Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Guadeloupe.
Hi Rhonda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a child I was always intrigued by make-up and the beauty of the skin. I often spent my time admiring my mother’s skin and the minimalistic way she did her makeup. Smooth, flawless skin, with a pop of color on her lips, preferably a berry lipstick. I instantly fell for beauty just by looking at my mother’s skin. The way makeup is used as an accessory to enhance the skin, not to mask or hide what we don’t see. As I was in college, my aim was to go to school and get into the nursing program. I have this love for caring for people. I didn’t get into the nursing program; I was placed on a waiting list. I then decided to try a new career path as far as looking for something that I loved to do. I came across a facial specialist school for estheticians. I figured that this would be great since I always viewed myself as a person that has a love for skin and knowing that true beauty started from within.
After six months of schooling I then became a licensed esthetician. Filled with excitement because I knew this was something I could make a career from. Knowing that I could maybe get a job at a dermatologist office to gain the experience and knowledge on helping someone’s skin. As I finished with esthetic school, I also continued on a path of makeup artistry. It was also a love of mine that I later combined into my now business. I was looking for a job that will best benefit my new skills as an esthetician. While in the mall shopping one day, I decided to go to Mac to pick up a few makeup goodies, never thought to ask them for a job. I was so determined to just go for it so I did. I asked if they were hiring and they said yes for freelance artist. The manager told me to come in three days for an interview and I surely did. Dressed as a Mac employee I went for my interview with a friend as my model and did what they asked me to do, a day look and then a night look. The interview went well and I got the job as a freelancer, a couple months later I got a full time position. I worked at Mac cosmetics for seven years. During my time at Mac, I learned so much and I was able to show off my artistic makeup skills, as well as learn how to effectively run a business. As time continued on, my clientele started to grow, and bookings outside of Mac was also growing. Being a full time employee and doing what I love on the side, was starting to take a toll on me. The outside bookings were exceedingly far more than the bookings I had at Mac.
The time came when I had to make a decision. A decision that morphed me into the woman I am today, the woman I am still becoming. I resigned from Mac to start my business, R.Michelle Artistry. It was the best decision of my life. R. Michelle Artistry’s vision is to create and empower women when it comes to beauty, to convey the idea that skin is art. I wanted to show with my brand that skin was the main ingredient to flawless makeup and that true beauty really comes from within. I am a two year business owner. The services I provide are makeup, facials, lash extensions, and waxing. I am also a beauty educator. When you come to R. Michelle Artistry, you’re leaving with an experience, confidence, and an overall lesson. My business is located in Port Saint Lucie Florida, but I travel anywhere for bridal makeup, or any other makeup services. My overall goal for my business is growth and expansion so I may better share my knowledge of skin and makeup around the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road on my journey. During the first year of my business and starting my business with only $500, was rather difficult. Building up my clientele from what it was and getting my business in front of more people was a challenge. Sleepless nights spent trying to come up with new ideas, marketing strategies, and learning how to reinvent my brand to stay current. Taking business courses that will help build my business at times when I felt the business was not moving. Knowing that I am the only person in the business, I had to step back a few times to reassess where the lack luster efforts are, and how I can come up with better strategies that will improve the business. Needless to say, there is always room for growth in any business, and as my journey continues, I’m always learning.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
R. Michelle Artistry specializes in: Make up Facials Waxing Lash extensions I am known for skin and my ability of flawless blending when it comes to makeup application. At this given moment I’m most proud of where I am with my business. Considering the current climate of the word and how easy it was to give up in the beginning and where my persistence and faith has gotten me.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like that our city is small and quiet but not too far from but not too far from the fun if it’s needed. I find that I have a guanine connection with the people in our city. what I like least about our city is ironically how small it is. The vision for my business in much vaster than just my city I desire to be a global brand with my city next to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.rmichelleartistry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmichellemua/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMichelleArtistry
Image Credits
@McGregorlapierre
