Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Navis.
Hi Alexa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My passion for makeup and beauty started early in life. I can hear my Grammy’s voice as a kid, “wear your sunscreen!” I remember visiting the Clinique counter at Dayton’s with my mom and sister in elementary school and being so excited getting the little free bag of goodies. I remember discovering Allure magazine in middle school and it becoming my beauty bible – I read it cover to cover and memorized the makeup artist names and their work. Through high school and college, I would do my friends’ eye shadow and become obsessed with watching beauty YouTube videos to learn about application techniques and new products.
After graduating college, I decided to pursue what I felt was the right thing to do at the time – accept a job offer after my internship at a non-profit to get the ball rolling and start making an income. I went to school for public/community health as I’d been passionate (and still am to this day) about health as a whole (physically, emotionally, spiritually etc). A few years later I moved on to a corporate job, still relating to health, and felt like I was in over my head. I pushed myself way outside of my comfort zone in that role, gained confidence and learned a ton. Though, I felt this small hole inside me that only grew bigger as I got better and better at the job. Then – I was laid off. I felt so angry – like the rug was ripped out from underneath me because I worked so hard to get to where I was. I felt lost, confused and unsure of what I wanted in life. I denied any part of me wanting to pursue beauty. I saw it as a “silly hobby.” I said to myself, “how could I make money doing beauty? What would I even do?” It felt like this nebulous concept I couldn’t pinpoint. So, like any confused twenty-something year old would do – I ignored it and shoved it back inside. I accepted an office job in another role (related to health) and the small hole inside me kept growing bigger and bigger and bigger – until it was a gaping hole that hurt too much to ignore.
After many of what I consider “nudges” from the universe, I took the leap. I went back to school for makeup at Faces Etc of MN. Taking that step fully shifted the course of my life and brought me where I’d been missing inside – home. Throughout my whole life (whether I was aware of it or not), beauty has been a consistent fulfilling, creative, meditative, relaxing and fun outlet that brings me so much joy. I love spreading positivity to others through creating, connecting and helping them feel their most beautiful. When I leave a client or set or shoot I feel energized, excited and pumped up! Because each unique face deserves to be celebrated and makeup is a reflection of that.
I have grown my makeup business over the last 3.5 years into something I am so proud of. My dream is to be a full-time makeup artist and beauty creative.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road – but I didn’t start down this path for it to be smooth or easy, I just knew it would be worth it. Sounds cheesy, but it’s very true!
I was filled with questions and overwhelm in the beginning. How do I design a website and have it feel on-brand? How much do I charge and how much is my artistry worth? Is my bridal contract covering all bases? How in the heck are people going to learn about me? There were so many times I wanted to quit even as I was getting started. I was filled with self-doubt. But, as I learned to pause and see all that was in front of me, I took baby steps and that’s what’s gotten me to where I am today. Consistent baby steps.
I have to admit, I didn’t realize how lonely this journey can feel at times, too. Playing all roles in your business opens your eyes to so much. I’ve learned to tap other people who are better in certain areas than me, too, when I need it. Becoming a business owner has been a very humbling experience!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a certified professional multimedia makeup artist and attended Faces Etc of MN – Minnesota’s only licensed multimedia school. Faces Etc of MN is a school that solely trains artists in makeup and building their freelance businesses. I offer makeup in a multitude of ways! From traditional to airbrush makeup, personal clients, weddings, film, photo shoots and more – I was trained in all areas of makeup that appear in front of a camera and in the media.
I think one thing that sets me apart is I really have a genuine desire to listen to the client and leave them with exactly what they want. My goal as an artist is to leave a client feeling their most beautiful. I think sometimes it’s easy to take over and do what you think is best, but at the end of the day, it has to work for the client. That’s how you build trust and respect with the person in your chair. And if you build trust and respect, they’re more likely to recommend you to others! I love educating my clients by sharing little tips and techniques and spending time getting to know them. I think the power of connection through beauty is an incredible thing.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memories are traveling with my family. I think that instilled a sense of excitement, curiousity and deep appreciation in me for nature, culture and connection to something greater.
Pricing:
- Makeup Application – $85
- Airbrush (add-on) – $10
- Bridal Makeup Package – $185
- Personal Makeup Lesson – $125 (90 min)
Contact Info:
- Email: alexanavismakeup@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.alexanavismakeup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanavisbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexanavismakeup
Image Credits
Megan Emmert
Becky Ankrum Photography
