share?
Right now, I am working on expanding my brand as a beauty blogger. I have a few collaborations in the works with some amazing cosmetic companies. You will have to follow my Instagram for updates.
What’s something about you that many people don’t know?
If I could eat baked macaroni & cheese and french fries everyday, I would. Also, I secretly love Cisco Ramon from “The Flash” series on Netflix.
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What tips do you have for aspiring MUA’s?
Continue to educate yourself and practice your craft. Never stop believing in your dreams and surround yourself with everything and everyone that inspires you. Build your brand and stay true to yourself. People will always appreciate the real you!
What do you want your supporters to take from this interview?
Discover your passion, quality over quantity, follow your heart, enjoy the little things, embrace every possibility, create your own happiness, and live your dreams!
