Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Paul.
Hi Alexis, 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 backstories with our readers?
I’m from the Bronx, with both of my parents form the Virgin Islands. My love for makeup started at the age of 11 and I went on to pursue that in high school and then furthering that by completing cosmetology school. At that point in life “life became real and I faced some situations and battles that made me feel like I was never going to make it and made me feel like I was overreaching with my dreams. But life has a way to testing you to make sure that you have the grit and perseverance to achieve what is that you seek.
My first taste of my dream came when I was 19 and was a makeup artist for Missy Elliot’s video shoot in Atlanta. Not only was that opportunity amazing and enriching itself; but it gave me a taste of what my life could be, that my dreams weren’t out of reach or impossible. That experience set the tone for me so from that I started to build.
I began to market myself to local talent at home that would create opportunities for me to practice my MUA skills and build my portfolio. If you were an up-and-coming photographer, we were doing photoshoots together. My favorite connection was with photographer Blair Ashley. She and I worked together so much that many people thought I worked in her studio full time. She and I were both in early building stages when we met thus our relationship stemmed from leaning on each other to grow and expand. Wanted to be a model and gain work, we were working together on sets. This was also how I enhanced my networking skills and built relationships through the DMV area. After a little time and effort, I was constantly the “go-to artist” for so many people.
As things started to really start to come together for me career-wise, I was suiting up for my biggest role yet, a mom. I had my son at 22 and though it was an adjustment it’s considerably the best job/role to have. It’s always funny how people dedicate their lives to their children when you do not have any. But for me, like many others, my son kicked my passion and drive within the makeup industry into a gear I never knew I possessed. I probably wouldn’t have been as successful as I am today without my son Ali.
While being a mother is truly a blessing, being a mom, an entrepreneur/career woman is truly a balancing game. I had to learn how to juggle booking and scheduling, photoshoots and big projects, routine clients, customer service, keeping my suite cleaned and stocked all while making sure my son never went without and was giving proper care and attention from me daily. A lot of sacrifice was due on my end and there were plenty of times when I felt like again, maybe I’m not cut out for this.
I met Aprildivahstyles a little after my son was born and she quickly went from a client to a mentor. She is very well known in Baltimore for her many businesses but she truly is a powerhouse. She helped me learn how to work smarter not harder, enhanced my networking abilities while also being an example of how to be a businesswoman and a mother simultaneously. She truly came into my life at the right time.
There are sooo many people who helped me along my journey. From the hairstylists that allowed me to work in their salon to build steady clientele, to the models and photographers that helped me build my portfolio and social media content. Not to mention my mom who has been a major help with my son and allowing me the flexibility to chase my dreams. Many people see me and are at awe of me, and while I am immensely proud of myself and my accomplishments, I definitely wouldn’t have been able to make it this far and accomplish this much without my village behind me. So, thank you to them as well!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely has not been an easy road, but most times what does not come easy is often the most rewarding. Just like many entrepreneurs I have faced similar struggles of not having enough money for the tools and supplies needed so I learned to make do with what I had and it also made me resourceful. I had time periods were no one was booking me. I would have weeks where I literally only had 3-5 clients, not to mention those 3-5 clients often booked discounted services. As a woman entrepreneur, I faced shortcomings with juggling my business and being a mom. Social media also was a struggle for me. It took me some time to figure out how to market myself use Instagram in a way that is brought me profit. There are daily struggles of not thinking I’m doing enough, feeling that I’m doing too much, or stretching myself thin, and always imposter syndrome.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
People would say I specialize in soft glam lol (dubbed me soft glam queen) but I specialize in makeup for special events, tv/movie, bridal, etc. I think my ability to make people look glam but still natural-looking is what sets my works apart from others. I’m very critical when it comes to my work but in the end, it’s all worth it when the look is perfected and the client is happy.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love about this city is the amount of entrepreneurs and hidden talent the city has. I firmly believe that Baltimore is slept on when it comes to the amount of great stardom and future leaders. What I hate is the amount of negativity that overshadows the amount of talent that Baltimore has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Email: artistrybyalexismone@gmail.com
- Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=14629082
- Instagram: @alexismonemua
Image Credits:
@artbabyblair
