Meet Sassy Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sassy Smith.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to share my story.

I’ve always been creative. I remember playing in my mother’s makeup, nail polish and perfume as a child. In high school I started bleaching/dying my clothes, and I was always changing my hairstyle or color. Which I still do! After high school, I went to college and pursued a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising. I’d like to think of myself as a stylish person but design was just not for me.

Later, I decided I would become a Flight Attendant. I know, a completely different career path. However, makeup was a requirement for our personal appearance. Up until that point my knowledge of makeup was extremely basic, however, I was determined to figure out how to apply my makeup in a professional way.

After a while my technique improved and my friends started asking me to do their makeup. I would always decline to do so because I didn’t feel like a makeup artist. I could do my own makeup but didn’t think I would be any good at doing someone else’s. The very first time I did someone’s makeup, I was not happy with the results. I wanted to say, “I told you so.” I was not a makeup artist. My father gave me the best advice. He said, “You’re doing their makeup the way you do your own makeup. You should try doing their makeup in a way that complements them.” A light bulb went off in my head. He was right. I realized we have different skin tones, shapes, textures and all of those things mattered. It was at that point a makeup artist was born!

One of the biggest game changing moments for me as a makeup artist was watching my childhood friend, Justin Haynes, CEO, International Designer and Tailor of JUS10H, prepare to showcase his designs at LA Fashion Week. I was hesitant to reach out to him to inquire about the possibility of me doing makeup for his upcoming collection. Not because I thought he would decline my offer, but because I didn’t feel ready. I honestly didn’t know if I was “good enough”. I knew that once I made the request there was no turning back. He is someone who is serious about what he is building and I knew I couldn’t pretend with him. I had to show up and be prepared to deliver. I submitted my request and gratefully he accepted.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been smooth. I won’t say it’s been rough but I will say it’s been a winding road. There were many challenges early in my career and if I’m being completely honest I still have struggles. In the beginning I struggled with exploring who I was as an artist and finding my niche. I’m still growing as an artist and I never stop learning.

Imposter Syndrome is just as much a struggle now as it was then. I don’t know if it ever goes away but it definitely gets easier to manage. I’m able to look back over my body of work and honestly say, “Yeah, I did that!”
Another challenge would have to be comparison, the thief of joy. I think it’s possible to look at other people and their success and while we are extremely happy for them we may have a tendency to look at ourselves and feel like we may not have accomplished as much as we think we should have at this stage in our careers or even in our lives. We also don’t know their challenges and what they’ve had to overcome.

Interestingly enough I was listening to the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast and she was interviewing one of my favorites, Issa Rae. Issa was talking about how most times we are so busy looking at the future and reaching our goals that we sometimes forget the exciting moments that got us to this point. She also mentioned learning to be satisfied. I have goals and dreams that I have yet to achieve. But I have also received grace with all the tremendous blessings and opportunities that I have earned and have been given along the way. I know what God has for me is mine and mine alone. I am thankful, grateful and satisfied!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the proud owner of Sassy Smith Beauty where I specialize in beauty and editorial makeup. I’ve had the pleasure to serve fashion models, celebrity clientele, and everyday women. I’ve participated in Paris, LA and NY Fashion Week and I’m a multi-published makeup artist.

My experience also includes creative direction for a cosmetic brand launch as well as artistic direction and photography for beauty and editorial photo shoots.

Beauty education is also available at Sassy Smith Beauty. I wholeheartedly agree with iconic makeup artist Sam Fine who said, “Have a better relationship with your makeup and take the time to learn what your products will do.” I think most people feel overwhelmed at the idea of makeup. Beauty education for me is offering simple solutions to pain points that can be executed in a realistic way.

I am also a novice beauty photographer. I love creating beauty looks and capturing them from the most flattering angles. I decided to pick up a camera because I wanted to see my work in a different way. There is something so captivating about creating and capturing beauty and sharing it the way I see it.

Lastly, I offer mentoring opportunities to young adults who wish to pursue a career in beauty. Mentorship is dear to my heart. Everyone deserves an opportunity to dream and watch their dreams come true. Unfortunately, resources are limited or simply unavailable to those who need it most. One of the things I’ve been working on is forming relationships and creating partnerships that provide information, opportunities and resources that help mentees pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances.

If I had to choose one thing that I am known for, I would have to say flawless skin finish makeup. I love to see color and texture in makeup applications. But my heart is committed to the most beautiful, natural skin finish. There is a true art to skin matching and making the “skin” (makeup) look like actual skin. One of the most important parts of natural skin finish makeup is skin preparation which is why I am excited to announce I have created a natural exfoliating skin renewal facial scrub that will be launching soon!

There are many things I am proud of. I am most proud of pursuing my dreams. I am proud of the fact that I’ve been blessed to travel the world and experience so many things. I am proud that I can share my experiences and knowledge with those that I love. I am proud to be in a position to give back to the community/place that raised me. I am proud of my consistency, dedication and elevation. I’m proud to be able to pay it forward. I’m proud to help create win-win opportunities for myself and others. I am proud to be surrounded by love and truly feel supported by my village. I am proud to have created and still creating something so beautiful and I am proud I get to share my gift. I am satisfied!

One of the things I would say sets me apart is I don’t just do makeup. I offer couture level beauty experiences. Although Sassy Smith Beauty is a beauty-based business, I strive for exceptional customer service and excellence. I also approach beauty from a self-maintenance perspective. Taking care of my clients and caring for the largest and most sensitive organ on their body, the skin, helps make them feel better which helps me help them look better! My goal is to help people show up as the most beautiful version of themselves.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Wow! That’s a tough question. There are so many memories that make my heart glad. I would have to say my favorite childhood memories include my loved ones that have recently passed away. Family is everything to me. I miss the days when things seemed so simple and carefree.

Those memories resonate more when you realize that they are just memories and you will not be able to create more memories with them in the way that you used to. The silver lining though, is that you carry them in your heart. You love more honestly, deeply and sincerely because of them. Everything you do going forward is in honor and remembrance of them. They are still a huge part of your why, your reason and your motivation.

Contact Info: 

• Email: sassy@sassysmithbeauty.com 
• Website: www.sassysmithbeauty.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sass_fifth_avenue/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sassysmithbeauty

Image Credits
Sassy Smith
Leonard (Lenny) Underwood
Shaunta Swan
Nixon