Sheena Marie never intended to run her own beauty conglomerate. It just kind of worked out that way.
At a crossroads in her life and after a life-changing talk and praying with God about how to run a business that she could be passionate about and make a difference in the lives of others, she was led to start Sheena Marie Beauty which includes Sheena Marie Glam Squad, Sheena Marie Beauty Studio, and Betty O Cosmetics.
“As you may already know, God knows us all better than we know ourselves” she says. “He knew that I absolutely love all the glitz and glam of being a woman. So he blessed me with the skills, knowledge, and an amazing team to become a successful makeup artist and business owner.”
With a client list that includes Sheryl Lee Ralph, Chante Moore, SWV, and Kym Whitley among others and work that has been featured on networks such as BET, E!, NBC, Lifetime, and VH1, it’s safe to say that Sheena Marie’s heartfelt prayer and promise has come to fruition beyond her wildest dreams.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the in-demand business mogul to learn more about her career origins, her business, and how she’s adopting in this post COVID era.
N’DIGO: In your own words who is Sheena Marie?
Shenna Marie: I am a daughter, sister, and mom who works tirelessly to ensure my family is well-taken care of. I am someone who finds joy in encouraging others and watching them win. I am powerful, motivational, and sometimes insecure like many other women. I am simply someone who got the push from God to pursue my dreams full time and will never look back!
Was the beauty industry something you wanted to be a part of since you were a child or did you discover the passion later on?
Actually, I thought I would have been in the medical field as a nurse or physical therapist, but I prayed to God that he’d bless me with an opportunity to work for myself and provide for my family and he blessed me with Sheena Marie Beauty.
Can you break down the different operations and functions of Sheena Marie Beauty’s Glam Squad, Beauty Studio, and Betty O Cosmetics?
The Glam Squad consists of our lead makeup artists and hairstylists, the Beauty Studio is where we offer services in Chicago and Las Vegas, LA, and NY., and Betty O Cosmetics is a cosmetic line I launched early on in my career and plan to relaunch in honor of my grandmother, Betty Butler and my daughter’s father Ozias.
Walk me through a typical morning for you. What does that look like?
I, typically, wake up around 6:30-7 a.m., I take an hour to meditate and talk with God, 7:30 a.m. I’m in the shower doing my best Beyoncé imitation, 8:15 a.m. I’m getting dressed and drinking my breakfast smoothie made by my daughter and General Manager, Shania. By 8:45a, we are in the car and headed to whichever location my appointments are scheduled while blasting gospel music. From 9:30a until about 8p, I’m servicing clients, answering emails, catching up with my staff, and trying to have some sort of personal life.
I’m told that much like hairstylists and barbers, makeup artists can sometimes end up acting as a therapist to their clients during makeup appointments. Can you speak to the intimacy that you share with your clients?
I make it a point to ensure my clients have a safe space while in my presence because I just never know what they’re going through and by the time the appointment is over, I’ve learned more about them, their families, and friends and relationships. We start off talking about our day and end as best friends after sharing some of our deepest darkest secrets.
What would you say is a big misconception people have about the beauty industry?
A big misconception would be that we are all eager to walk around every day with a full face makeup on, and that because we take pride in our looks/skincare that we have bad attitudes or are stuck up.
Covid-19 has forced the makeup industry to rethink how to service clients while keeping them safe and also keeping the artist safe. What precautions have you taken to reassure your clients that safety is your main focus during these challenging times?
We are constantly sanitizing our locations throughout the day and deep cleaning at the end of each day. We all wear masks, gloves, and use disposable capes, head covers, and eyewear. Temperatures are taken before entering our locations as well.
How do you find the time to maintain a healthy balance with your various projects and your personal life?
That is actually something I’m still working on but I have 2 off days during the week and I try to ensure that I have at least 1-2 Sheena breaks where I am free to do whatever I want for that time.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Believe it or not…I don’t enjoy wearing makeup as much as people may think a makeup artist would or even should.
Best advice or words of wisdom to aspiring MUA’s?
Just do it. Don’t wait on anyone else or anything that you may think you need. All you need is prayer, the will power, and determination to want to be great! Stay patient and it’ll all work out.
Do you have any recommended reading you’d suggest to those interested in becoming an MUA?
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon. It’s a great book that will not only inspire you personally and professionally but it’ll awaken your creative mind.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” – Maya Angelou
What’s next for Sheena Marie?
I have a documentary that I’m working on for myself and my family. I am looking to establish my educational institution where more services will be taught. I will also be relaunching my cosmetic/skincare line that will cater to women of color in the very near future.
For more information on Sheena Marie Beauty, please visit www.sheenamariemakeup.com
