Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalandra Way.
Shalandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been modeling for over ten years now and about eight years ago at a fashion show, I was asked my foundation color and did I have it with me. I couldn’t tell you what foundation was but I knew it was makeup. I was embarrassed to not only not my shade color but no idea to what the actual product was and I’m well over five years into modeling by then and for so long I didn’t even wear makeup besides mascara and eyeliner and very rarely when I would just sit down for my makeup and get it done there were no questions really asked. Literally from that day forward I would get on YouTube and search makeup tutorials and ask a million questions at every show or photoshoot so that I can learn as much as possible how to do my makeup and master it. I would ask Mary Kay Associates everything and they would give me a sample as well and around that time “2012/2013” they did not have many shade options of skin tone for black girls. At this time in my modeling career, I was very determined to be an international supermodel with multiple skills and talents so this was important to me.
Fast forward 2015/2016 I started to purchase small products like powder foundation, eyebrow pencils, fake lashes, lipsticks and lipglosses and I start to practice on myself as time passed I invested more and more money into purchasing makeup and after I mastered doing my makeup by (“December 2016/2017”). I wanted to be able to assist other models backstage of different shades and tones who may also struggle with makeup artist not matching their skin complexion. By May 2017 I decided to quit my full time well paid a comfortable job to become a makeup artist full time as well as pursue my acting career. July 2017 was my last month working as an employee and in that same month, I booked my first time acting role as a lead actress in the stage play “A Leap Of Faith” By Wes Lotus. In between time I had been booked at least 15-20 faces Between cap & gown for seniors, birthday party, photoshoots and dancers from the strip club I made my entrance into the makeup world as a model and makeup artist.
After working my very first wedding on my birthday 10/14/17 along side the lead makeup artist with I believe six to eight bridesmaids I knew doing makeup was more than just a new hobby it was a passion I was going full force to pursue it. Since then I have been blessed to work with so many clients of all kinds, two more stage plays as a lead artist, filmed as a lead actress in the book turned short film “The Deep Side Of South Beach”, Multiple celebrity music video sets and my most recent I was seen in Wale debut album “Wow… That’s Crazy” Music Video for the Hit Song “BGM” I’m In All White. Not only has my clientele grown as a Makeup artist I’ve been booked as a model and makeup artist or actress and makeup artist and it has brought me so many blessings and new ventures of business connections. I got to where I am today from working hard and staying focus even when people close to you intentionally try to bring you down. By taking risky chances and a leap of faith. I will always strive to share my talents with the world and to get where I want to be I have to be able to learn from every experience good or bad and grow and pass knowledge as well as gain knowledge from others around me.
Great, 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?
Not at all. I had a tough bump in the road with a fellow makeup artist that I worked with for a short period. And due to my wanting to part ways with working inside of her shop from not making any income she decided to hold 70% of products I left inside in the middle of the month after rent was already given also that I owned. As well as my makeup chair. I had to replace almost everything and it was hard having to turn down appointments because I didn’t have what I needed. It took me roughly over seven to nine months to get back on my feet.
Please tell us about your business.
I am a college graduate with my degree in Psychology a Model, Actress &Makeup Artist. My Business Name is “ Sway The MUA” What sets me apart from others is that I’m more than a triple threat my talents are unstoppable I’m passionate about learning new things and always exploring. I also plan to open a non-profit organization for mental health awareness, evaluations, sessions, counseling, etc. for children and adults of all ages. I want to give back to my community but more so my people. In the black communities, mental health is the least talked about and not very much concern about the seriousness it holds to self peace and self love. I am going to be apart of changing that.
I am most proud of my acting career in the small amount of time I have been pursuing it. Not the acknowledgment of fame or large platforms but I am proud of my self growth. The work I put in to bring my characters to life and live in the emotions as I am my characters has been the most challenging and pleasing. To cry, to be joyful to be hurt to be broken to be thrilled to be scared to be connected to what you love is a feeling I want forever. I have gradually moved from different levels in my acting career and by entering the acting world through stage plays first has been amazing because I have had to literally swallow my fear & stage fright and put my best foot forward throughout that process to get to the satisfaction of knowing you did it! And when the audience loves it from their view just as much you feel unstoppable; not better than anyone but just the specific feeling of being great.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moments have been setting up my photoshoots for myself as a model & doing everything on my own. Contacting photographers for the, collaborating with stylist and designers for my desired looks, doing my own hairstyles for the inspired looks I came up with from model boards I would create with photoshoot ideas, styling myself for some shoots from thrifting at thrift stores and being able to credit myself as a makeup artist for each shoot. Having creative direction for location and set up as well. Just knowing that I am capable of having multiple talents makes me happy but seeing my work in front of me is a proud moment and I just stare at myself in awe because the vision from my head of myself is right before my eyes.
Pricing:
- “The Naked Beat” $55 Lashes Included
- Full Face $65 Lashes Included
- “Glam Me Out” $75 Lashes Included ( Glitter, Bold Lip, Bottom Lashes)
Contact Info:
- Email: sway1014@gmail.com
- Instagram: @SwayTheMUA, @iam.sway
- Facebook: Shalandra Way, Sway The MUA
- Twitter: @SwayTheMUA
Image Credit:
@Zwdc_ ( Photographer “Romero Giovanni Jadotte” )
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