Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Thomas.
Hi Taylor, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been into makeup ever since I was little and would force my little sister to let me do her makeup for dance recitals in our basement. Makeup was not as popular back then as it is now and especially from a small town in Ohio, makeup was kinda looked down upon. In 2016, after high school, I moved to Orlando, FL, from my hometown in Ohio to pursue my career as a makeup artist. I went to makeup school in Orlando and graduated in January 2017.
After school, I found it hard to find a makeup job, especially not knowing anyone. In pursuit of following my dreams, I started the process of creating my own cosmetic line called DAME Boss. Though at the time, struggling to find a job was a hard experience, it ultimately pushed me to create a source of income that I could control. The magic of this is my online business with DAME Boss grew alongside my makeup career going hand and hand. Soon after DAME Boss, I was making connections in the makeup industry and started to book more events, weddings and build my client list. I got where I am today by taking every single opportunity. EVERY SINGLE ONE. I worked two jobs while building DAME Boss for 2+ years and while working as a makeup artist every chance I got. The biggest blessing has been the incredible women I get to call friends that I have met along the way.
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?
The road is never smooth, but once you get to the “next level” you want to be, then it all happens “so fast,” even if in the moment it wasn’t. I worked a retail job and waitressing job while running my ecom business, DAME Boss and pursuing my career as a makeup artist. I was putting in 80+ hour weeks. There were so many Sundays after working 15+ hours days from Friday – Sunday (both jobs, dame boss, and makeup) that I would sit in my car and cry before I went into my last job of the day on Sunday. I was so exhausted. I felt so alone. Having your own businesses is so exciting and celebrated, but also so lonely at times. If you want to be somewhere better than where you are now, you have to do things others aren’t willing to do. You have to be a little crazy to be great. You have to want it everyday.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional makeup artist who has traveled all over the United States to do wedding makeup, events, and fitness competition makeup. I started my career with a passion for creating impactful makeup that was still wearable and natural for everyday women who wanted to be glam for special occasions. I specialize in ‘glam’ makeup for main weddings and have gotten into fitness competition makeup over the last year and a half. I think what sets me apart is that my makeup style is a mix for the area I am in. A lot of Orlando weddings are supernatural. However, I lean a little more glam personally. I think I have been able to combine both styles and create a unique look that separates me. Also, every artist is so unique and sees things so differently. There is the perfect artist for you. All of these qualities I have put into DAME Boss and the products I want to create to complement these looks.
What makes you happy?
I love this question. I have always called myself a “silent leader.” Many times, I feel, people think leadership is about being the most vocal and expecting people to follow you. Confidence is a huge role in being a leader; however, I like to let my actions speak for themselves. When you put in the work, your work speaks for itself. I’m not the loudest person in the room, but I’m pretty close to the most hardworking. I love that I am able to inspire, motivate, help, and give advice to my peers around me. I love giving to others. Being surrounded by like-minded, successful women is one of the best feelings, and I’m so happy when I can contribute to those around me. Short answer what makes me happy? All of my jobs. The amazing women I get to be around daily. Too many iced coffees because I’m always working. Doing things for myself.
Contact Info:
- Email: makeupbytaylornicole@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/makeupby_taylor_thomas_175869/cf_id/60327301678ff900254898a7
- Instagram: @makeupbytaylorthomas
- Other: www.dameboss.com
Image Credits
Photographs of me @lynetteortiz.photogrpahy
